Knights of Columbus #486
John Paul the Great Council, Middletown, New York
The History of Council 486
It was 1900 and in Middletown, New York where life is brighter, “I Bought a Horseless Carriage for my Baby” was the hit tune of a minstrel show at the Casino Hotel, the Orange County Telephone Company boasted 358 telephones throughout the county and the price of eggs was only 17 cents per dozen.
But all was not so bright the world over and even as today there were wars and rumors of wars. In China, the boxers were beginning to slay all Christians and In June of that year, it would culminate in the slaying of thousands. Later in the year the czar in Russia would send his armies to occupy most of Manchuria, ruthlessly suppressing all opposition, and even then threatening to take Korea. In South Africa the Boers and the British were at war.
On Sunday, February 25, 1900, in the presence of 700 Knights from New York City, Yonkers, Poughkeepsie, Newburgh, and other towns as far north as Rome, N.Y., Middletown Council #486 was instituted with 54 charter members in Red Men's Hall, then located on the third floor of the Times Press Building on King Street. Click here to read the text of our original charter.
It was one of many Councils which had come into existence since the founding of the Knights in New Haven, Connecticut. on May 16 1882, under the guidance of the Father Michael J. McGivney, a parish priest. In early 1900 there were 461 Councils and 56,593 Knights of Columbus members in the United States, located mostly in the eastern states.
Instituted by Santa Maria Council of New York City, the Middletown Council started like all other Councils, devoted to the principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism. The ceremonies were directed by District Deputy, Judge Frank X. Donahue of Yonkers and District Deputy John W. Ward of New York City, the instituting officer.
The temporary officers chosen on this date for the formation of our new Council were John Gavin as chairman, Timothy Mongan as Treasurer, and J. Edward Dever as secretary.
On Wednesday, March 7, the first permanent officers for the new Council were elected. They were: F. Frank Cullinan as Grand Knight; Thomas Gillen as Deputy Grand Knight; R.H. Bradley as recording secretary; J. Edward Dever as financial secretary and Daniel McCarthy as treasurer.
The group continued to meet in the Red Men's Hall until November 1910, when a three-story brick building was purchased at 10 West Main Street. This was the Council home until 1922 when the membership purchased the former Ferris M. Pronk home on South Street for $15,000, on the site of the present Paramount Theater.
The interior was remodeled and a boxing arena was built. Older Middletowners will recall the many amateur bouts held there. Some of the competitors included greats such as Vic Oliver and Jim Finn. One notable mention was Lou Costello from the duo Abbott and Costello, who once boxed at the Council. In 1928, however, the building and grounds were sold to the Paramount Company at a profit of $40,000. The Middletown Paramount Theater was built on that site.
After this successful sale, the Council went back to renting quarters, this time directly across the street. The rooms were in the State Theater Building and were later occupied by Middletown's local radio station, WALL radio.
In 1941 a building was purchased at 65 West Main Street, directly across from the old Mount Carmel Church. This was the Council's home until 3 1/2 acres of property was purchased in 1975 at Pilgrims Corners and Ingrassia Road. Construction of a new building was begun in late 1978 and completed in January of 1980. The building was dedicated by former New York State Deputy Bill Van Tassel.
In 1990, the building was sold for a large profit, and the membership started meeting at the parish center of Saint Joseph's Church on Cottage Street, where we continue to meet to the present day.
Standing the Test of Time
Our Council has always taken an active interest in our local parishes, and when its members heard the tolling of the Mount Carmel Church bell they were reminded that it was a gift of the Council. Although the Mount Carmel Parish Community built a new Church on Euclid Avenue during the 1990's, the bell was moved from its previous location and sits prominently in the new courtyard. A beautiful stained glass window in Saint Joseph’s Church, and a gift of $500.00 to the old Saint Theresa’s Nursing Home on Highland Avenue are more evidence of the generosity of the members. An annual corporate Communion and Breakfast were always one of the most important events on the Council's program, and in 1935 the custom of quarterly corporate Communions was introduced, and was vastly successful.
In 1937, James McDonough was responsible for replacing the Catholic Encyclopedia previously given to Thrall Public Library. He will be long remembered as a man who practiced Catholicism without apology. The organizing of Boy Scout Troops was a deed of which the Council was proud. The leaders attended and received instructions in this work from Boy Scout Executives. The Scouts developed this into a very active group under the Council. In the course of time, the supervision of these Troops was taken over by the Pastors, and the Troops were outstanding in the community for many years.
The Council's Cheese Club provided a week's vacation for a number of boys at a Boys' Camp in Monroe, NY, and for years the Council sponsored Circle #231 of the Columbian Squires. The Squires carried on a lively program until 1941, when they became inactive for the duration of the Second World War. Through the years, the Council has successfully sponsored and supported several Columbian Squires Circles, producing many aspiring officers for the New York State Circle.
On Washington’s Birthday, a memorial Mass was celebrated for deceased members. An annual award was given to two students in the graduating class of Saint Joseph’s School for excellence in American History, and two awards were given to Middletown High School for essays on American History.
Decorating of the soldiers’ graves in the Middletown cemeteries on Armistice Day was always performed by Edward Lorentz and never overlooked by the Council. Twelve members were called to the colors in the first World War, while forty-seven members are listed on the Council's Honor Roll for service in this war. One died in service with one listed as missing in action. An active Service Men's Sponsor Club kept in touch with the members in the armed forces through a monthly newsletter and packages, and also saw to it that a traveling card was given to them every year. A Serviceman's Committee was organized to take care of returning members.
A Blood Donors Group was organized in 1940, resulting in many transfusions. This is in addition to donations made by individual members to the Red Cross Mobile Unit in Middletown. Blood drives continue to be sponsored at to fill needs of our local communities.
The Council continued its efforts throughout the years to further the programs of the Knights of Columbus and the Church. Among its notable accomplishments since 1945 was the address by James E. Farley, attended by over 600. This was the largest function ever held by the Council and is notable that it was held in a Masonic Temple, served by both members of the Knights and members of Hoffman Lodge. This Council was instrumental in instituting the Masonic-Knights Pinochle Tournament. For years, members from the Masonic Lodge and the council attended games at Yankee Stadium.
During the 1980's a magnificent grotto was built in Saint Joseph's cemetery by the Council to honor our Blessed Mother and living and deceased members.
In 1991, from the proceeds of the sale of our building, $30,000 was donated toward the construction of the new Mount Carmel Church, $30,000 to Saint Joseph's Church, and $15,000 to Holy Cross Church in South Centerville for a lift for the handicapped, as part of their continuous charitable works.
In 1994, a monument dedicated to the unborn child was erected in Saint Joseph's cemetery. In the 1998-1999 Columbian year, the Council donated $10,000 toward the construction of a new Saint Joseph's gymnasium and Parish Center. A contribution of $10,000 was given to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church towards the construction of their new Parish Center on Euclid Avenue.
In February of 2000, another significant milestone was reached. Our Council celebrated its 100th anniversary under the leadership of Grand Knight Paul Silipino. Festivities were planned to mark this special occasion, including a celebratory dinner dance at Kuhl's Highland House. Dignitaries on hand included current and past New York State officers. A commemorative lapel pin and centennial journal were distributed to members and officers as a lasting tribute to the long history of our great council, while looking forward to the years ahead. The photos from the journal are included in the slide presentation on the left.
At the business meeting in May, 2005, a name-change resolution was passed by our members in order to honor our beloved Pontiff, Saint John Paul II, who had passed a month before. This resolution was submitted and approved by the Supreme Council. We are now known as John Paul the Great Council #486.
In 2016, a gift of $12,000 was donated to Holy Name of Jesus Church in Otisville for the immediate needs of the parish.
In May of 2017, a gift of $10,000 was donated to Saint Joseph's Church in Middletown for the parish's Renew and Rebuild Program through the Archdiocese of New York.
In March of 2020, while the entire world was changed by the Covid-19 virus, many of our members and families were adversely affected. During a time of uncertainty and isolation, the members of our Council continued to meet regularly. As much as was practical, many of our charitable and service programs continued, such as our annual coats for kids distribution program. As we emerge from the pandemic, we are stronger than ever, as we are experiencing tremendous growth in council activity.
Our Council is proud of its Brother Past State Deputy Herman P. Wolkenberg, whose interest in Columbianism has made great strides in Knights of Columbus History throughout New York. Also worthy of recognition is Past Chapter Chairman Burton Struble, who worked tirelessly to further the presence of the Order in the Hudson Valley. We have also been recognized by State Deputies with appointments of seven District Deputies and many Auxiliary Chairmen, all who have contributed their efforts in assisting the New York State Knights of Columbus.