KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

St. Mary’s Council No. 2346, Nutley, New Jersey

GEORGE T. TROY

THE CHAPTER of the above Council originated under date of February 5, 1922, and the first Grand Knight, Alfred Bourgeois was elected for the term dating 1922-24. The names on the original charter, numbered around ninety-six, including Officers and Trustees. At present the roster shows some three hundred and twenty-five.

The first meeting place was in the upper floor of the “Old St. Mary’s School” now torn down, to make room for more modern structures, and to meet the needs of the growth of the Church and School. Following the vacancy at the school, the Council held their meetings in the Masonic rooms on Franklin Avenue, in the building now owned by Morris’.

Due to the growth of membership, new quarters had to be secured; the old St. Mary’s Church, having been replaced by first the School Building on Melrose Place, and later the new Church, left the old building unoccupied. This was obtained by the Council, and remodeled inside, suitable for a meeting place and hall, where various functions can be held - Christmas parties and meetings.

The present Grand Knight of the Council, John F. Healy, of Nutley, N.J., and the Monsignor James J. Owens (the Chaplain), with our present Mayor Harry Chenoweth, Advocate, are among the oldest members. The activities of the Council are many, from the National, State, County and local affairs. The Council sponsors a local Boy Scout Troop, a blood bank for the Council members and family, bowling team, soft-ball, and participates in the Parish affairs, when assistance is required. The largest percentage of members, are residents of Nutley, N.J. but some are from Belleville and surrounding towns and cities, where they have moved, due to business, and other reasons. Two of the oldest members of the Council, now reside in Trenton, N.J. and one member has just returned from South America, where he had been located for some twenty years, and now retired. The membership consists of both Associate and Insurance members, and those who qualify, can obtain our Insurance for members of their families also.

The present officers are: Rt. Reverend Monsignor James J. Owens, Chaplain; Grand Knight, John F. Healy; Deputy Grand Knight, Ernest L. Dion; Chancellor, Chester Murphy; Financial Secretary, John Murray; Recorder, Albert Donado; Warden, Thomas Noone; Treasurer, Lester B. Radigan; Lecturer, John De Kenipp; Advocate, Harry W. Chenoweth. Trustees are: William Cundiff, William Sypher and Theodore Wisneski.