About Our Council

Gainesville Council 1167

Organized in 1905 and home to more than 200 dedicated council members, the Gainesville KC Council is dedicated in its support of St Mary's Catholic Church and School. Time, resources and thousands of dollars are generously donated each year to St Mary's Parish and School through various fundraisers.

Imagine being part of an organization that fills your heart and your mind with the joy of giving to others and the feeling that comes with making a difference. Knights are practicing Catholic men, 18 years of age and older, who are committed to making their community a better place, while supporting their Church. Being a Knight is more than camaraderie; it is being involved with your community; it is supporting your local Catholic Church, while enhancing your own faith; it is about protecting and enhancing your family life.

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History

Our History

Frank X. Schad served as the first Grand Knight of Council 1167.  He was born on Feruary 10, 1870.  He was a salesman and a principal of the Schad and Pulte Hardware firm in Gainesville.  He received his 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Degrees in the Knights of Columbus on February 18, 1905.  He received the honor of 4th Degree, the highest degree attainable, on February 22, 1910.  He is credited with being the initial organizer of Council 1167.  The first recorded meeting was helo on the second floor of the Teague Company Building at 113 North Dixon Street in Gainesville. 

During the years of the 1st Wold War, membership dwindled due to some of the members leaving to serve their country and this trend continued after the War. They started to receive members from area towns, the council began to grow so they started looking for a new meeting location. 

In the 1940's the council purchased a building at 309-313 North Commerce. The structure's second floor was utilized and fully equipped with an assembly hall, three large meeting rooms along with a kitchen and recreational room.  The bottom floor was rented to a planning mill.  This began an era of growth, which continued for two decades.  Many socials and fundraisers were held in this facility.  Bingo was a common activity.  The Altar Society held dinners and metings at this facility.

As the years passed, the structura safety of the building on North Commerce became a concern.  Dances that were held there had to be toned down.  One particular dance, "The Bunny Hop" would make the upper floor shake and had to be stopped.

Again, it was time to consider a change of location for Council 1167.  In the 1960's, land was purchased at the intersection of Highway 82 and I-35.  Bishop Thomas Gorman dedicated the 8,040 square foot facility in January of 1969.  At the time, there were 230 members. This building has been used for countless wedding receptions, gatherings, dances, fundraisers, and other functions through the years. Council 1167 still occupies this building.  Today, the Council has more than 240 members.  

Council 1167 is dedicated in its support of St Mary's Catholic Church and School.  Thousands of dollars are donated each year to St Mary's through various fundraisers, such as the annual "Truck Dance" and the Annual Golf Tournament.  In addition to financial help, council members donate countless volunteer hours working to maintain school and church grounds.  

Rich in history and committed in service, Council 1167 remains a vital part of St Mary's Parish in Gainesville Texas.  

(information was obtained from "125 Years of Faith")

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