[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E223]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TRI CITIES KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS 
                              COUNCIL 1098

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 28, 2006

  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join 
me in recognizing the 100th Anniversary of the Tri Cities Knights of 
Columbus Council 1098.
  In 1906, with an initial enrollment of 58 members, the Tri Cities 
Knights of Columbus Council 1098 was formed. The first Grand Knight was 
Mr. E. J. Sweeney and the early meetings were held in a hall in 
Madison, Illinois before moving to neighboring Granite City.
  The years before World War I saw steady growth in membership and the 
establishment of the Knights of Columbus as a presence within the Tri 
Cities community. During the Great Depression and World War II, 
membership dwindled and it was only through the determination of the 
few dedicated members that the council survived. While most social 
activities for the members ceased during the war, the council opened 
the doors of their facilities for the entertainment of the troops 
stationed at the Granite City Engineering Depot.
  After World War II, membership grew rapidly. During the 1950's a 
circle of the Daughters of Isabella was established for the wives and 
daughters of members and a circle of the Columbian Squires was formed 
to promote youth activities.
  Social and athletic activities for members and their families 
expanded and grew but service and acts of charity continued to be the 
cornerstones of the council. The first chairman of Catholic Charities 
in the Tri Cities area was a past Grand Knight and members continued to 
be driving forces in this organization.
  Council 1098 has been a significant supporter of community, 
charitable and educational organizations. The Council has directly 
contributed in excess of $100,000 annually in support of local Catholic 
education and provided more than $60,000 in scholarships annually. They 
have also contributed more than $15,000 a year to developmentally 
challenged service organizations.
  While they have always focused on helping those within their 
community, Council 1098 has also extended its helping hands to those in 
need outside their boundaries. In response to the devastation wrought 
by Hurricane Katrina, the Council raised $50,000 in Katrina Relief and 
continues to provide on-going support to Brother Knights on the gulf 
coast.
  Tri Cities Knights of Columbus Council 1098 has seen many changes 
through the last 100 years but they have always stayed true to the 
Knights of Columbus goals of Charity, Unity and Fraternity.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 100th 
Anniversary of the Tri Cities Knights of Columbus Council 1098 and wish 
the best to them for continued service in the future.

                          ____________________