FRANCIS RACINE francis.racine@eap.on.ca
Glen Collins is a man of many responsibilities. So much so, that the Grand Knight is hoping to retain his role in the upcoming elections. “I didn’t face any opponents last time,” he said smiling. “I hope I don’t get any this year.” Being the headof theKnights of Columbus 755 council, the man commandeers the organisation fromhis office, located on the third storey of the Columbus building on Amelia Street. The Grand Knight explained that although the organisation is in good standing order, the Knights hope to attract younger members. “We’re getting tired,” he admitted. But although he’s hardworking, Collins can’t oversee every one of the council’s moves. He therefore is surrounded by a treasurer and a financial secretary. “They truly help me,” he said. The 755 council, which was formed in Cornwall in November 1903, has 538 members and gives an estimated $10,000 a year to various local charities. “Most of the money we hand out to charities is raised through our bingo,” added Collins. “But we also have spaghetti dinners.” In addition, the Knights organise a blood drive every year. “We give back to the needy,” he outlined proudly, while lying back in his chair. “We give quite a bit and always try to help families.” But although theirmission is an important and intricate one, the Grand Knight admitted that the organisation is facing an uphill challenge. Hopes to attract more younger members Putting both his elbows on his desk, Collins takes a deep breath. “Believe it or not, I’mone of the younger members here,” he admitted, smiling. “I’m 65.” The Grand Knight explained that although Correction Deux petites erreurs se sont glissées dans un bas de vignette que nous avons publié dans notre dernier numéro. En effet, nous aurions dû lire Gilles et Nicole Cardinal, et non Cadieux ainsi que Louise et François Lussier, et non Lucier. “The average age of our members is 70. We do organise several events, but we do get tired easily.”
The Knights of Columbus Council 755 operate from the Knight of Columbus Hall, located on Amelia Street. — photo Francis Racine
the organisation is in good standing order, the Knights hope to attract younger members. “We’re getting tired,” he admitted. “The average age of our members is 70. We do organise several events, but we do get tired easily.” In the hopes of boosting their ranks, the Knights visit churches on a regular basis. “We talk to a lot of churchgoers,” he said. “But we’ve noticed that it doesn’t always reach the younger ones.” He further stressed that the organisation only welcomed two new members this year. “I think we need to focus on not only attracting new members, but also keeping them,” he expressed. “A lot of times, some will join only to leave shortly after, saying there isn’t enough for them to do.” Getting up, Collins walked towards the door of his office and to the stairs. “I’ll show you where wemeet for council,” he informed excitingly. Several steps and three storeys later, the man stood in front of a locked door. Running his hand through his pocket, he retrieved a set of keys. He inserted one in the lock, before turning the knob and pushing open the door. Inside, darkness blankets every inch of the room. But with a flick froma nearby light switch, the roombecame illuminated and revealed
an outstanding array of objects. On a nearby wall are several large photo frames. In each are small pictures of men, all of whomhave served as Grand Knights. In a display case is a sword that seemingly would be fit for a king. At the back of the room is a big rectangular table with several chairs facing it. “That’s where I usually sit,” said Collins, while pointing to the middle of the table. The room is also home to other councils, such as the nearby Glen Walter branch. As Collins walks around the room, he turns and observes the sword. “The uniform we wear is also an important part of the Knights of Columbus,” he explained. Attaining the Fourth Degree According to the Patriotic Degree Drill Manual Booklet , the Knights are dedicated to the principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism. A First Degree exemplification ceremony, by which an individual joins the Order, explicates the virtue of charity. He is then said to be a First Degree Knight of Columbus; after participating the subsequent degrees, each of which focuses on another virtue, he rises to that status. Upon reaching theThird Degree, the individual is a full member. The manual further states that “fewer
than 18 per cent of Knights join the Fourth Degree, which is optional, and whose members are referred to as Sir Knight.”These Sir Knights follow a strict protocol for colors and clothing. The official regalia dress for a Knight of the Fourth Degree is a black chapeau with a plume of various colors, a black cape, white gloves, a service baldric as well as a sword and a tuxedo. “I was lucky,” explained Collins. “I was given my hat, but I still had to purchase a tuxedo.That was very expensive.”The Grand Knight then goes on to say that he spent upwards of $900 for the whole uniform. Members of theKnights of Columbus have been helping individuals across the globe for well over 100 years.The organisationwas the brainchild of Father Michael McGivney, of St. Mary’s Church inNewHaven, Connecticut. The Connecticut state legislature officially chartered the Knights of Columbus as a fraternal benefit society onMarch 29, 1882. The Knights of Columbus have grown from several members in one council to more than 15,100 councils and 1.9 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.
The Journal Cornwall
3
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
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