Thanks to the efforts of Father Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven and some of his parishioners, the Connecticut state legislature on March 29, 1882, officially chartered the Knights of Columbus as a fraternal benefit society. The Order is still true to its founding principles of charity, unity and fraternity.
St. Joseph Knights Of Columbus Council 2039 held its first meeting on Oct. 5, 1919 in the old frame St. Joseph School building. During the ensuing years, the Council was very active. In 1956, property was purchased adjacent to the parish and the building project was started with members being the masons, carpenters, plumbers, electricians and laborers. In 1971, an addition nearly doubled the size of the hall. Complete remodeling took place in 1984, and numerous updates and improvements have been made in the years since then.
The K. of C. Hall may be rented for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, reunions, and other functions. It is available for funeral dinners at a nominal charge.
The Knights have continued their mission of fraternal and benevolent activities serving parish and community. The current Council holds three major fundraisers each year: the Reverse Raffle in February, a golf outing in June, and a dinner in September. These events help with expenses plus any donations going to various groups like Happy Day School/MRDD. Other activities the Council sponsor include Special Population bowling and free throw contests.
Meetings are held at the K. of C. Hall, 2697 Waterloo Rd, on the first and third Tuesdays of each month beginning at 8:00 P.M. We would like to invite anyone interested in joining to contact Rich Klauka at 330-628-1079 or the Parish office.
We look forward, also, to seeing more brother Knights taking part in our activities.