KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS Council: #1905  475 Franklin Street Gretna, Louisiana 70053

Events leading to the formation of Our Council

Msgr. Peter M. H. Wynhoven, ordained just six years and the new pastor of St. Joseph, called together trustworthy, zealous, and loyal laymen. Together, they formed the James Hubert Council 1905, Knights of Columbus, named after the recently deceased Archbishop of New Orleans.

The first initiation was held on May 26, 1918, but another class was held in July in order to have the required number of insurance members. From these Charter Members, the first officers were elected, headed by Grand Knight, Hon. John E. Fleury.

The meeting were held at the David Crockett Volunteer No. 1 Fire Co. hall. This building still stands on Third and Newton Streets and is a landmark in Gretna. When the former Parish Court House was acquired from the Police Jury of Jefferson Parish, meetings were held there after May 1919.

During the late 20's, a discouraging period, a strong leader was needed. A Columbus Day Bazaar and Palm Sunday Communion were held with coffee and rolls served at the hall after Mass. Meetings were scheduled for the first Wednesday of each month. The practice of making donations to various Catholic institutions on the West Bank at Christmas was begun. Intense zeal, determination, and extra effort to carry out ideals were evident. Grand Knight Ernest Conzelmann, acquired committeemen to join in bringing about success, and served from 1926-1938, while the council intensified in strength and unity. Many new members were added. When bro. Conzelmann retired from office, he was appointed the First District Deputy from Council 1905.

During this time, a decision was made to open a skating rink on the ground floor of the old home on Huey P. Long Ave. After opening on 12/4/1929, the first month brought in $94.00, and it was estimated that this activity should net the Council about $75.00 per month. This was discontinued, however, in July 1930 due to fading interest.

In the 30's, through general repairs were made to the Council Home, and in order to liquidate the loan on the home, a budget was established. The Gretna Home was considered the most ideal in the State of Louisiana for meetings, socials, and initiations. The council was noted for its cordiality and the spirit of brotherhood extended to visitors. On March 5, 1930, it was voted to make a definite Sunday for group Mass and Communion, so that members would certain to make Easter Duties and same would be recorded. On April 6, 1930, the march to 7 AM Mass and Communion took place with 66 members participating. This religious activity was named " Easter Duty Sunday ". A joint initiation was held this day.

On June 4, 1930, the Supreme Council amended the constitution to hold elections in June each year. At the July 2, 1930 meeting, it was reported that 100% of the members had made their Easter Duties. A full degree team, the Thursday Knight Club, New Year's Eve Party, and the first Carnival Ball ever held on the West Bank on a major scale, were all instituted during this period. In August 1930, plans were made to have a Columbus Day celebration on October 11 & 12 to raise money to make repairs on the outside of the hall, at the estimated cost of $895.10.

In April 1931, the initiation fee was reduced to the unbelievable sum of $5.00 ! In May 1931, a semi -annual Communion was declared which would be held on Sunday, October 18, 1931, the next Columbus Day.

Also in the thirties, some may find it hard to realize, but a pound of coffee cost 25 cents.

In October of 1933, the Supreme Council changed the named of " Columbus Day " activities to " Discover Day " activities.

During the 1940 decade, inter council leagues of bowling began, and State Tournaments were held in which Council 1905 participated. The war effort was aided by the Knights allowing the American Red Cross to use a portion of our Home weekly, for work details, and on March 5, 1941, 34,000 bandages and 376 sweaters were shipped from Gretna.

With all the pomp and circumstance, the Council marked its Twenty Fifth Anniversary with local civic authorities and State officers of the Knights in attendance.

It was voted to attend retreats at Manresa in June 1941. Efforts were spent in the Catholic Youth Drive as recommended by Archbishop Rummel.

This same summer, the entire bottom floor of the home was cemented, and additional repairs were made to the home. The Council placed second in the State religion Contest and 25-year membership awards were given to our members from the Louisiana State Council. In October 1941, Discoverer's Day was marked with 7:30 AM Mass with breakfast at the VFW Hall after.

The President of the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women expressed appreciation to the members for their cooperation in furnishing partners for the ACE dance held in November 1941. In December 1941, it was voted to have a Council Christmas tree with nativity scene, and all Knights were urged to put a crib under their trees in their homes. Also, in December 1941, it was voted to exempt those organizations and persons giving a benefit or entertainment in our home from paying the $3.00 rental charge!

In 1946, the name of the Council was updated to Archbishop Blenk Council No. 1905.

Considerable damage from a Hurricane in 1947 was experienced, but adequate repairs and improvements were made. Some memorable events occurred during this period: One of our members was ordained, Rev. C. Peter Jenniskens. Council 3091 in Westwego was formed, taking with it some of our members. In addition to supporting civic representatives, we sponsored our first Family Picnic in July; the first Memorial Mass for deceased members was held; the first Honorary Life Membership was bestowed on Bro. Jules F. Hotard; we won second place in the State religion Contest; Bro. J. B. Bush presented applications for his Six Sons; and the first monthly bulletin, " 1905 News " was published.

As the halfway mark of the century approached, the Five Point Program as recommended by Supreme was begun by our Council. We placed first and third in the State Religion Contest. Monthly meetings of Officers along with program chairman were initiated to plan interesting activities for the general membership meetings. Past Grand Knights were honored at a meeting, and 25-year pins were given to deserving members. The Council was honored by receiving the Apostolic Benediction from our Holy Father, Pope Pius XII; prizes and Certificates of Merit to Parochial School pupils for a Discoverer's Day Essay were awarded; and the Council participated for the first time in the State Basketball Tournament.

During this time, additional improvements were made to the old home with large blower type heaters installed, front parlors renovated and converted into television and reading rooms. In December 1951, our second Brother Knight was ordained, this time at the North American College in Rome, the Rev. Stanley Ott, who later was consecrated a Bishop.

The State Council recognized our extensive efforts for the Catholic Student Centers at the secular colleges and universities, and we were diligent in working for the Youth Expansion Program for the State. The Red Cross Blood Bank acknowledged our continuous monthly donations. The Council's printed cards showing Grace Before Meals and Thanksgiving after Meals in the liturgical versions of the Catholic, Protestant and Hebrew faiths were distributed to restaurants on the West Bank. When another of our Brother Member was ordained, the Rev. Howard Hotard, we again experienced a feeling of PRIDE.

In December 1954, Marian Circle No. 786 Columbian Squires was organized with forty-four boys being counseled in religious, social, patriotic and civic ideals. Meetings were held, but additionally, three times weekly, socials and amusements were supervised. Within a year, our boys reached tenth place in the National Circle Contest for their activities.

In 1956, Immaculata Council No. 4222 was organized in Marrero, which caused a drop in our total membership to this new council.

To increase youth participation and activities, in 1957, Saturday Youth dances were held, open to all teenagers from the area. The old KC Home's walls almost exploded with the blare of rock-and-roll music that was enhanced by the screaming, yelling, exuberant jumping teenagers every week from 7 - 11 PM. About this time, our own KC Blood Bank was begun.

The Home was again improved, complete with air conditioning. In April1959, the organization of the Ladies Auxiliary was formally announced.

The 60's saw more renovation, and enlargement of the kitchen area was completed, however, in September 1965, the fury of Hurricane Betsy caused disaster with considerable and extensive damage to the home. Special meetings were held for the specific decisions to repair or move, which resulted in plans being finalized to sell or lease the old home, or build a new one. With the cooperation of Gretna City Officials and the consideration of the city, the present land in McDonoughville was leased to the Council.

The new Home was completed in October 1966 at 475 Franklin Street, Gretna, under the watchful eyes of several PGK's. Until the completion, meetings were held in St. Joseph Auditorium, and Officers Installations were held in the American Legion Hall in Mel Ott Park. The mortgage debt was reduced through weekly bingo games, and finally paid off in July of 1968.

During this 1966-68 period, the Ladies were permitted to attend the extremely solemn Memorial Services for the first time. Also, the Installation of Officers ceremonies was open to families. Further, during the sixties, for the first time, the Council sponsored a Boy Scout Troop, consisting of thirty boys. Due to lack of funds, a tradition was begun with members giving a picnic for the retarded citizens annually at PGK Marion Rotolo's home, with the members prorating the cost personally.

A social highlighted by the mortgage burning was held in the summer of 1968 with pride and satisfaction. " The Burning Song " was played by Westwego Council 3091, " Cool Knights " band:

THE BURNING SONG

We don't want to set the world on fire,

We just want to burn the note on our home.

In our hearts we've had but one desire

To wait for the day when we'd light that fire.

We have lots of ambition; we work day and night,

We just want to do the things that are right.

Now with your permission, and this is the day,

We'll just go ahead and light that fire.

Believe us, we don't want to set the world on fire,

We just want to burn the note on our home.

The Council inaugurated the first Nun Appreciation Night on the West Bank in April 1969, wherein the Nuns from St. Joseph, St. Anthony, St. Cletus, Blenk High, and Christ the King Schools were honored.

In August of 1969, food, clothing and furniture for Hurricane Camille victims were collected, and a Spaghetti Dinner realizing $1200.00 was sponsored by the Council, which amount was presented to the Buras Council to help those victims in their area. A mobile oyster booth was built which served to raise funds for six church parishes in the area.

 When the seventies began, Council 1905 had its largest State Convention attendance since its organization, when two bus-loads of knights and ladies went to Monroe. Money to support this trip was raised through the " weekly socials " and the concession stand in front of the hall which was manned during Mardi Gras parades. About this time, the chapel at Maryhill was dedicated. In 1970, Council 1905 was approached to sponsor the Gretna Ethics Program by the pastor of St, Joseph, St. Anthony, and St. Cletus parishes to the tune of $4,000. This received immediate attention from our Knights, and within a week, the pastors were notified that our Council would underwrite the entire program, which was to give teenagers a " Christ's Eye View " of the most vital issues and questions of the world at that time. Also, the Grand Knight at this particular time personally crafted the aluminum gavel which is still in use today.

The first high school scholarship given by the Council was awarded during the 1970-71 year to Edward Cadres, Jr. who later became an active member of the Council. Also at this time, a Widow's fund was established which was used to assist the widows of our members in their time of need.

In these early seventies, a new addition to the home was conceived, and the room which is now the meeting room for committees was added. At Camp Abbey, one of our girls, Miss Kathy Domingue, was chosen to be " Miss Abbey Beauty ". At this time, the Grand Knight and his wife (as Auxiliary President ) served simultaneously.

During this period, Marion Rotolo, one of our PGK, was appointed Master of District 1, Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus. On a less serious note, at the annual picnic, the current Grand Knight was " hung " in effigy to delight of all in attendance.

As we approached the middle of that decade, the Council observed the 50th anniversary of ordination of then pastor of St. Joseph Church, Msgr. Bernard Hammerstein, and the 25th anniversary of Msgr. Gerard Poche, pastor of St. Anthony Church, with dinners at the home. At Religious and Civic Appreciation events, the Council was privileged to have Lt. Gov. James Fitzmorris and Congresswoman Lindy Boggs speak in 1973 and 1974, respectively.

With funds raised from a donkey baseball game, in September 1973, a refrigerator was purchased for the West Bank School for Retarded Citizens.

Family Socials began during the 1975-77 period. The upstairs backroom was constructed by the Grand Knight and many other " construction worker " knights. This became a lounge and game room for the " Thursday Knights " and the general membership and guests. Formal dedication of the room took place during the next term of officers.

Many activities of special mention took place during the next two years. Among these were the sponsoring of the Reynolds Institute for trouble boys, which was run by Fr. Dark. This sponsorship assisted one young man in particular in becoming a responsible citizen with a family. Donations to the Belle Chasse State, Olaf Fink, and West Bank Schools for Retarded Citizens remained some of the Council's concern. The knights also took on the enjoyable task of entertaining the deaf of Chinchuba, the retarded citizens, and the handicapped at the Grela Mardi Gras parade, serving hot dogs and drinks. In appreciation for their help with various functions by entertaining, West Jefferson Boys High School Band was the recipient of a donation from the Council. The first of many Luaus' to come was given. Two busloads of conventioneers traveled to Lafayette where our own Father Humberto San Andres celebrated a private Mass for us.

Participation in the State Bowling Tournament was high, and the young knights caused mayhem when they short-sheeted beds and wrapped rooms and cars of older knights with toilet paper, about forty girls attended camp, the knights presented rosaries to the Kayceettes.

Something of a special note also, was that at this time, the third generation of the Holt family joined the Council.

One of our Knights, Jonathan Parks, who had been a Salesian Brother at Shaw High School, was ordained and the Council presented him with a chalice, as well as sponsored his first Mass, followed by a reception at the Council home.

During the final years of the seventies, the largest " bingo " pot ever was given away ( Somewhere around seven thousand dollars ) and the Tootsie Roll Drive netted about five thousand dollars, while the Thanksgiving Dinner Dance brought in four thousand dollars. The ladieswere shown appreciation by the Knights with a dinner dance and presented with flowers as they entered the home. Quite a few of the Past Grand Knights were in attendance when they were honored at a dinner for the first time by the Council. Two bus loads of conventioneers were on their way to the State Convention, however, for awhile it was thought they wouldn't make it. After breaking down many times, one bus kept throwing oil and eventually caught fire. No one was hurt and those passengers were transferred to another bus for the final lap of the trip.

Our own Donald & Hilda Dufrene Family was chosen " FAMILY OF THE YEAR " by the Louisiana State Council. During the last year of the seventies, the Council achieved its highest State ranking since its organization - that of THIRD - and the Star Council Award was won for the first time by 1905. The trophy for selling the most insurance in our district was also won by the Council. For the 1978-80 Fourth Degree period, another of our Past Grand Knights was appointed by Supreme Master to serve as Master of District 1, S/K O.J. Labatut. The Squire Circle which had been disbanded early on in this decade for lack of adult supervision, during this time was reorganized, with our Circle's Chief Counselor, Chester Jones, receiving honors from the state.

At the beginning of the eighties, the Knights of Columbus celebrated 100 years since its inception with many events marking that milestone. The Council's Grand Knight at this time reveled in this distinction by calling himself " The Centennial Grand Knight ". This same Grand knight was noted for wearing a gold colored jacket on which he wore numerous lapel pins. At one state convention held in New Orleans during his tenure, some of his good brothers somehow gained access to his hotel room while he was making the rounds of hospitality suites. Seizing the opportunity of his absence, they turned his gold jacket inside out and hung it in plain view. On his return, with a lot of " hospitality "under his belt, when he spied the jacket, he was furious because his lapel pins were " gone "! Council 1905 sponsored a fair to raise money to build an inter-faith chapel at the Belle Chasse State School, and although torrential rains flooded the grounds, spirits and efforts were undampened. The fund was begun and the chapel under the committee's diligent efforts was dedicated some five years later.

During the 1982-83 year, 1905 gave a gala send off to Bishop Ott when he was made Bishop of the Baton Rouge diocese. His Excellency left the area, but retained his membership in Council 1905 until his death in November 1992. The Council co-hosted the Knights of Columbus International Golf Tournament which took place at Plantation Golf Course with other activities of the tournament at the home. This was in 1983, and 1905 placed seventh in the State for this term. This ranking was the second highest over attained by our Knights since the Council's beginning. As had been the custom, the Council assisted the five church parishes in whatever way it could, and particularly helping at the respective fairs. To those parishes that did not hold a fair, it was decided to donate one thousand dollars. Because funds were tight, the Council was slow in doling out the thousand, and one knight brought a message to the meeting from one of these expectant recipient parishes that the money was " still due ". The amusing angle to this antidote was that the courier of this message received it when he went to confession to the pastor.

In the 1983-84 term, the Council sponsored a St. Joseph Alter for then Grand Knight in memory of his wife who served the auxiliary well as President and who died rather suddenly. For the 1984-86 Fourth Degree term, we were pleased when another of our hardworking Past Grand Knights, D. George Wedge, was appointed Master of Louisiana District 1.

In the 1985-86 term, after giving away the largest bingo jackpots ever, the Grand Knight was threatened with " EXILE " for " giving it away " ! The Squires membership sharply increased and the boys began helping the Knights in more avenues. It is during this time, on November 9, 1985, that the Inter-Faith Chapel at the Belle Chasse School, for which our members and their wives had worked so diligently, was finally dedicated. POPE JOHN PAUL II paid a visit to New Orleans, as the eighties began to wane, and Council 1905 Knights joined all Councils in the Metropolitan Area to welcome him. In September 1987, the first Council 1905 camp out was held at Land-O-Pines Campground to the delight and enjoyment of all who participated. This was the first of many to come.

As the end of the "eighties" decade approached, the council began to take on additional tasks and formed the "Parish Round Table". This endeavor was instituted to aid the church parishes of the area in much needed projects. Among these were painting the fence at St. Anthony's (everybody working ended up almost "sterling" as the silver paint flew!) St. Joseph's rectory needed renovation, and to save the parish about five thousand dollars, our knights tore out walls. The parking lot at St. Martha's was in need of sprucing up, so our knights "turned out" there. Then, Infant Jesus parish grounds were in need of some additional dirt, so again our council pitched in to spread the dirt.

Plans for a chapel at the Boys Scout Camp had been conceived early on in this decade, and this chapel was finally completed and dedicated on June 16, 1989. Funds for this project were raised by area knights under the supervision and direction of a Core Committee headed by one of 1905's own PGK's, D. George Wedge.

The upstairs back room had been closed for some time except for some supervised occasions, and was re-opened to members and guests. For Palm Sunday Procession in April, 1989, T. J. Larkin Fourth Degree Assembly, the Knights of Peter Claver with their Fourth Degree and Auxiliary, were invited to join Council 1905 and its Auxiliary in this function and partake of breakfast after at our home. A special 25th Anniversary of Ordination celebration for Ronald Braud, Chaplain of Archbishop Blenk High School was held at our home.

For the second time in the history of the Council it attained the rank of third in the State at the convention in 1990, and at the same time convention, 1905's own Gerard Thomas was named "Louisiana Knight of the Year". An award of $1,000 was presented to Seminarian William Blanda by the Council to further his studies.

When one of our current members, Ronnie Harris, was inaugurated as Mayor of the City of Gretna, the Council manned a booth serving hot dogs and chili and soft drinks at inauguration ceremonies on July 6, 1989. The present Clerk of Court for Jefferson Parish, Jon Gegenheimer, was dubbed as an Outstanding Civic Leader at the Council Civic Appreciation Night in March 1990. This was the first time a civic leader was singled out. We were honored to have Bishop Stanley J. Ott present at this function.

As the nineties began, a new Deceased Member Board which displays the name of the Council's members who have gone to their eternal reward was dedicated. A life-size Christmas Card was fabricated and placed in front of the home for all the Christmas season.

A Memorial Service for Father McGivney, the founder of the Knights of Columbus, was held on August 4, 1990, marking the 100th Anniversary of his death, St Joseph Church was the site of this well attended event. At the children's Christmas Party, a pageant with many "actors" recounting the Birth of Christ was presented for the enjoyment of the crowed hall. The KC year 1991-92 was recognized throughout the Order as the Quincentennial Year, celebrating 500 years of the Discovery of the NewWorld by Christopher Columbus. Many celebrations took placed place throughout the country with replicas of the Pinta, Nina, and Santa Maria sailing to various ports. As usual, our Council participated actively in this project. During this year, the Council began the tradition of placing a "traveling" sign in front of the homes of the Knight of the Month and the Family of the Month. The Benevolent Association underwent many By-Law changes during this period and this Grand Knight was dubbed " The Grand Poobah of the Loyal Order of the Water Buffalo" by his friends and Brother Knights.

On a sad note, this year saw the loss of fifteen members of the Council through death; these were Bishop Stanley Ott, two grand knights, and twelve other members. The state motto for this year was designated as"We Are Family" and numerous events and activities marked this effort. Ending a seven year tradition, the joint installation of the Council and Its Auxiliary was discontinued.

In addition to the events and occasions cited above, there were many nostalgic and romantic memories which remain from activities held by this association of Catholic men abd their families. There were New year's Eve Parties; assistance with CYO Basketball; the Annual Children's Christmas Parties and Halloween parties; the fall parties for the West Bank School for Retarded Citizens and their families held at two knight's homes; services to the Golden Age Clubs; respectful attendance at wakes and funerals; being honored by Gretna Carnival Club for providing youngsters of Madonna Manor and Hope Haven with available Carnival throws; the bathtub in the old kitchen being used to ice beer before we owned cooler boxes; the anger and frustration of the T.P.M.P.T. railroad when cars on Third St by the old home blocked their engines, especially during initiations when it was virtually impossible to locate the owner; a mark on the wall in the old home where a shoe was thrown-which mark remained many years later; the barrel of wine brought back as a souvenir from a visit to Italy; the many annual group communions and breakfasts; sponsoring children to KC Camp and the treks to supervise their getting there and back; one time on the train and the fun in doing so; the annual picnics; the Woman less Weddings and the other shows staged by the Ladies Auxiliary, when the knights made idiots of themselves just for the pleasure of the audience, but which they seemed to get more of a kick out of it than those watching; helping all the surrounding church parishes with their fairs with untiring efforts and donations; the dinners for the "Bingo Worker"; the participation in the Pro-Life Masses giving roses to each lady in attendance, as well as to the residents of the Mary Joseph Home for the Elderly; also, participation in Pro-Life Rallies. Competing in the Council , District, and State level Gumbo Cook-Off's; paying honor to an outstanding Knight every month, as well the outstanding Family of the Month; holding "Feed The Hungry" activities which provided warm meals to the needy of our area.

So, to many fine, ordinary and unusual, loathed or admired, meek or militant, thinking or unthinking orators and "arguers" who filled Archbishop Blenk Council 1905 with Brotherhood, Unity, Charity, and Patriotism, may they look upon us with pride and feel satisfied in what we have become and will go on to be. May God continue to bless our endeavors and keep us strong in our pursuit and practice of the principles of our Order, and may Archbishop Blenk Council 1905 of Gretna, Louisiana continue to prosper.

Back to Our Home Page

 Feedback to the Webmaster, please CLICK HERE!