Knights of Columbus Council 3498, Burlington, NC

The council was formed at the suggestion of Father Livelesberger, then Pastor of Blessed Sacrament. The Charter was issued on March 23, 1952. The first meetings were held in facilities at the parish rectory and small school. Father Livelesberger offered the use of the parish kindergarten building. The building had not been in use and required much work. The new members renovated the facility at a cost of about $400. They then paid the parish $10 a month in rent.

The main activity the council undertook in the early years was to sponsor a fund-raiser to help reduce the parish debt. This became an annual activity for several years. One of the first highlights of the council was a visit from Bishop Waters. His Excellency was visiting the parish with a young priest from China and they both addressed the council.

The most popular activity during the time was the Communion Breakfast. They also held Parish Retreats for the men and a Day of Adoration. There were also a number of different social activities over the next couple of years. Shortly after the council was formed in 1952, Fr. Livelesberger suggested the council sponsor a Boy Scout Troop. However, there were not enough boys of scout age in the parish, so Cub Pack #9 was formed.

In 1953, the Council received its first Star Council award from Supreme. Over the years, the council has received 12 Star Council awards, and 4 Columbian and Fr. McGivney awards. State awards include: 4 Honor Council, 12 Distinguished Council, 1 Outstanding Council, 1 Best Small council and most recently, the State Deputies Award. In addition, the council has received numerous State Council awards for programming, and has been recognized by the Red Cross, Allied Churches of Alamance, Adopt-a-Highway, Special Olympics, and on.