Norwich bulletin. [volume] (Norwich, Conn.) 1895-2011, 1915-05-31

ers who will address US this evening,
and who, at g. sacrifice of valuable
time, have come long distances to
grace this occasion; and last, but not
least, I desire to extend my personal
thanks to the officers and members of
the Rev. Daniel Mullen Assembly, who
have SO efficiently assisted in the work
of preparation, incidental to this func-
ton, which means so much to the
members of the Knights of Columbus
in Connecticut. This is a memorable
occasion the annals of Columbianisn
in Norwich and an event which in the
years to come we will look back to,
with feelings of pride and satisfac-
tion.'
State Lecturer Toastmaster
Master Lee then introduced Father
Keefe of Plainfield, State Lecturer of
the order, as POSTMASTER of the &C.
caSion, paying a splendid tribute to
lumbianism. Father keefe was given
a most enthusiastic reception as he
arose to speak, and said in part:
Every feature of today's inspiring
exercises, sir knights, must fill us with
new zeal and love for the nobIest ideals
and make us prouder than ever that we
are sons of the church of the ages,
citizens of the greatest republic on
earth,' and members in the highest de-
gree of noble Knights of Christopher
Columbus
At the altar of the Prince of Peace
we prayed today for ability and cour-
age to make us heroic defenders of God
and church and country.
In our deliberations this afternoon
we learned wonderful lessons of relig-
ious and patriotic zeal and accomplish
ment.
Tonight, sir knights, let us begin
this closing feature of our ceFemo nies
with a rising pledge of loyalty and
devotion to our spiritual and temporal
commander in chief Benedict XIV, IL
lustrious successor of St. Peter, and
vicar of the Prince of Peace on earth,
and Woodrow Wilson, the noble, high
minded, patriotic, prudent president of
our country, the greatest republic on
earth.
May God bless and direct them both
in their present difficulties. May the
Knights of Columbus be always loyal
defenders of the church, of Pope Bene-
dict and the country OF Woodrow Will
son.
The toastmaster's duty, sir knights,
consists merely in introducing the
speakers. Therefore, without further
delay, l take great pleasure in intro
ducing the first speaker Of the evening,
the first citizen of Norwich, a knight
of whom we are all justly proud, a
man who in every public and private
act strives successfully to live up to
the highest and best standards of true
citizenship-His Honor Mayor T. C.
Murphy.
Mayor Murphy Responds.
Mr.. POSTMASTER
I regard it a great pleasure and
privilege as Mayor of the city of Nor
witch to extend to the members Of the
Fourth Degree, knights of Columbus,
most cordial and hearty welcome to
our city, and trust that as years roll
by this occasion will bring many
pleasant "reminiscences to you all.
The order of the knights of Column
bus is a fraternaI and benevolent So
ciety of Catholic men, founded in New
Haven, Feb. 2, 1882. The purpose of
the society is to develop a practical
Catholicity among its members to
promote Catholic education and chari-
ment to furnish at least temporary
financial aid to the families of de-
ceased members.
On Feb 22nd, 1900, the first ex-
empIification of the Fourth Degree
took place in New York City, when
more than twelve hundred candidates
from all parts of the United States re-
ceived this degree.
The order is now established in
every state and territory of the United
States, and it is indeed very gratifying
to note the wonderful progress the
Knights have made.
AS I have said before the aim Of
the Knights of Columbus is to develop
practical Catholics, and a practical
Catholic is sure to be patriotic and
valuable citizen.
proud to have the honor of having the