[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 114 (Wednesday, September 11, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1554]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MSGR. PATRICK DUNIGAN KNIGHTS OF 
                            COLUMBUS COUNCIL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 11, 2002

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join 
me in congratulating the Monsignor Patrick R. Dunigan Council 695, 
Knights of Columbus, upon their 100th Anniversary. The Knights will be 
celebrating this event with Mass followed by a reception on September 
14th in my hometown of Flint. I have been a member of the Dunigan 
Council for several years and will be joining the other Knights at this 
auspicious occasion.
  The Knights of Columbus were founded in 1882 with the principles of 
charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism. In 1902, Council 695 was 
organized in Flint on September 14th of that year. The oldest Knights 
of Columbus Council in Genesee County, the Dunigan Council has from its 
beginning held the principle of charity foremost in its activities. 
Helping its members cope during the Depression, they provided 
assistance for the families of the unemployed. It was at this time that 
Monsignor Patrick R. Dunigan befriended the Council and provided them 
with a foundation for their charitable work. As pastor of St. Michael 
Catholic Church he saved the Council from dissolving by providing a 
meeting place at the parish. In 1955 the Council was named in his honor 
to commemorate the many years of guidance and support he gave to its 
members.
  The Council became a supporter of Boysville in 1947 and in 1953 the 
Council played a role in rebuilding the Beecher District after the 
devastating tornado struck that area. Participating in the program to 
assist the mentally retarded started in 1967, the Dunigan Council has 
assisted in raising millions of dollars across the state.
  Support for Catholic school athletic programs was started in the 
1940s. The Catholic League high school football program, and grade 
school basketball were just two of the recipients of the Council's 
largesse. Since the opening of Powers High School the Council has 
continued its support of its athletic department. At the grade school 
level the Council has focused on the development of the girls 
volleyball and baseball teams.
  In 1955 the Dunigan Council took on the role of mothering new 
councils. A total of nine councils have spun off from Council 695. The 
Davison Council was the first, followed by the Mt. Morris Council. In 
the early 1990s the Dunigan Council was invited by Father Douglas 
Osborn to make its home at St. John Vianney. The Choral group that was 
an offshoot of the Council in 1966 has grown to the Singing Knights. 
This group now incorporates members from several councils and has 
performed at functions for many years.
  In keeping with the principles of the Knights of Columbus, the 
Dunigan Council has decided to make their anniversary celebration a 
project to assist Boysville. I ask the House of Representatives to join 
me in commending the men of the Patrick R. Dunigan Council 695 Knights 
of Columbus, for their devotion to their faith, their support of the 
next generation through building athletic programs, and their tireless 
assistance to the less fortunate. I congratulate them for 100 years of 
hard work and spiritual growth.

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