About Our Council

       In 2009, Ashland Council #832 changed its name to the Father Conan Mitchell, OFM, Council #832, to honor Father Conan, an Ashland native who was a Franciscan Friar for more than 60 years.  After serving parishes in Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Michigan, and Minnesota, Father Conan returned to his hometown of Ashland in 1991.
     Father Conan continued to be an active priest at Our Lady of the Lake Church for more than 10 years.  He was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, and was the first Faithful Friar of Chequamegon Bay Assembly #2462 from its founding in September of 1996 until his death in 2009.  After suffering a stroke, Father Conan "retired" to Court Manor Nursing Home in Ashland, where he continued to say daily Mass and minister to the residents there until shortly before his death on March 13, 2009, at the age of 93.  He was named the Wisconsin Nursing Homes Spiritual Leader of the Year in 2005.   
       Following Father Conan's death, Ashland Council 832 began the procedure to change its name in honor of Father Conan.  A resolution was passed by the Council on April 20, 2009, and forwarded to the Wisconsin State Council for approval (click here to view the Council resolution).  The final step was the approval by the Supreme Council.  The Ashland Council's name was officially changed, appropriately, on Columbus Day, October 12, 2009.     
       We are proud to perpetuate the memory of Father Conan Mitchell, OFM, by naming our Council in his honor.

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Council History

     Established on December 20, 1903, Ashland Council 832 is among the oldest Knights of Columbus Councils in Wisconsin.  Council 832 came into being just a year after the Wisconsin State Council was formed, and was the 17th K C Council in the State.  The Ashland Knights of Columbus are also believed to be the longest continuously-existing service organization in the Chequamegon Bay Area.

     Over 200 Knights from Duluth, Superior, Hurley, and Ironwood came to Ashland in December of 1903 to take part in the chartering ceremonies, which were held in the large banquet hall at St. Agnes School.  James H. Madden, who lived in a house at 220 Saint Claire St. in what is now the parking lot behind Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, was the first Grand Knight of Council 832., and Joseph P. Sullivan was the Council's first Financial Secretary.  

     The following 49 men were charter members of Ashland Council #832: 

     For more than 100 years, Council #832 has been one of the leading service organizations in the Chequamegon Bay area.  We have been led by many outstanding Grand Knights and Financial Secretaries.  Click here to see the list of Past Grand Knights.

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