Chapter History – Knights of Columbus

The History of the Chicago Chapter

The Chicago Chapter owes its inception to State Deputy Joseph J. Thompson in early 1905, who recognized the need for a unified body to manage large-scale works that individual councils could not handle alone. Following a preparatory meeting with local Knights of Columbus leaders, the chapter officially adopted its constitution and by-laws on January 28, 1905, while electing John J. Ryan as its inaugural president. Established to execute projects of common interest, it rapidly became the ultimate reference point and vital clearing house for information across the entire Chicago network. Today, this historic foundation continues to serve as a central hub, seamlessly directing inquiries and uniting the efforts of all member councils under a shared vision of service.

The Foundation & The Purpose

The Beginning (1905)

Chicago Chapter as it originally was named owes its beginning to State Deputy Joseph J. Thompson in the early part of 1905. As the number of local councils multiplied in the Chicago area. SD Thompson realized that there were many works which were suitable for the Order to undertake that a single council could not carry out. A meeting of some of the stronger K of C leaders in the Chicago area was called and representatives from a dozen councils attended. Prior to the meeting State Deputy Thompson (who also founded The Columbian newspaper in 1906) prepared a draft of a suggested constitution and by-laws. At its first official meeting on Jan. 28, 1905, the constitution and by-Laws were accepted and the Charter Officers were elected. John J. Ryan (Phil Sheridan Council) was elected president while Dr. J. J. McLaughlin (Ft. Dearborn Council) was picked as vice-president and Jerome J Crowley (DeSoto Council) was elected secretary of the newly formed group.

The Purpose of the Chapter

The purpose of the chapter is tersely stated in its constitution. It reads: "It shall be the object of this chapter to undertake and execute all such works as shall be of common interest of the councils composing it and of general interest to the Order".

The Central Hub

Its first, if not the most important function of the chapter, is its utility as a clearing house and situs of information for all councils and members. It is the reference point for anyone looking in the Chicago directory to direct their inquiries. As a matter of record non-members wishing to contact an individual council or the headquarters In New Haven could call the chapter.

The Foundation & The Purpose

The Beginning (1905)

The Purpose of the Chapter

The Central Hub

Chapter Membership & Early Operations

The elective membership of the chapter consists of the Grand Knight and two members from each council 35 representatives plus one additional representative for each 200 members. No council, however, may be represented by more than six members. Included in the chapter membership are the State Deputy, all District Deputies within the Archdiocese of Chicago and members of the supreme board of directors who reside within the state.

In those early days the chapter was the K of C core of activity in Chicago. Its officers and rooms at 112 W Monroe St. featured a small meeting room, billiard and card rooms, and a restaurant popularized by members for lunch and special functions. Councils belonging to the chapter were charged $1 per member annually and a 50 cents enrollment fee was paid to offset the cost of operations.

Historical Events & Traditions

Chapter Balls & Concerts

Socials sponsored by the chapter called Chapter Balls were held nearly every year at downtown hotels and large facilities such as the First Regiment Armory. Other special events included benefit concerts, the proceeds going to institutions housing the handicapped and the orphans.

Spiritual Retreats

The retreat concept that is now conducted at the council and diocesan levels was held regularly in different parts of Chicago at the larger churches. The three-day retreats took place at such churches as Our Lady of Sorrows on Jackson Blvd., St. Ambrose at 47th and Ellis, St. Vincent's near DePaul University, and St. Patrick's at 95th and Commercial.

Community Outings

Outings were held at the old Riverview Park, another at Ravinia. Diocesan picnics were held at St Mary's Training School in Des Plaines as were other outdoors picnics on the chapter entertainment calendar.

Landing Day Celebrations

Landing Day celebrations sponsored by the chapter, the forerunner of the Columbus Day parade: were highlighted by small sailing ships manned by actors playing the role of Christopher Columbus and his crew. The landings were staged on Columbus Day, Oct. 12, and concluded with the planting of a cross, offering of prayers, and a welcoming by chapter and state officers. Often times an historical drama, written especially for the occasion, was presented at the old Illinois Theater under the auspices of Chicago Chapter.

Administration & The Executive Secretariat

The Executive Secretariat

Because of the daily workload demanded by the chapter a full-time assistant secretary, later to be called an executive secretary, was hired in 1912. Edward J McMahon performed those duties until his death in 1921. Because of the demands at a chapter office, full-time executive secretaries have served the chapter ever since. Most notable executive secretaries in later years were Francis Murphy, Roy Bedore and the late PSD Marco DeStefano.

The Legacy of Christmas Cheer

The chapter's relief work is highlighted by the promotion of Christmas Cheer, a fund raising effort for the less fortunate youngsters and senior citizens confined to nursing homes and institutions. The idea of the Christmas Cheer was proposed by John F. Miller in 1911. John was a member of the Chapter's board of directors. Originally, the holiday program was intended to supply reading materials to libraries. Then President William N. Brown expanded the benefit program to give toys, food, fruit, tobacco, pipes, and the like. The first fund amounted to $700 and was given to a half-dozen homes.