Holy Rosary Church Knights of Columbus - Council 11841 Father Mcgivney Page

The History of Holy Rosary Knight’s of Columbus Council 11841

Holy Rosary Council 11841 began as a wish by both the Supreme Council of the Knights of Columbus as supported by the Idaho State Council, to have a council presence at each parish.

Before the establishment of Council 11841 there was only one council between the two parishes in Idaho Falls. Plans and recruitment for the new council began as early as 1994 with members being initiated into the Knights of Columbus at Idaho Falls Council 1663. The recruitment was specifically aimed at the purpose of populating the new council. District Deputy Albert (Al) Millhouse began sending out invitations of membership to prospective constituents throughout the years 1994 and 1995. Brother Al met with some success in this venture but interest was very limited.

At the January 1996 Idaho State Council meeting, State Membership Chairman and Past Grand Knight of Idaho Falls Council 1663, Richard Durante, committed to make every effort to start the new council. The good people of Holy Rosary Church were eager to establish a dedicated working group of Knights of Columbus at the parish. The job of starting a new council was made easy through all their support

The original members, along with newly recruited and enthusiastic knights and some of the senior members of Idaho Falls Council 1663 came together to create the original 30 charter members of the new council.

The council was officially established on July 17, 1996. The council number (11841) was issued by the Idaho State Council at their summer meeting held on July 20, 1996 in Boise, Idaho. The new council elected Richard Durante as it’s first Grand Knight and voted to name the council "Holy Rosary Council 11841" to ensure quick recognition of the parish to which the new council belonged. Fr. Gerald (Jerry) Funke, Pastor of Holy Rosary parish, was immediately elected as the first Chaplain of the new council.

In the short time since it was established the council has been awarded the Fr. Michael J. McGivney Award for the Columbian year "1996 - 1997". This award is given for service activities and new member recruitment. The council was awarded the prestigious "Star Council Award" for the Columbian year "1997 - 1998". As an example of the aggressive work ethic of it’s members it is worthy to note that the Star Council Award was actually achieved in the first six months of fraternal year "1997 - 1998". Receipt of the award puts the council in respected company as Star Council status is only given to council’s demonstrating exemplary service.

Council 11841 demonstrates it’s commitment to God, country, community and church through it’s many service activities. The annual Council Activity Register contains over 100 listed service projects with many activities taken on during the year at the request of parishioners and parish organizations. The regular beneficiaries of council fund raising activities are "Pro-Life", vocations and the needy of the community. Regular work parties have been established to support the local soup kitchen and St. Vincent DePaul Christian Ministries in addition to many others.

We invite our Catholic brothers to join us in continuing to build the history of Council 11841.

And the story continues ź

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