Knights of Columbus Council 3498, Burlington, NC

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1954 - 1964: Activities begin while the Council struggles to maintain membership

1954:
In cooperation with the Ladies' Altar Society, now The Theresians, the council hosted a dinner at the Alamance Country Club for Father Livelesberger on the occasion of his 15th anniversary of Ordination. The council continues to this day working independently and in cooperation with other parish organizations to provide social activities for the parish community. Octoberfest, The St. Patrick's Day Dance, the Newcomer Breakfast, the Parish Pancake Breakfast, Welcome and Farewell for Religious, and special events as requested, were just a few. The council began its support of Seminarians in 1954, and the naming of a Knight of the Year at one of the social events.

1955:
The council sponsors a Parish Family Picnic. Discussion began regarding placing signs along route 70 at both the east and west approaches to Burlington, indicating the Mass schedule at Blessed Sacrament. The discussion continued over the next couple of years regarding location, size, design, and permits to place the signs. No mention that the signs were ever erected.

1956:
The council sponsors the first Parish Red Cross Blood drive. During this year, the council began to look for another meeting place. The parish was growing; the kindergarten building had been demolished, and a new school had been built. There was talk of a new church and the school hall was to be used as the temporary church. From 1956 through 1958, the council struggled with membership, lack of funding, and poor attendance at meetings and social functions. Meetings were often held at a members home or at other local civic clubs. Much of the problem stemmed from the lack of a permanent meeting place and constant member turnover.

1959:
The council established a Math award to be given to one of the graduates of the school. This year, Father Livelesberger was transferred and Monsignor O'Brien was named pastor. He also urged the council to form a Scout Troop. Since the Cub Pack had grown, there were now a sufficient number of boys to form a Scout Troop. The Troop was in operation the next year. The first annual Mass for the Deceased members was said on Thanksgiving Day.

1960:
This year, the council found an interesting fundraiser, thanks to the efforts of Brother Ray Vetter (deceased). They sold toilet tissue! Apparently, it did well. The following years from 1961 through 1964 were difficult. With the formation of the Holy Name Society, membership in both organizations suffered. The council continued to support parish and youth activities, often in cooperation with other parish groups. Attempts at social events met with varied results. Meetings were still being held at member homes, at other civic clubs, or community facilities. In 1961, the first St. Patrick's Day dance was held. This continues today as an activity of the Theresians, supported by the Knights.

1962:
The council officers discussed dissolving the council with the Supreme Representative at the State Convention. At this point, the minutes are very vague, and often there is only a letter advising of a meeting place. After November 1964, there is no record of council activities.

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Highlights by Year

1954 - 1964: Activities and the struggle to maintain membership
1970 - 1974: A new Council, a New Church, and a Tootsie Roll Drive
1975 - 1985: Activities expand through three Pastors
1986 - 1996: Expanding activities to the Community and the Purchase of Hillcrest School
1997 - 2002: Council grows to 100 members and looks to the future