[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 5 (Tuesday, February 3, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E80]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       KNIGHTS 100TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 3, 1998

  Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
Wilkes-Barre Council No. 302 of the Knights of Columbus on the occasion 
of its 100th Anniversary. I am pleased to have been asked to 
participate in this momentous event.
  The Knights of Columbus have been active in the Wyoming Valley in my 
District in Pennsylvania since the organization's founding in 1898. The 
Organization has served the community in all aspects of religious and 
civic concerns. In January of that year, a call was sent out to 
prominent Catholics in the area. The notice read:

       To promote sociability and patriotism among Catholic 
     gentlemen of this city, it is proposed to form a Council of 
     the Order of the Knights of Columbus, to be affiliated with 
     the American Catholic organization of that name already 
     existing.

  The call was swiftly answered. Preliminary arrangements began for 
organization. Meetings were held every few days until the first 
official Council was formed and officers elected. A prominent 
newspaperman, Thomas P. Ryder was elected to head the council as Grand 
Knight.
  The years to follow were filled with community activity and 
charitable undertakings. Council 302 had the unique distinction of 
having organized a complete military unit for active duty in World War 
I. In addition to the charity and community service activities, the 
members became involved in fraternal and social activities throughout 
the years. The Council formed many clubs which are still active to this 
day.
  Mr. Speaker, I am extremely proud to join with the community in 
extending sincere congratulations on the occasion of the Council 302's 
100th anniversary. I am also pleased to have had the opportunity to 
bring this important event to the attention of my colleagues and send 
my best wishes for a most successful anniversary celebration.

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