Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1919-06-04
knights Of Columbus Col uncil
Is Organized in Manchester
Seven Hundred Knights From Eastern Iowa Visit Manches
ter Sunday and Participate in Installation Ceremonies
Nearly Five Hundred Attend Banquet in Armory Sun
day Evening Prominent Speakers Give Addresses.

The institution or a new hnlgntS
of Columbus council in Manchester
last Sunday was red letter day in
the history of Catholicism in Delaware
county. Never has as large crowd as
sembled in this city for similar oc-
casion, although weather conditions
were quite unfavorable Members of
the order came from miles around--'
Farley, Monticello, Ryan, Edgewood,
Strawberry Point, Dyersville, Iowa
City, Oelwein and various other plac-
es being we'll represented.
Solemn Ceremonies.
The ceremonies of the day began
when the knights and candidates as
sembled at the old armory at the foot
of Franklin street and marched in a
body to st. Mary's church for mass.
The procession was an inspiring sight,
being three blocks. long in double file.
An overseas soldier bearing beau
tiful American, flag, led the parade.
At the church the line separated to
permit the candidates to march
through into the church, the old mem
bers following. Practically every bit
of available space in the spacious
church was occupied Mass was cele-
brated by Rev. T. Rooney, pastor of
St. Mary's and the sermon was preach
ed by Rev, Father McCaffrey Of Holy
Cross. He complimented the knights
on their public demonstration Of their
faith and congratulated the Catholic
people of Manchester and vicinity
on the establishment Of the new coun-
Gil
st. Thomas Council No. 1862, will
commence with a membership Of about
$50. OF this number about so are old
members Of the order who have here
tofore affiliated with councils in near
by cities.
700 knights Witness Initiation.
The exemplification Of the ritual be-
gan at 2o'clock in the old armory,
which has been leased as temporary
quarters of the new council. The up
per floor of the building has been re-
modelled into convenient and commo-
dius rooms and will be used by the
local knights until such time as
they deem it practical to erect a
home of their own.
The first and second degrees were
ably handled by the officers Of Water
loo council, ritualistfc work making
decided impression upon the candt-
dates. The major degree was confer
red by State Deputy J. H. Devaney
and staff Of Cascade, assisted by ].
B. Keefe Of Sioux City. J. is esti-
mated that at least 700 Knights wit
messed the ceremonial, which was en-
tirely successful in every respect
An Elaborate Banquet.
At the conclusion of the degree
work, splendid banquet was served
in the new armory under the auspices
Of the Rosary society Of st Mary's
church. Plates were laid for over
400 and 1t was necessary to prepare
for extra places in order to accommo-
date the large crowd The ladies are
deserving OF much praise for the ex-
cellent manner in which the banquet
was handled. The menu was very ap-
petizing and the service COULD not
have been more satisfactory. The
tables were pretti,y decorated with
carnations and other spring flowers
aid there was no confusion whatever
in caring for the banqIeters. knights
who have been attending similar fnnc-
tions all over the country declared it
was the best planned and best execu-
ted affair Of the kind they had ever
seen. The women did tremendous
amount Of work in getting ready for
the meal and all those who were privt-
legged to be present appreciated thor
oughly what they had accomplished
Following is the menu:
Olives \
Radishes Mustard Pickles
Sailed Peanuts
Prime Roast Beef Baked Ham
Creamed New Potatoes
New Peas in Patties
Combination Salad Pineapple Ice
Parker House Rolls
Apple Pie A La Mode
Coffee Cigars
Rev. Father Rooney acted as toast
master for the speaking program, in
Producing the various speakers with
witticsms that brought forth much
laughter The welcome on behalf OF
the c4ty was extended by Judge G.
W. Durham and it was literary gem,
leaving no doubt in the minds of those
present as to the sincerity of the greet
ing. His remarks follow:
Address Of Welcome.
/ am pleased to be accorded the
opportunity of offering word OF
greeting to those who are meeting
here this evening from without the
borders OF our pleasant little city AS
have witnessed the friendly interest
Of the many good citizens here whom
/ know and respect, / have realized
that the office that am to perform
Is in reality formal one, purely
formal, and unnecessary SO far as
the same comes as an expression OF
needed information Of our attitude