[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 1451]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  SALUTING THE LEO COUNCIL 957 OF THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS OF FINDLAY, 
                                  OHIO

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL G. OXLEY

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 2, 2005

  Mr. OXLEY. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor today to salute the Leo 
Council 957 of the Knights of Columbus of Findlay, Ohio as they 
celebrate their centennial year jubilee.
  The Knights of Columbus of Findlay have sustained a rich tradition 
built upon the foundations of faith and philanthropic service. Leo 
Council 957 was started by a small group of Catholic men with the 
assistance of State Deputy John O'Dwyer of Toledo in the fall and 
winter of 1903-1904. Their hopes were to organize a fraternal 
organization to support their church and serve their community. After 
tireless work and recruiting, 75 new members joined from Findlay, 
Carey, North Baltimore, Cygnet and Bowling Green. The Supreme Council 
issued the original charter for the newly established Leo Council 957 
on January 26, 1905, which was signed by 86 people.
  Since its founding 100 years ago, Leo Council has grown to nearly 500 
members. Through the dedication and efforts of the members of Leo 
Council, the Knights of Columbus has become a positive influence in the 
church and community.
  The spirit of volunteerism and service of the Knights of Columbus is 
encouraging to all of us. Since their founding, they have provided 
support though a variety of charitable works both domestically as well 
as internationally. For the past century, the Knights have provided an 
insurance program for widows and orphans of its deceased members. 
Additionally, the Knights have raised substantial funds to assist 
mentally challenged and disabled individuals. Most recently, they have 
worked along with Catholic Relief Services to raise funds for the 
victims of the devastating tsunami that hit Southeast Asia in December.
  The patriotism and positive influence of the Knights is recognized 
every morning by students reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in 
classrooms across the Nation. In 1954, it was the Knights of Columbus 
who petitioned President Eisenhower and Congress to add the words 
``under God'' to the Pledge of Allegiance.
  Today, I would like to remember those committed men who organized Leo 
Council 100 years ago and those who have strived to maintain its 
membership's vigor and progress. I am proud to congratulate the 
members, their spouses and families on this momentous occasion.

                          ____________________