Knights of Columbus Council 2294 Columbia, PA

	The History of Columbia Council 2294, Knights of Columbus
	The Columbia Council Knights of Columbus was formed by a group of Columbia area men who were members of Lancaster Council.867. As their numbers grew they decided to seek a charter and establish a Council in Columbia. The enthusiasm was at a very high level. They conducted a membership drive and went into Marietta, Mountville and Wrightsville seeing candidates. Receiving a sufficient number to form a council and with the assistance of Lancaster Council a charter was granted on June 5, 1921 to Columbia Council 2294. There were 86 charter members, which elected Frank V. Kasel as the first grand knight. This position he held for two years. Under his able leadership he guided the newly formed council establishing a strong foundation enabling the council to sustain all these years. The first home for the council was located at Fourth and Walnut Streets. Under Supreme Council guidelines local councils are not permitted to own property. The Columbus Home Association, consisting of council members, was formed and chartered on October 17, 1921. The property is deeded to the Association. The first council home served Columbia Council well for 15 years. It was a place to conduct regular council business and for members to socialize. Then in 1936 the facility was sold to the U.S. Government. The property was purchased as the site for construction of a modern post office. Grand Knight Daniel J. Nikolaus handled the transaction. The council then relocated to a newly purchased and renovated building at 10 North Fifth Street. This second home served as council headquarters for twenty-six years. During these years our membership continued to grow. In October 1946 the council observed the 25th Anniversary of receiving its charter with a gala banquet. This affair was held in St. Peter’s Parish Hall on Union Street. With membership increasing it was deemed that the North Fifth Street home would soon become inadequate to properly serve the Councils members. Future plans were developed calling for expanding our facilities. The plans were only dreams but the dreams envisioned a new home that would be creditable and an inviting meeting place for Catholic gentlemen and their families. To fulfill this dream and make it a reality a building fund was established. The first step had been taken towards fulfilling the dream. The building fund continued to grow over the years. In 1956 a decision to construct a new home was made during the August 6, 1956 Council meeting. A motion to purchase a building site was approved. Grand Knight Joseph Desch appointed Brothers C. Stanley Albright and Philip H. Glatfelter, II as a search committee to find a desirable location. The search was completed in record time. Approval to purchase lots at 4th and Maple Streets were finalized at the September 17, 1956 meeting. Grand Knight Frank Sahd took the initial step to make this project a reality. He appointed Past Grand Knight Daniel J. Nikolaus general chairman of the new building committee. Brother Kenneth W. Haldeman was named co-chairman. Philip H. Glatfelter, II was appointed chairman of a committee to contact the membership and solicit individual pledges in order to supplement the building fund. Enthusiasm and desire increased with all committees working hard and diligently. Daniel J. Nikolaus and Kenneth Haldeman enlisted the following members to serve on the Building Committee: C. Stanley Albright, Frank Bittner, Elmer Derstler, Francis M. Draude, Aloysius W. Droege, Sr., Charles Elliott, Robert Fischer, Bernard Foehlinger, Philip H. Galtfelter, II, George Grab, Robert “Hammer” Grab, Rev. Francis J. Heltshe, Edward A. Hermseky, John C. Hohenadel, Francis Horn, William Kasel, Theodore Kaufhold, Richard H. Long, John Markel, Rev. Francis J. McCullough, Edward Murphy, Gerald Nikolaus, Salvadore Nobile, Michael J. Paydock, Joseph Pirraglia, Carl Roeser, Sr., Frank Sahd, Charles Salzman, Robert Seibert, Sr., Hubert Smith, Rev. John Smith, Lawrence Smith, Lloyd Snyder, Charles Thomas, John Titus, Sylvester J. Welsh, Edmund A. Wickenheiser, Sr., Edmund A. Wickenheiser, Jr., Frank J. Wickenheiser and Isaac B. Wickenheiser. The groundbreaking ceremony for the new home was held on April 29, 1962. Brother John A. Geltz was chairman for this event. A few months later the cornerstone laying ceremony took place on July 1, 1962. Co-chairmen for this affair were Salvador Nobile and Aloysius W. Droege, Sr. Master of ceremonies was Francis P. Horn. There were many dignitaries in attendance at this historic event. The Rt. Rev. George L. Leech, D.D., J.C.D., Bishop of Harrisburg blessed the cornerstone and presided over the ceremony. This is a compilation of items placed in the cornerstone on July 1st. A list of present officers of the council by Philip H. Glatfelter, II, Grand Knight; a list of home association officers by Robert F. Grab, president; a list of charter members by Charles Elliott; a roster of present membership by Robert F. Seibert, Jr., secretary; a list of deceased members by George Grab, fraternal activities chairman; list of past grand knights by Frank Sahd, past grand knight and trustee; a list of Columbia Council 4th degree members by Harry Dietz, Sr. faithful navigator; a list of ladies auxiliary members by Mrs. Richard H. Long, president; highlights of Columbia Council history by Al. W. Droege, Sr., advocate; a report of the building committee by Daniel J. Nikolaus, past grand knight and chairman; a report of the ground breaking ceremony by John Geltz, chairman; a report of the cornerstone laying by Salvador M. Nobile, Sr., chairman; report of dedication ceremonies by Edmund A. Wickenheiser, Sr., past grand knight and chairman; copies of the Columbia News, COLUMBIA magazine, map of Pennsylvania and other publications by William M. Kennedy, Publicity chairman; a Christopher Columbus U.S. Half Dollar, dated 1893 by Frank Wickenheiser, past grand knight and the contractor and architects prints by Robert I. Diamond and Joseph S. LaMonica. As work progressed on the new building, Grand Knight Charles Thomas appointed Edmund A. Wickenheiser, Sr., chairman and Frank Sahd co-chairman for the future dedication ceremonies. The dedication committee was formed to include nine sub-committees, which involved a number of our members. Edmund A. Wickenheiser, Jr. served as chairman of the official program book. To help offset expenses to publish the program book and other dedication costs William B. Haldeman was appointed chairman for advertising. His committee included Frank Barton, William Kennedy, Isaac B. Wickenheiser, John F. Collier, Larry Smith, George Grab, Robert “Hammer” Grab, Edmund A. Wickenheiser, Sr., Edmund A. Wickenheiser, Jr., Lester Ohrel, John A. Geltz, C. Stanley Albright, Richard Hart, Harold Nikolaus, Frank Sahd, Harlan M. Aston, Paul Nikolaus, Jr., Lloyd Motter, Robert Seibert, Jr., Philip H. Glatfelter, II and Kenneth W. Haldeman. The committee formed to coordinate the dedication banquet arrangements included Bernard G. Foehlinger, William F. Smith, Edward Lingenfelter, John McKinney, John Titus, Charles LoCurto, Thomas D. McCarty, Michael Kaufhold, James Kaufhold, Jr., Elmer Derstler, James Collier, Lewis Kauffman, Roland Myers, John A. Geltz, Michael Gilgallon, Frank Sahd, Edmund A. Wickenheiser, Sr. and Roland Myers. Francis M. Draude and Francis Nikolaus were the co-chairmen of the ticket sub-committee. Michael J. Paydock coordinated the invitation committee with assistance from John C. Hohenadel and Francis P. Horn. The entertainment and music for the dedication and week long celebration was handled by chairman William B. Haldeman and his committee of James Olweiler, Frank Barton, Bernard J. Wickenheiser, Thomas Roeser and Robert Seibert, Jr. A special reception committee was formed and chaired by Harlan M. Aston. His committee consisted by Carl J. Roeser, Sr., Lloyd Snyder, John F. Collier, Joseph F. Sequin and Isaac B. Wickenheiser. The special finance committee was under the capable direction of Joseph F. Pirraglia, Aloysius W. Droege, Sr. and Robert Seibert, Sr. William M. Kennedy and Robert F. Seibert, Jr. directed the tremendous amount of publicity that focused on the dedication of our new facilities. The Columbia News, Lancaster New Era and Intelligencer Journal all provided favorable press coverage. The events for Dedication Week opened with a corporate communion at Holy Trinity Church, 7 a.m. mass attended by a large number of members. The formal dedication and blessing of our new home was scheduled at 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 25, 1962. The Most Reverend Lawrence F. Schott, Auxiliary Bishop of Harrisburg, presided. Bishop Schott was a former assistant at Holy Trinity Church. Sylvester J. Welsh served as master of ceremonies. Leading the pledge of allegiance was Charles A. Elliot. Grand Knight Philip H. Glatfelter, II gave the address of welcome and Past Sate Deputy Warren F. O’Donnell, of Lancaster, delivered the principle address. The honorable John F. Spicer, Jr., Mayor of Columbia made brief remarks as did Isaac B. Wickenheiser, secretary of the Home Association, Mrs. Richard H. Long, president of the Ladies Auxiliary, Daniel J. Nikolaus, chairman of the building committee, Kenneth W. Haldeman, co-chairman of the building committee and John F. Lonsdorf, District Deputy. Members of Santa Maria General Assembly, 4th Degree formed the Honor Guard for the ceremony. The weeklong activities included a special Stag Night for members and their male guests on November 27th. On November 28th it was Ladies Night for all members of the Ladies Auxiliary and their female guests. Master Albin A. Meluskey, Master of the 5th Pennsylvania District, 4th Degree, was the guest speaker. On November 30 a special seafood dinner was served for Family Night in the social room and in the ballroom a teenage dance was held. Saturday, December 1st, more than 175 members and guests attended the dedication dance. Featured speaker at the dedication banquet on Sunday, December 2nd, was Dr. William J. Costello, Pennsylvania State Deputy. There were a number of District and State Officers who attended and gave remarks. Then one week later the major degree of the Order was exemplified in our new home. This class was in honor of Past Grand Knight Daniel J. Nikolaus in recognition of his many years of unselfish devotion to the council. He served as Grand Knight for an unprecedented 14 years, trustee for many years and as chairman of the new building committee. It was a fitting tribute to a very humble brother. The officers of the Columbus Home Association, at the time of the dedication, were President Robert “Hammer” Grab, Vice-president Frank Wickenheiser, Treasurer Robert Fischer, Secretary Isaac B. Wickenheiser and Trustees George Grab, Harlan M. Aston and Lester Ohrel. The membership along with the moral and financial support of the Ladies Auxiliary worked hard and long towards reaching the main goal. That was paying off the mortgage. As a result of numerous dances, catered affairs, bingo, special Sunday dinners and more the council realized this goal in just 13 years. On March 15, 1975 Grand Knight Robert C. Lindenberger, Sr., conducted a special mortgage burning ceremony signaling the council was now debt-free. The council observed its 75th Anniversary on October 12, 1996. On this date our membership totaled 421. Thomas A. Smith was Grand Knight and appointed Domenick F. Rose as chairman of the 75th Anniversary Steering Committee. The following members assisted in finalizing plans to commemorate the occasion: Stephen C. Grab, Mark T. Grab, Cyril J. Greenya, Harry F. Haas, James Knighton, William M. Kennedy, Kenneth V. Mable, Joseph H. Nikolaus, Stephen R. Nikolaus, James F. Roeser and Joseph Simora, Jr. The special program included a welcome address by Grand Knight Thomas A. Smith. Cyril J. Greenya served as master of ceremonies. Edward A. Magalski, District Deputy, offered greetings from the State Council and former Master of the 5th Pennsylvania District, 4th Degree, Al Sabatine was principal speaker. Columbia Mayor and Brother Sylvester Devine issued a special proclamation marking this special anniversary. Council officers serving during this 75th year included Grand Knight Thomas A. Smith; James R. Knighton, Deputy-Grand Knight; James F. Roeser, Financial Secretary; William Kennedy, Chancellor; Michael F. Haldeman, Treasurer; Kenneth Keifer, Recorder; Craig G. Shenberger, Warden; Edward Askey, Inside Guard: Francis Overmyer, Outside Guard and Trustees Stephen C. Grab, Joseph H. Nikolaus and Domenick F. Rose. The Home Association officers were Robert “Hammer” Grab, President; James R. Knighton, Vice-President and Secretary; William Smith, Treasurer and Directors Craig G. Shenberger, Joseph Brass and Stephen C. Grab. On February 22, 2003 the Council paid tribute to a member who distinguished himself during a lifetime of dedication and service. Brother Robert “Hammer” Grab was honored posthumously for his more than 40-years as president or director of the Home Association. An engraved plaque was presented to Grab’s widow, Anita, during a special awards ceremony honoring past grand knights and is placed in the Social Room at the Home. There were at least three separate families that made up one of the largest contingents of candidates to be inducted into the Fourth Degree from the Council. On March 23, 2003 twenty members received the degree during ceremonies at the Holiday Inn, Grantville, Dauphin County. Steven, Mark, Eric and Robert Grab joined their brother-in-laws Michael Roda, Scott Haberstroh and Bernard Wolgemuth, Jr. as members of this class. The Grab’s cousins Brian Fox and George Grab joined them. Not to be outdone two groups of Nikolaus brothers were also inducted. Stephen and Harold, Jr. and the other group of Nikolaus’ included brothers Paul the Third, Thomas and John. Other Council members included in this class were Charles Bensinger, Joseph Braas, Christopher Keim, Thomas Feltenbeger, Kenneth Foltz and Joseph Smith. Sir Knight James Knighton, PGK, PFN received a Meritorious Award for his efforts in recruiting this large group. Brothers of Columbia Council who were appointed at the State level to serve as District Deputies: William D. Kasel Frank J. Wickenheiser, PGK Edmund A. Wickenheiser, Jr. PGK Appointed July 1, 1968 serving District 39, including Lancaster Council 867, Columbia Council 2294, Lebanon Council 2870 and Father Daley Council 4191 (Ephrata).. William J. Wissler, PGK Lawrence A. Smith, PGK Robert C. Lindenberger, Sr., PGK Dominic F. Rose, PGK Appointed to lead District 47 in 1997 and served for three years until 2000. He served the following councils: Lancaster 867, Columbia 2294, Fr. Daley 3191 (Ephrata), St. Elizabeth Ann Seton 6810 (Lancaster), St. Catherine 9164 (Quarryville) and Fr. William White 10827 (Lititz). In August 1999 was instrumental in chartering St. John Neumann #10827 (Lancaster). Joseph H. Nikolaus, PGK Appointed July 1, 2004 and serves District 97, which includes Lancaster Council 867, Columbia Council 2294, Elizabeth Ann Seaton Council 6810 (St. Leo’s Parish, Roherstown) and St. Catherine of Sienna Council 9164 (Quarryville). In 1988 Past Grand Knight Robert C. Lindenberger, Sr. became the first member from Columbia Council to serve as an officer of the Pennsylvania State Council. He was elected State Treasurer a position he held until 1990. Additionally, he served as State Membership Chairman from 1986 to 1988. During his term as District Deputy he was instrumental in helping establish the following Councils: St. Catherine of Sienna Council 9164 (Quarryville), Clarksburg 7224, Annville, 9815 and Myerstown 10904. Past Grand Knights of Columbia Council #2294 - Frank V. Kasel 1921-1923 (2) Dr. I.C. Gingras 1923-1925 (2) Charles H. Elliot 1925-1926 Otto J. Bittner 1926-1927 George A. Resch 1927-1928 John W. Martin 1928-1930 (2) Joseph H. Fleckenstein 1930-1931 George F. Horn 1931-1933 (2) Daniel J. Nikolaus 1933-1947 (14) Joseph F. Pirraglia 1947-1949 (2) John F. Roeser, Sr. 1949-1951 (2) Sylvester J. Welsh 1951-1952 Michael C. Romaine 1952-1953 Carl J. Roeser, Sr. 1953-1954 Frank J. Wickenheiser 1954-1956 (2) Joseph W. Desch 1956-1957 Issac B. Wickenheiser 1957-1958 Edmund A. Wickenheiser, Sr. 1958-1959 Frank Sahd 1959-1961 (2) Charles C. Thomas 1961-1962 Philip H. Glatfelter, II 1962-1963 Edmund A. Wickenheiser, Jr. 1963-1964 Aloysius W. Droege, Sr. 1964-1965 Lawrence A. Smith 1965-1967 (2) 1970-1971 William J. Wissler, Sr. 1967-1970 (3) Samuel O. Ohrel 1971-1973 (2) 1985-1986 Robert C. Lindenberger, Sr. 1973-1975 (2) James L. Kuhn, Sr. 1975-1977 (2) Samuel G. Grab 1977-1979 (2) John C. Hohenadel 1979-1981 (2) William F. Smith, Jr. 1981-1983 (2) Stephen C. Grab 1983-1985 (2) James R. Knighton 1986-1987 Wayne D. Sahd 1987-1989 (2) William T. Clark, Jr. 1989-1991 (2) Joseph H. Nikolaus 1991-1993 (2) Domenick F. Rose 1993-1995 (2) Thomas A. Smith 1995-1997 (2) Craig G. Shenberger 1997-1999 (2) Michael F. Haldeman 1999-2001 (2) James L. Knighton 2001-2003 (2) Richard K. Seifried, Jr. 2003- 2005 (2) James Knapp 2005- Deceased Working side-by-side with the council is the Ladies’ Auxiliary. It was organized in 1928, with Mrs. Albert Long as its first president. The auxiliary has been of great assistance to the council both socially and financially. They are all sincerely devoted to the council’s welfare and their efforts are greatly appreciated. They remain our unsung heroes. The council willingly involves itself in many activities for the youth of the community and supports many community projects. Sponsorship includes the annual Easter Egg hunts and Christmas parties, a CBAA football team as well as boys and girls basketball, a foul-shooting contest and provides scholarships to Columbia and Lancaster Catholic High School students. The auxiliary also presents a scholarship each year to a worthy graduate. Each year the council sponsors a corporate communion and memorial service. For the families we have the monthly rosary program, the annual family picnic. Members may participate on the councils bowling and pool teams. Fruit baskets are distributed to the sick at Christmas. The pallbearers committee helps the needy of the community. Members assist at the St. Anne’s Festival and the proceeds from the annual Mother’s Day dinner supports seminarians. Since the early 1950’s the council has sponsored the Boy Scout program that included Cub Scouts and an Explorer Post for older boys. Today the Cub Pack and Troop 35 remain very active meeting each Wednesday evening in the “clubhouse” on the property of our home.Brother Vincent Wickenheiser served as Scout Master for several decades. He continues his involvement as chairman of the scout council. Over the years many of the scouts traded their scout uniforms to become members of the Knights of Columbus. As the council moves into the 21st Century we have a total of 410 members (Dec.2002). The Columbia Council looks forward to the future, and hopes the present and future membership will continue to keep our fraternal family growing. May God bless the future with increased membership and a true Catholic spirit of achievement. 1962 Original history by Aloysius W. Droege, Sr., PGK 1996 Contributing editor - Dominick F. Rose, PGK, FDD 2002 Contributing editor - Edmund A. Wickenheiser, Jr., PGK, FDD (History updated – July 7, 2005) 2002 Contributing editor - Edmund A. Wickenheiser, Jr., PGK, FDD (History updated – July 7, 2005)