[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 140 (Thursday, October 8, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1948]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        PITTSTON KNIGHTS HAILED

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                         HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 7, 1998

  Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
President John F. Kennedy Council 372 of the Knights of Columbus in 
Pittston, Pennsylvania on the momentous occasion of their 100th 
anniversary. I am pleased and proud to have been asked to participate 
in this historic event.
  The early years of the Council are not well documented, but it is 
known that the Council made its home for many years on William Street 
in Pittston. Activities of the Council were curtailed during World War 
II due to the low membership as the members went off to war. Around 
1947, the Council became more active under the leadership of the newly-
elected Grand Knight, John Moran. The Home Association and Fourth 
Degree Assembly became active in 1948 and membership in the Council 
expanded to 400. When membership reached 600 in 1955, the members 
purchased a building, giving the Council its first real home.
  The Council's 65th anniversary was noted with a parade; the following 
year, the Council's name was changed to honor the recently-assassinated 
John F. Kennedy. An oil portrait of Council's new namesake still hangs 
on the main floor of the Council's building.
  The Knights of Columbus in Pittston have been integral in the social 
and civic life in the area through the years. It maintains a choir and 
honor guard and sponsors a Little League baseball team and many other 
youth-oriented activities. By 1988, official membership in the Council 
reached 844.
  Mr. Speaker, I send my very best wishes to the dedicated community 
members who donate their time and energy to the Knights of Columbus 
activities in the Pittston area. Northeastern Pennsylvania is blessed 
with a commitment to community service and the long history of the 
Knights of Columbus. Council 372 is a great example of that proud 
tradition and heritage.

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