On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Maria-Joseph Council 4022, Knights of Columbus, I am honored to serve as the current Grand Knight and to share with you some of my reflections on the highlights of our council over the last half-century.

On May 20, 1955, sixty -six men officially united as brothers by receiving a charter from the Supreme Office of the Knights of Columbus thereby establishing Maria-Joseph Council Number 4022. In so doing, they agreed to accept and foster the principles of Columbianism -charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism. Robert Zinck was elected the first Grand Knight and Father Kallaher, then the pastor at Incarnation, was the first Chaplain.. Eighty-four knights and guests gathered for dinner following the Council's first third degree. Members came mainly from the parishes located in the south suburbs of Dayton.

Without a place to call their own, the council met in several locations for the first ten years including the basement of a bank building and even in a chicken coop. Having grown to almost 300 members, the council was anxious to obtain a permanent residence. A committee was formed to find a suitable location where meetings and social functions could take place. In early 1965, their search culminated in what we know today as the Christopher Club. It took a lot of hard work and determination on the part of those members to get the club into the first-rate facility we know today.

Shortly after the Christopher Club became a reality, wives of the members were invited to form a ladies auxiliary. In May of 1965, the Maria-Joseph-Auxiliary came to be. The auxiliary worked hard to organize many memorable social functions, including the Easter Egg Hunt and the Children's Christmas Party which have continued even to today. Through their tireless efforts, they raised funds to help build the powder room and provide for decorating the club. They also helped foster our community service by helping build the Holiday at Home floats and the flower planting on Shroyer Road. We will always be indebted to those ladies for their contributions.

We have initiated and supported numerous activities in support of Columbianism. Annually, we participate in the Ohio Charities Campaign, Measure-Up solicitation, support of seminarians, and freely give time and resources in support of Right-to-Life, to name a few. The success of our endeavors can be seen by the plaques and other awards adorning the walls of our council chambers. Also, each year, we remember the souls of our departed brothers, and commemorate their legacy to our council. During the past few years, we were grieved by the passing of GK William Mominee and Financial Secretary Frank Walling, both of whom died in office. The outpouring of sympathy and support, by the membership, for their families, as well as all those of our departed brothers is indicative of the unity and fraternity within our council.

I thank the Past Grand Knights organization for hosting the 50th anniversary celebration and enabling the members and families to recall many fond memories. My hope and prayer is that we continue to grow as a council and to foster those values for which sixty-six brothers envisioned on that day in May 1955.