Daysland Knights of Columbus Providence Council celebrates 60 years

Close to 100 people attended a special 60th anniversary Mass and Supper in Daysland hosted by the Knights of Columbus, Council #4008. This event was held at Our lady of the Prairies Catholic Church on Tuesday, Aug. 11.

The program began with a welcome by Grand Knight Doyle Badry (after an opening hymn) followed with Mass presented by Rev. Leon Kler.

Presentations following, with 25-year-pins handed out to August Szott, Martin Szott, and Dennis Hoynick.

Fifty-year-pin recipients were Rodney Zimmel, Edward Rostaing, Bernard Rostaing, Walter Leeb, Doyle Badry, John Feddema, and Verner Niehaus. Only Rodney Zimmel, Walter Leeb, Doyle Badry, John Feddema were present for their the pins, during the Mass.

Verner Niehaus’ pin has been given to Mrs. Helen Neihaus, as he passed earlier in the year.

The other three recipients were not present, nor any of their families present, to receive and it will be up to Council on how to deliver these pins.

Honourable mentions were given as well, to the following Brother Knights: Norbert Fleck, 56 years; George Heck, 60 years; Wilfred Hochhausen, 60 years; Ernest Kueber, 57 years; Edward Kueber, 60 years; Stan MacDonald, 60 years; Don Pfeffer, 60 years; Bernard Rostaing, 59 years; and Edward Rostaing and George Spiller both for 56 years.

After Mass, District Deputy, Dr. Eamon Cunningham, gave a speech about the role and achievements that the Knights of Columbus have played in the community and district.

The Knights treated members and residents to a steak dinner after the service.

Providence Council 4th Degree Warden Edward Kusalik said, “By the comments, everyone enjoyed themselves and enjoyed the rekindling with family and friends who attended.”

This council has been proud of the many activities and accomplishments achieved. Through the years this council has supported events such as the Food Bank, school scholarships, Pennies for Heaven, Bosco Homes, Daysland Hospital Equipment Fund, Our Lady of Victory camp, Safe Grad, and many other organizations.

Monthly Pancake Breakfasts in the hall of the church attract people to enjoy a hardy breakfast and support the Knights.

The Knights of Columbus Providence Council #4008, in Daysland, owes its existence in large part to the efforts and visions of a handful of men, namely W.F. MacDonald, Rt. Rev. W.J.Lyons, S.J. Bohme, Victor Baich, and Frank Zwack, who were members of the Camrose Council No. 3437, with a few belonging to the Mother Council, in Edmonton.

In 1955, they saw the potential for a council in this area.

Under the sponsorship of the Camrose Council, “Providence Council” was instituted on April 25, 1955.

The name “Providence” was chosen since the Sisters of Providence had their first Motherhouse in Daysland.

In conclusion, the officers of Providence Council are very appreciative to all the people who contributed their time and efforts in putting the evening together.

Special thanks to every brother Knight and his wife, each visitor and guest for coming and giving their support to us for this special evening.

Knights of Columbus was established in 1882 in the state of Connecticut to render financial aid to members and their families.

Since then, the Knights of Columbus has grown from several members in one council to more than 14,000 councils and 1.8 million members throughout the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, Poland, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Cuba, Guatemala, Guam, Saipan, Lithuania, Ukraine, and South Korea.