The exact
beginning of this assembly is very hard to pinpoint. No one
has a clear recollection of when the idea of an assembly in
this area first started.
For a
clearer picture, one should know the rules governing the
members of the Fourth Degree, as set down by the Supreme
Council. The number one rule, a member upon receiving the
Honors of the Fourth Degree must join an assembly. In the
Archdiocese of Chicago, there was only one Assembly, LaSalle
General. This meant that all Fourth degree members in Lake
and Cook Counties were required to belong to LaSalle
Assembly. Their meetings were always held in downtown
Chicago, necessitating considerable travel for members to
attend meetings. This, naturally, caused much resentment by
those members who wanted to become active. It led to many
comments about forming an Assembly in the South Side area.
Early in September 1959, John Barton, Archangel Council,
Orland Park, became involved and enthusiastic about the idea
of having an assembly in the area. He discussed his plan for
an Assembly with many Fourth Degree Members, some of whom
wished to join his crusade. John composed a letter that
would be sent to the Supreme Council and the Master of the
Northern District of Illinois, requesting permission to form
an Assembly in the South Suburban area. He cited
difficulties in attending meetings and becoming active in
the LaSalle Assembly, as well as the potential growth of new
members in the area. His letter met with hearty approval and
support by those who supported his crusade and urged John to
send his letter to the Supreme Council and Master McGillen.
During his campaign to form an Assembly, John Barton became
closely associated with Bill Weddington, President of Marian
Council Fourth Degree Group. Bill played an important part
in the organization of the Assembly. John Barton’s letter
went unanswered and it was Bill who suggested and carried
out a plan to invite the Master of the Northern District of
Illinois to speak to their Fourth Degree Group. Master
McGillen accepted the speaking engagement and agreed to
answer questions pertaining to the formation of an Assembly.
Bill, wanting to have a large number in attendance when the
Master would speak on December 1, 1959, invited
representatives from the twelve councils in the suburban
area to attend.
A
very good attendance was on hand to greet and listen to
Master McGillen talk about the works of the Fourth Degree.
However, after he finished, he was deluged with questions
pertaining to the formation of a new Assembly. He was very
good at answering all of the questions and explained the
rules that were required to form a new Assembly. To some
members these rules were strict, but to the majority, they
were a challenge. A meeting for further discussion was
planned.
On
January 7, 1960, a small group of staunch supporting members
met to review the rules and regulations set by the Master
and outline a plan of action. It was unanimously agreed that
an early meeting with representatives from the twelve
councils be held in order to gain more support and
cooperation. A meeting with these council representatives
was scheduled for January 16, 1960 at the Chicago Heights
Council Clubhouse.
This meeting produced the cooperation and support that was
hoped for and was termed a great success. The councils that
were represented were: Pinta, Blue Island, Lansing, Coronata,
Fr. C.C. Boyle, Garcia Moreno, Marian, Our Lady of Fatima,
Archangel, and Chicago Heights. This group was extremely
interested in forming a new Assembly in the area and was
certain they could obtain the approval of the 60% of their
Fourth Degree Members to meet the requirements. They also
approved John Barton to continue as temporary chairman and
Tom Wilson as temporary secretary. Having a monthly meeting
met with their approval.
The same enthusiastic support was received from the council
representatives at the February meeting. They all reported
progress in getting members to sign the petitions. A
deadline for the return of the petition was set for the
March meeting. Master McGillen had promised to be present at
this meeting.
Other business at this meeting was the selection of a Bylaws
Committee made up of: Ted Sailor and Ed Henly, Lansing
Council, Bill Waddington, Marian Council, Joe Doheny, Garcia
Moreno Council, and Paul Pina, Pinta Council.
The meeting of March 28, 1960, brought the needed signatures
of members desirous of forming a new Assembly. However, a
phone call from the Master stated he would not be present
and stressed that the petitions must contain only the names
of bonafide members of LaSalle Assembly to be considered in
the 60% of the required signatures. The April meeting had to
be postponed because the Master was busy with an
Exemplification in Kankakee. He made a firm promise to be
present on June 27, 1960 to receive the petition.
Master Frank McGillen attended the June meeting and was
surprised by the number of signed petitions presented to
him. His remarks,” I accept these petitions as an indication
of your sincerity and will work with you and request the
Supreme Council to permit you to form a new Assembly.” He
also asked if a name had been selected, and if not,
recommended the name of a person dedicated to his role in
the church and to the Knights of Columbus, that of
“Cardinal Stritch.” A spontaneous approval was given by
those in attendance. He also advised selecting a nominating
committee composed of a representative from each council,
and with instructions to report back with their selections
at the August meeting.
Blue Island and Our Lady of Fatima councils requested to
withdraw and the requests were approved.
The August meeting brought good tidings from the Supreme
Council. They approved the formation of a new Assembly in
the South Suburban Cook County, to be named “Cardinal
Stritch Assembly.” Reports of the By-law and Nominating
Committees were made and accepted. The date of election of
officers was set for September 21, 1960, at Pinta Council,
Riverdale.
The long awaited day, the election of Assembly officers,
necessary to complete the formation of an Assembly in the
South Suburban area finally arrived with a full house in
attendance. Again, Master McGillen was unable to attend, but
not to delay the formation any longer, authorized Bill
Condon, Genoa Council, to proceed with the election of the
charter officers for Cardinal Stritch General Assembly.
Those elected were:
Name |
Office |
Home Council |
Ted Sailor |
Navigator |
Lansing Council |
Anthony Mroz |
Admiral |
Coronata Council |
Charles Oliver |
Captain |
Pinta Council |
Stanley Kelma |
Pilot |
Fr. C. C. Boyle Council |
Norman Vinsek |
Comptroller |
Marian Council |
William McCarthy |
Purser |
Lansing Council |
Ken Buck |
Scribe |
Pinta Council |
Al Miller |
Inner Sentinel |
Nina Council |
Pete Korn |
Outer Sentinel |
Chicago Heights Council |
John Barton |
Trustee (3 year) |
Archangel Council |
Tom Wilson |
Trustee (2 year) |
Chicago Heights Council
|
Joseph Doheny |
Trustee (1 year) |
Garcia Moreno Council |
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With the same zeal that inspired the men to form Cardinal
Stritch Assembly, the officers began laying plans for an
active Assembly. Producing a set of workable bylaws
acceptable to the membership and the Supreme Council became
a challenge to their committee. After many months, they were
finally accepted and a charter was authorized, but was not
received until January 1964. Presentation was made on
February 5, 1964 by Vice Supreme Master Frank McGillen and
the Master of the Northern District of Illinois, Ron
Taillon.
Programs became next on the priority list. It was believed
that an active Assembly must have programs that appealed to
every member, and should be of a character to bring praise
to the Assembly. The first program to tackle was a formal
installation of charter officers.
In
those days installation ceremonies were limited to members
only, but the officers wanted to have a dinner and dance to
celebrate this great occasion. The committee again came up
with a solution. The installation at Garcia Moreno Council,
Harvey, and the dinner and dance following at Pinta Council,
Riverdale, on Sunday, November 20, 1960. The installation
ceremony was performed by the very efficient team from
Bishop McNamara Assembly, Kankakee, directed by DD Clem
Raiche.
Installation of the 1962 officers was also held at Garcia
Moreno Council, with dinner and dance following at Pinta
Council. They were fortunate in having the same team
installing the officers. In the following years, the
installation ceremony was moved to various council chambers
with Master Ron Taillon presiding. Later when the public was
allowed to witness the installation ceremony, it was
permitted to be held during the celebration of the Mass.
Dinner dances were always an enjoyable get-together for
members and their wives. The first was held at Olympia
Fields Country Club in November 1961. It became an annual
event in 1962 when it was moved to Cherry Hills Country Club
in Flossmoor and continued to be held there until about
1972. After that year, it was held at various locations on
the south side.
In
1963, a donation to a religious organization was started and
has continued over the years. The first recipient was Msgr.
Howard, Rector of Quigley South Preparatory School.
Cardinal Stritch Assembly has always been blessed with
active Faithful Friars. Our thanks to those who gave of
their time, Msgr. W. Corcoran, Pastor, St. Agnes, Chicago
Heights; Rev. Thomas O’Connell, Pastor, St. George, Tinley
Park; Rev. R. L. Hills, Pastor, Infant Jesus of Prague,
Flossmoor; Rev. T. Walenga, Pastor, Assumption BVM, Chicago;
Rev. A. Gorney, Pastor, St. George, Tinley Park; and Rev.
John Seary, OSA, Chicago.
Popular and well attended by their members, was the annual
re-obligation ceremony held in January each year and was
under the direction of the Master or his representative.
Entertainment for the members wives was always a special
event for Cardinal Stritch Assembly. The first Ladies Night
was held on April 26, 1962 at St. Andrew’s Parish Hall,
Calumet City. John Manuszak and his committee from Coronata
Council put together an interesting and enjoyable program,
featuring the Madrigal Singers from Thornridge High School;
The Magic Barrel presented by Standard Oil Company,
refreshments and drawing for door prizes for the women. It
was truly a most enjoyable evening.
Memorial Day would always see the members in their full
regalia at Assumption Cemetery, Glenwood, taking part in the
outdoor mass as an honor guard for the priest. Some Cardinal
Stritch members have served in the honor guard at the
cemetery since it was dedicated. In later years, as mass was
permitted to be celebrated in all of the Catholic
Cemeteries, members have served not only at Assumption, but
also at Holy Cross, Calvary, and St. Benedict’s.
Honor guards have always been willing to assist at religious
services when the Cardinal or Bishop was present. They
consider this a singular honor. They also assist at first
masses, anniversaries of priests or parishes, at wakes for
clergy or members, or at civic parades when they are
non-political.
In
1963 a request was received to furnish an Honor Guard for
the ground-breaking ceremonies for the Mother of Sorrows
Novitiate, and twenty-five members responded.
Each year, Sir Knights are asked to march in the Columbus
and St. Patrick’s Day Parades in Chicago. Because of the
number that attended, George Petro was asked to make
arrangements for a bus to transport members to the 1964 St.
Patrick’s Parade. He did an outstanding job. He obtained a
green and white bus for use.
The solid foundation laid by those who were instrumental in
forming the Assembly has continued through the past ten
Faithful Navigators and Assembly officers. Throughout these
twenty years, Cardinal Stritch Assembly has seen a steady
growth in its membership.
Space does not permit listing of all members who have been
active in the Assembly since 1960. However, one name comes
to mind, Charles Malufka, Coronata Council. He was a
representative of his council during the formation, served
as a trustee for three years and in other capacities and was
elected Faithful Comptroller in 1968. Yes, Charlie has
earned the esteem of all the Sir Knights and the thanks and
congratulations of all the officers he served under.
Throughout the forty years, the officers and members of
Cardinal Stritch Assembly have been a source of help to
their councils and the parishes they serve in the South
Suburban Cook County area.
We
are grateful and thank the Almighty God for giving us those
dedicated members who stood the tremendous challenge and
worked diligently for the formation of the Assembly. Also.
We ask your prayers for the continued guidance of our
Assembly to achieve better and more “good works” for God,
Our Church, Our Country and Our Fellow Man.
Obtained from the files of PFN Joseph
Doheny and presented to the Cardinal Stritch Assembly in
March of 1997 by PGK Dave Wolken of Marian Council #3761.
Eternal rest, grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light
shine upon him.
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