Norwich bulletin., 1914-02-17
WHITE GROSS COUNCIL 30 YEARS OLD
K of C. State Deputy William J. Mulligan Attends Ann versary-Joseph I. Tanning, First Grand Knight Makes Brief Historical Address-M Membership Grown From 30 to 23O Names.

fenSe of America In our recent war with Spain waged against Cath ollie country our brave boys were found with Sampson and Schuyler. Then others were at home waiting in | line for orders to do likewise. Thus as Catholics we have the right ito sa-
 lute the American flag, to rejoice in 1 her glory and to wish her all the bless I ings in the future which the great 1 God of nations holds in store for her. We want the people of Norwich to 1 become better acquainted with the 1 Knights of Columbus and with the
 class distinction or religious hatred. 1 Our success is a success which all can enjoy.
 1 Humorous Reeitations.
 1 James c. Higgins of Boston, who
 is grand knight of Winthrop council I of Winthrop, Mass, then gave a reel | tation which was so well received that 1 he was obliged to respond again and l again to insistent encores. He is an , entertainer of rare ability, being tal- ented elocutionist and has style that 1 is inimitable.
 J. T. Tanning, First Grand Knight. Following MT. Higgins the chairman introduced Joseph T. Tanning. who was the first grand knight of the coun- ell at the time of it's institution 90 years ago. MT. Tanning was given cordial reception, and his remarks WHICH were COl1COIIiu5 lHC early history of the council were ire quently applauded. He said in part: This council has now a membership of more than one-ffth of what the total membership of the entire order was at the time White Cross council was instituted The contrast between conditions now and the conditions of 29 years ago are amazing. and the splendid realities of today can be ac- counted for only by remembering that | L.Ae- 1fr ed high and supported with love and continuous enthusiasm the main pur- pose of this association, to bring Cath olic young men of this state into solid body devoted to every interest which was calculated to increase re- spect for divine law and the law of our land, the betterment of man. the glory of the Stars and Stripes. Under date of April fl. 1885. letter to me from Daniel Colwell. supreme council l secretary, contained the following: Enclosed please find notice of assess ment on death of Bro. J. P. Creed. To- tai membership liable on March 24th, I,0S0, giving a pro rata assessment or 92 29-l00 cents. A speedy and full settlement of this and all claims against us in indispensable to our good l neme."
 Has Today 23o Members. White Cross council has today 230 members. I have an official document dated June g. 1885, addressed to James T. Mullen of New Haven, the supreme knight. setting forth that on May 17th, 1 1885, and on June l. 1885, this council had 45 members. Surely a wholesome 1 leaven has been at work to raise our strength to g. membership of 230 and the membership of the entire order from 1,0S0 to over BOG, 0oO.
 Institution of the Council. When our council started it had, to ha h6ef nf ranollanfinn fRWaT than 30 members Twelve were required to secure a charter. And the local press of that period relates that 26 initiated members partook of the banquet at the Wauregan house with the supreme council officers after the ceremonies on the night of Tuesday, Feb. IS, 1885. The press of the following morning made no reference to the initiation, but the second day after stated that on Tuesday evening, the 18th, White Cross council. K of C., was duly incorporat ed by the following officers of the su- preme council: Cosgrove Celwel, Null len and Corrigan of New Haven and Scanlon and OBrlen of Hartford It might be inferred that the banquet had lasted about 24 hourS-a conjec- ture for which there may have been a reasonable foundation. In those days l 1t took time to thoroughly complete acts of incorporation.
 Patriotism the Watchword. The strength of the order has been derived from other sources than the number of its members. It looked to patriotism for it's inspiration, its pur- pose and it's watchword. and to guar anty the purity of that patriotism it entrusted it to the keeping of the Catholic conscience, as the keys of the great Oceansea were given by mortal Catholic discoverer. Its stand has been for God and country. It is devoted to the two commandments which embrace all the others.
 Some Achievements.
 It called into service a body of men in Connecticut to associate and labor with whom in the great cause is in it. self a public henOr It has established a sound, exact business system of life insurance for the members who wish it, and an associate membership active in every cause that benefits humani ty; and it has gone beyond the limits of our state into every state of the union. into Canada and acress the Pacific ocean. It has given to the United States a fitting monument to Columbus a the nations capital. and has reared a. glorious memorial to en- 1ightenment, education and philanthro- py in it's fine gift of a half million dollars to the Catholic university. Connectieut's Part Prominent.
 
 realize that in gaining this triumph Connecticut has taken a prominent part; and we need not be ashamed to claim for our council a full measure of the honor due to early effort In the hard work of placing an honest, solid foundation for the shapely super structure the members of White Cross council who answered the earliest roll calls gave their energetic and honor able devotion. The first assembly was like the selection of Gedeon's 300 young warriors who were unframed with the right spirit to enable them to overcome all enemies and opposition. and make the country prosperous and happy. The order might rest on it's honors won. But it has no such in- tention. It has yet to help in bring ing to the knowledge of all men the glorious history of the Catholic church and the examples of her heroic work performed by devoted sons who like the the Catholic Columbs for the good of mankind went fearlessly in the lead where any dared to follow. It will have to help in repelling the assault which the present day enemies of social order and public morality are making upon the government and the flag.
 Music and Lunch.
 During the evening through the courtesy of The Porteous & Mitchell company, a musical programme was given on the Edison disc phonograph EO1Iowiue the exercises a. buffet lupcb