COUNCIL INFORMATION
The Knights of Columbus Council 367 (First Council in the South) was founded in 1898. Council 367 was founded by Daniel J. Callahan who was also the Council’s first Grand Knight. Council 367 serves the following parishes in Norfolk, VA:
- Blessed Sacrament
- Christ The King Catholic Church
- Our Lady of Victory at Naval Station Norfolk
- Our Lady of Lavang (Vietnamese) Church
- Sacred Heart Catholic Church
- St. Pius X Catholic Church
- The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception
NORFOLK COUNCIL 367's CHARTER
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Our charter, dated September 25, 1898, made us the First Council chartered below the Mason Dixon Line giving us the distinct honor of being the “First Council in the South”. Many agree we’re also the “Best Council in the South”.
NORFOLK COUNCIL 367's FIRST GRAND KNIGHT
Daniel J. Callahan, Norfolk Council 367’s first Grand Knight went on to serve various other positions with the Knights of Columbus.
First Grand Knight 1898 – 1899
Virginia Territorial Deputy 1898 – 1899
First State Deputy VA 1900 – 1905
Third State Deputy VA 1906 – 1907
Supreme Treasurer K of C 1910 - 1912
LOCATIONS OF MEETING PLACES SINCE THE INCEPTION OF THE COUNCIL IN 1898
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL #367
NORFOLK, VIRGINA
“The First Council in the South”
Locations of Meeting places since the Inception of the Council in 1898
1. Van Wyck's Academy of Music, 210-212 Main Street, Norfolk, Virginia
At its inception, the Knights of Columbus Council #367, under GK Daniel Callahan, held meetings from 1898-1906 in the Academy. In 1931, a raging fire destroyed most of Main Street.
2. The Knights held meetings from 1906-1910 in the Odd Fellows Hall.
The five story building was built in 1854. The L. Snyder Department Store reconditioned the Hall in 1905. Between the first and second stories of the building, the initials I.O.O.F.– International Order Odd Fellows was written. The building was located on Church Street near City Hall Avenue.
3. Young Men's Association Hall, 830 Holt Street, Norfolk, Virginia
This building was more commonly referred to as the “K of C Hall.” Meetings were held here 1910-1936. The building was formerly a mansion and was either donated or sold to Saint Mary’s Church (located diagonally across the street) or donated or sold to the Knights of Columbus. John Buchanan, one of our oldest Knights in the centennial celebration took his first degree in this building in 1927. He remembered when the “Widow walk” was still on the roof.
4. Edifice/Drug Store, 451 Granby Street, Norfolk, Virginia
The Knights held meetings here on the second floor from 1936-1944.
5. Blessed Sacrament Parish House, 38th Street, Norfolk, Virginia
Meetings were held here from 1944-1949.
6. Knights of Columbus Hall, 2415 Colonial Avenue, Norfolk, Virginia
This building was the first one owned by the Council. Meetings were held here from 1949-1969. The building is still standing.
7. Christ the King Parish B Old Church, 3401 Tidewater Drive, Norfolk, Virginia
This church, the Chapel of the Mission, was established in the 1920s by Saint Mary’s Parish. Meetings were held here from 1970 to October 27, 1972, when this old Chapel burned down.
8. St Pius X Parish Scout Building, 7800 Halprin Drive, Norfolk, Virginia
On October 28, 1972, the Knights moved temporarily to this location for its meetings. They remained here until the new hall on Kennebeck Avenue was completed in 1973.
9. Knights of Columbus Hall, 5201 Kennebeck Avenue, Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk Council #367, “The First Council in the South” acquired this site in May 1972. Through the persistent and valiant efforts of GK Thomas Z. DeHart, PSD Vincent Cornetta, and PGK Julian Pennello, the basic structure of the hall was completed within a year. The Knights occupied their newly-owned home in April 1973. It has been “Our home away from home” ever since.
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNCIL 367 GRAND KNIGHTS
We were chartered as a Council on September 25, 1898. Since then we have had, counting our current Grand Knight as of July 1, 2021, 100 different people serve as a Grand Knight.
A few did consecutive two year terms but there was one Grand Knight, Dr. F. J. O’Connor that held if for five consecutive years (1942 – 1947) and also served as a PSD. Not for sure why he served that long, but this was during WWII and many of our Brother Knights might have been gone fighting the war and he stayed on to keep continuity.
Three Grand Knights did three consecutive years. John A. Baecher (1908 –1911), Richard P. Smith (1926 –1929) also a PSD, and Rudolph Bartol, Sr (1936 –1939).
Two Grand Knights served non-consecutive years. They were A.B. Degges (1906-1908, 1913-1914, & 1915-1916) and also a PSD. Donald E. Haddox (1987-1988 and 1996-1997).
One Grand Knight, Thomas J. Sweeney, 2003-2004, died during his term in January and Patrick Brennan took over from January 2004 to June 2005. One Grand Knight resigned his term thus making us have one less PGK.
For a list of all our PGK's, look above and click on "OUR PAST GRAND KNIGHTS"
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNCIL 367 PAST STATE DEPUTIES
Norfolk Council 367, “The First Council in the South” has had 12 Past State Deputies serve as State Deputies for the state of Virginia. PSD Daniel J. Callahan, our first Grand Knight and the first State Deputy, served two terms, the first for five years, totaling six years as a State Deputy.
The twelve Past State Deputies and year(s) served are:
Daniel J Callahan (1900-1905 & 1906-1907), Michael J. Murphy (1911-1912), A.B. Degges (1917-1918), Lee F. Lawler (1935-1937), Edward V. Foretich Sr. (1941-1943), M. Daily Walsh (1947-1948), Richard P. Smith (1949-1950), Dr. Frank J. O’Connor (1952-1953), Dr. Edward Millan (1961-1962), Dr. Vincent T. Cornetta (1972-1973), Thomas J. O’Connor Sr. (1986-1987), & John (Jack) F. Michalski (2002-2003).
John (Jack) F. Michalski is the only Past State Deputy still living.
NORFOLK COUNCIL 367’s “FAMILY OF THE YEAR” RECOGNITION
Each Knights of Columbus Council takes the opportunity to annually recognize one of our families “who has served as an inspiration to our parish, community and council by supporting and strengthening Christian Family Life.” Over the years, our Council and our Parishes have benefitted tremendously from the dedication and commitment of these families.
Norfolk Council #367, “The First Council in the South” is proud to recognize the following “Family of the Year” selectees:
1898-1979 NO DATA AVAILABLE
1979-1980 CHARLES & JANET RICE III
1980-1981 JULIAN & SHIRLEY PENNELLO
1981-1982 GEORGE & ANNE COSTIS
1982-1983 TOMMY & EILENE WINDER
1983-1984 THOMAS & CHARLOTTE SOCHOR
1984-1985 LESSEL & ROSETTA DAVIS
1985-1986 WARREN & JOANN BROOKS
1986-1987 KENNETH & PATTY BRINK
1987-1988 DR. VINCENT & LOUISE CORNETTA
1988-1989 ROBERT & DIANE VOSKUHL
1989-1990 JOHN & ARDA MECHTEL, SR
1990-1991 GEORGE & ODESSA RUSHING
1991-1992 CHARLES & HELEN ALLAIN, SR
1992-1993 LESSEL & ROSETTA DAVIS
1993-1994 JOSEPH & ELLIE MARASCO
1994-1995 JACK & CINDY MICHALSKI
1995-1996 THOMAS & BARBARA SWEENEY
1996-1997 JOSEPH & KATHY GRIMM
1997-1998 JUNIOR & DENA MORRIS
1998-1999 GEORGE & ANNE COSTIS
1999-2000 JIM & ELLEN SMITH
2000-2001 JOSEPH & PATRICIA SIRACHI
2001-2002 DAN & KAREN OWENS
2002-2003 KENNETH & PATTY BRINK
2003-2004 DANIEL & MARGARET DOWD, SR.
2004-2005 CHARLES & CATHY ALLAIN, JR
2005-2006 RICH & FREDA MOZELEWSKI
2006-2007 PAT & PATRICIA BRENNAN
2007-2008 JIM & LINDA PRESSLER / TIM & KATHY WOODINGTON
2008-2009 CHRIS & LISA SASONE
2009-2010 RICHARD & JENNIFER MACK
2010-2011 RONALD & ELLEN SCHAFER
2011-2012 LAMERIQUE & ESTHER LAGUERRE
2012-2013 ROD, BECKY, ANDREW, & JESSICA WATSON
2013-2014 PGK PAT & PATRICIA BRENNAN
2014-2015 JOHN & MARION PERSON
2015-2016 JAY, ARLINE, KATRINA, & NICOLE PEREZ
2016-2017 TODD, SONIA, IAN, & JACQUELINE WOMACK
2017-2018 PETER, ROSE, AUSTIN, NATHAN, & BRIANNA LAURIN
2018-2019 PGK JOHN & MARION PERSON
2019-2020 PGK JIM & LINDA PRESSLER
2020-2021 PGK JOHN & MARION PERSON
2021-2022 KENT, MICHELLE, ALDEN & PAYTON RHODES
2022-2023 STEVE, ANDREA, JOSEPHINE, & MARIAN PETRAS
2023-2024 RAUL, AILEEN, RAUL JR, LILY, & ELIZABETH ACEVEDO
NORFOLK COUNCIL 367’s “KNIGHT OF THE YEAR” RECOGNITION
The Catholic gentlemen selected as “Knight of the Year” by their respective Council have consistently demonstrated the highest degree of character, integrity, dedication, and love of God and family. They have epitomized the ideals of our Order – Charity, Unity, and Fraternity.
Norfolk Council 367, “The First Council in the South”, is proud to recognize the following Brothers and congratulate them for serving as true Knights of Columbus!
1898-1974 NO DATA AVAILABLE
1974-1975 THOMAS Z. DEHART PGK
1975-1976 EDWARD G. DURIVAGE – AUBREY D. HUNT, PGK
1976-1977 TONY GIANELLI, JR. PGK
1977-1978 ROBERT L. GOODEY
1978-1979 SAM CAMPELI
1979-1980 WARREN L. ROSE
1980-1981 TONY GIANELLI, JR. PGK
1981-1982 PAUL J. DECKER, PGK
1982-1983 BRUCE C. SHACKELFORD, PGK
1983-1984 JULIAN R. PENNELLO, PGK
1984-1985 CHARLES A. RICE III, PGK
1985-1986 GERALD J. KING SR
1986-1987 DR. VINCENT T. CORNETTA, PGK, PSD
1987-1988 JOSIAH G. CARTER
1988-1989 HAROLD D. BROWN, PGK
1989-1990 LESSELL DAVIS, PGK
1990-1991 HOWARD “JACK” GRAY, JR., PGK
1991-1992 FLOYD ARNER
1992-1993 JACK F. MICHALSKI
1993-1994 RONALD A. STOVER
1994-1995 DANIEL M. ZINNI
1995-1996 BENJAMIN L. SPITZER
1996-1997 STANLEY W. TYLER
1997-1998 KENNETH W. BRINK, PGK
1998-1999 RICHARD G. MOZELEWSKI, PGK
1999-2000 JOHN A. DAILEY
2000-2001 JOHN J. MECHTEL, SR.
2001-2002 JOSEPH W. REJUNEY
2002-2003 JOSEPH V. MARASCO, PGK
2003-2004 RONALD A. STOVER, PGK
2004-2005 DANIEL T. OWENS, PGK
2005-2006 CHRIS KUPCHICK
2006-2007 GEORGE RUSHING, PGK
2007-2008 WILLIAM A CARR, JR
2008-2009 JOHN A. DAILEY
2009-2010 PHIL CONNELL, PGK
2010-2011 JAMES L. SMITH
2011-2012 RONALD P. SCHAFER
2012-2013 JOSEPH V. MARASCO, PGK
2013-2014 SEAN F. MYERS
2014-2015 MARK S. WHITE
2015-2016 JOHN A. ESCUADRA, PGK
2016-2017 DANIEL T. DOYLE
2017-2018 THOMAS C HORSCH
2018-2019 NAPOLEON CARAGAN
2019-2020 NICHOLAS RAMIREZ
2020-2021 STEVEN CYRS & DAVID LISTOL
2021-2022 JOHN F PERSON, PGK
2022-2023 WILLIAM LAMPING
NORFOLK COUNCIL 367’s "YOUNG MAN & YOUNG WOMAN OF THE YEAR" RECOGNITION
Each Knights of Columbus Council takes the opportunity to annually recognize one Young Man and Young Woman “who has served as an inspiration to our parish, community and council by supporting and strengthening Christian Family Life.” Over the years, our Council and our Parishes have benefitted tremendously from their dedication and commitment of these Young Adults.
Norfolk Council #367, “The First Council in the South” is proud to recognize the following “Young Man & Young Woman of the Year” selectees:
YOUNG MAN OF THE YEAR
2012 – 2013 PATRICK SCHAFER
2013 – 2014 ANDREW WATSON
2014 – 2015 ANTHONY MORLINO
2015 – 2016 GABRIEL CRAWFORD
2016 – 2017 TORRION ESPREE
2017 – 2018 JOHN GREGOIRE
2018 - 2019 KOBE NGUYEN
2019 - 2020 ALDEN RHODES
2020 - 2021 WILLIAM PALESTRANT
2021 - 2022 SETH LARKIN
2022 - 2023 CAMERON SADR
2023 - 2024 JEREMY MORRIS
YOUNG WOMAN OF THE YEAR
2012 – 2013 VICTORIA PEARSON
2013 – 2014 DELANEY & MADISON WHITE
2014 – 2015 MICHELE MUNOZ
2015 – 2016 MEGAN MAGYAR
2016 – 2017 MARIAH HUFFMAN
2017 – 2018 VICTORIA WOODS
2018 - 2019 CYNTHIA DOYLE
2019 - 2020 OLIVIA SMITH
2020 - 2021 VERONICA GROSS
2021 - 2022 CATHERINE GREGOIRE
2022 - 2023 CHARLOTTE TORRES
2023 - 2024 SOPHIA KIDWELL
16,000 CATHOLICS WITNESS SOLEMN CELEBRATION OF MARIAN MASS
Click HERE for newspaper article.
In October 10, 1954, a Marian Mass was held on Foreman Field. In the midst of the devout assembly kneeling in the grandstands, Navy men formed a living cross in the field. Through its center aisle, an impressive procession of about 50 priest and chaplains, 300 altar boys and a color guard of Marines quietly walked to the gold draped altar.
120 Fourth Degree Knights from Councils 367 and 3548 and Knights from St Gregory’s were in full regalia.
Picture and news article donated from Brother Jim Shaw who participated in the Mass.
100TH CELEBRATION OF OUR COUNCIL 1898-1998
Grand Knight Joseph Grimm and Council #367, "The First Council in the South", posing for the 100th Anniversary of our Council.
TRIFOLD BROCHURE FOR PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS
Trifold Brochure. See Attached.
This brochure was made to advertise and promote our Council and the Knights of Columbus.
OUR 125TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Letter from Supreme on our 125th Anniversary
Our 125th anniversary celebration was held at the Double Tree Hotel in Norfolk on September 15th.
In attendance was Bishop Knestout, State Deputy Patrick Rowland, Former Vice Supreme Master Richard Head, Past State Deputy Jack Michalski, Priests Fr Kevin Fimian, Fr Paul Muyimbwa, Fr Joseph Wamala, Fr. Sean Prince, & Fr. Gerald Kaggwa.
Many Past Grand Knights and Worthy Grand Knight, Peter Laurin, were in attendance.
Dinner consisted of Shrimp, Mixed Garden Salad, Chicken Marsala, Prime Rib, Mixed Vegetables, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Cheesecake & Anniversary Cake.
A great time was had by all! Vivat Jesus! On to the next 125 years!