COUNCIL INFORMATION
Summary History of St .Thomas More Knights of Columbus Council 10205 1989-2015
Chartered on December 19, 1989, at St Thomas More Church, Englewood, Colorado, the council listed among its charter members several past grand knights from other councils. The members of this new council elected Raymond O’Shea as its charter Grand Knight.
Council meetings have always been held at the STM center.As the council grew, it considered procuring a building to serve as the KofC hall. To that point a number of fund-raising events were undertaken. Bingo was held at several halls over [about ten] years with many hours of work contributed. Even before the cumulative amount approached $60,000 the leadership realized that the cost of a building and its subsequent upkeep would not be a prudent investment. Therefore, the council decided to contribute the bulk of these funds in various amounts to St Thomas More church and school in appreciation for the use of these facilities over the years.
Through time the council took on more activities that became part of the standard group of events that comprise the calendar of activities at STM, such as St Patrick’s Day dinner/dance, Fish Frys during Lent, Oktoberfest (later designated Italian Night,) Christmas party for STM School children along with the various food drives for Easter and Christmas, Tootsie Roll drives in the Fall, Peach sales, winter coat/clothing drives for Indian reservations/missions, monthly adult Religious education classes, Free-throw contests for Youth and support of Youth mission trips and Boy Scout activities (Eagle Scout projects) and essay contests for STM school. The council also serves as the home of the Colorado State Knights of Columbus men’s choir.
Additionally, the council has scheduled events for its own membership such as a council picnic, corporate communion breakfasts, retreats and camping trips and a “steak and cigar” knight benefiting widows and orphans of departed Brothers. Major funding of charitable causes initially through Bingo has recently been provided by a raffle of Denver Broncos football tickets generously donated by a council member who is also a member of the Broncos organization.
The Ladies Auxiliary which was chartered slightly more than two years after the council has been an integral part of the success of the council, providing moral and physical support of inestimable value to many of the council’s events. They have their own agenda regarding fund-raising and support of charities, but are always available to lend a hand when it comes to decorating and serving at the dinner/dances, etc.
Support of our pastor has always been a fundamental principle of the council’s vision and the trust engendered by this is evident by the latitude that the pastors have given to the council when using parish facilities. There is an underlying expectation that the parish will continue to be open to the presence of the council and provide space for its operation.
The council achieved Star Council status over 10 times during its first 25 years. The council has won many awards in the state including first place in several of the categories (determined by size/membership) as well as Columbian awards, Service awards, and others related to Youth, Newsletter, Vocations, Recruitment and Insurance. Membership in the council grew from the initial 51 members to 450 at the end of 2014.
Twenty-five years is not very long in the grand scheme of things, but Council 10205 has begun well and expects to continue in service to its members and the STM community as well as the greater community. The vision of Blessed Fr. Michael J McGivney is alive and well at St Thomas More.