History of Council #3078...

Compiled by PGK, FDD Joe Engleman and PGK, FDD Del Perotta

In 1947, a committee of Brother Knights from Council #2819 met to consider establishing new Knights of Columbus Council in Lincoln Park, Michigan. After several meetings with the Pastors of the various parishes in the are, a charter class of 114 candidates, named in honor of Chris Schneider, was initiated a Council #305 on October 5, 1947. Subsequent classes, referred to as “charter classes”, were held, but those initiates were not listed on the original charter. The new Council was named “Lincoln Park Council”, and was issued the number 3078 by the Supreme Council.

The Council’s first meetings were held in the parish hall of St. Henry’s Church, and were presided over by the Council’s first Grand Knight, Robert H. Jones. On December 5, 1948, the Council was moved into it’s first home on Dix Avenue in Lincoln Park, where business continued to be conducted under the name of “Lincoln Park” Council #3078. On November 9, 1950, the members initiated a resolution to change the name of the council to “Robert H. Jones” Council #3078 in honor of the first Grand Knight who had passed away on November 3, 1950. Thanks to the support of the Supreme Council, and the State Deputy, the resolution was approved, and the State Deputy, the resolution was approved, and the Council’s name was officially changed to the name it bears today.

During the ensuing years, the Council continued to grow. In 1953 the Council established a Credit Union to benefit its members and their families. On March 21, 1954, a Squires Circle was formed and was given the number 740 by the Supreme Council. The Council continued to accomplish the aims of the order (charity, unity and fraternity), by participating in many activities. Fund raising drives were initiated and supported to provided money charities. Various clubs and organizations such as bowling teams, baseball teams, and rod and gun clubs were formed to provide enjoyment of the members and their families. Participation in community activities, as a way of showing that the Knights are concerned with their surrounding areas and people in them, was another of our activities. A circle of the Daughters of Isabella was formed by the ladies of the Council, and an inter-fraternal night was established with the Masonic Order of Lincoln Park. And in 1980 the Council instituted a seniors group, called the Heritage Club, which now has over 400 knights, wives and widows.

Obviously with so many activities taking place, and with the growing membership, the Council’s Chambers soon became too small. The Building Association of the Council began to look for a suitable building site for a new Council Hall. In November of 1960, groundbreaking ceremonies witnessed by State Deputy Al Lyons and 500 other people took place. In June of 1961, the Council moved into its new chambers, which were blessed by the Council Chaplain Fr. Van Antwerp. They were formally dedicated in September 1961, at a ceremony attended by State Deputy Al Lyons, State Secretary Vincent O’Meara, and District Deputy James Lawlor. Congratulations were received from President John F. Kennedy, Unites States Senator Phillip Hart, and Governor John B. Swainson. In 1971, the bank mortgage was retired, and on the Council’s 25th anniversary the mortgage was burned.

Again in 1982, due to the increasing membership and activities the Council building was renovated and an addition added. A two story office and storage building was built and the parking facilities upgraded in 1984. As a testimony to our religious beliefs, a beautiful Cross of Faith was erected on Council property in 1985. A Substance Abuse Program was “implemented” in 1984 to assist members and families in coping with daily living. This program won the International Knights of Columbus Award and was serving our membership from the new office building. As part of our community involvement in 1984-85, we build picnic shelters in the Lincoln Park City Park and established a community Food Depot in the area which is operated by the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

The Council is very dedicated to supporting Boysville of Michigan, Mental Retardation Programs, The Jerry Lewis M-D Telethon, Veterans Hospital, as well as many others, and giving financial assistance to many Food Programs. Our Charity Committee instituted a program to donate funds quarterly to various food programs in the Metro area, also gift food certificates for the needy families at Christmas. Other priority areas for our Council are in supporting vocations, Catholic Education and Pro-Life. Our council has donated over $7,000,000 in charitable donations over the past twenty years, mainly from our 50-50 raffle proceeds, to churches, schools, civic organizations and individuals in need of assistance.

The bulk of these monies were raised through our 50/50 raffle, however, we also host dinners, cookouts and other type of fundraisers. MD Telethon ($16,00.00 in 1998) MR Tootsie Roll Drive ($30,000 in 1999).

There are many of our members and wives who serve in their communities as elected officials, commissioners, and on various civic programs. The number of volunteer hours for these and our council programs are in the thousands yearly. Ex: Surplus food programs, parades, seniors, etc.

In 1984 the Council hosted the International K of C Golf Tournament and Brother Knights and their families from over 22 states visited our Council, and we have submitted our bid to be the host Council again in the year 2000 and it was accepted.

Our handicap-ramp construction crew, formed in 1991, consisting entirely of volunteers, has built an average of twenty-five (25) ramps annually, at no cost to needy families. Funds are raised through various fund-raising activities. In 1992 we upgraded our lounge and both banquet halls in order to main our expected high levels of excellence. We also converted our records to an in-house computer system.

We serve lunches on Tuesday and Thursday of each week and dinners on the last Friday of each month. During Lent, a very popular weekly seafood dinner is served each Friday. Periodic karaoke nights, as well as other nights of entertainment, including live bands, have been added to our lounge activities.

In honor of our clergy we have rededicated our efforts of increase our membership, and we have initiated over 700 new members (net), and won the “Century” award the past seven years – a feat never before achieved by any other Council. A memorial to the victims of abortion was erected in 1996 at the base of our Cross of Faith. This all was accomplished by a lot of hard work, and cooperation of many people – Priest. Wives, Families, and our Membership committee.

During the years between 1948 and 1997 the Council has continued to grow and prosper. It has won the Star award and numerous other awards at both the State and Supreme levels. In 1999 the Council won the State Award for our Children’s Christmas Party. We have also been a strong supporter of various State and Supreme programs, including the insurance program. Our Council activities are dedicated to Church, family and community and membership of Robert H. Jones Council #3078 over 25oo hard working and dedicated Brother Knights, and are truly a fitting tribute to Fr. Michael McGivney and his dream of Fraternity and Brotherhood in the Order founded by him in 1882.

And as we celebrated our 50th Anniversary in 1997, we prayed to the Lord that he would continue to shower his blessings on our Council, its members and families in the years ahead.

“Vivat Jesus”