Nebraska State Council Proceedings Knights of Columbus 1905-1926

Balance on hand, as per last report	$3,647.90
Received from the State Secretary	4,113.60
Total	$7,761.50

Disbursements From General Fund
York Blank Book Co	$ 38.29
Geo. F. Corcoran	29.00
Geo. F. Corcoran	19.70
John Buttell	15.50
James F. Burke	15.50
Very Rev. L. A. Dunphy	15.50
Jas. S. Zochall	22.26
J. F. Webster	22.26
Henry J. Barrett	9.40
Harry Connenly	9.40
John A. Simones	31.76
Peter Peetz	37.76
Frank Schuba	12.22
B. J. Brown	12.00
Chas. J. Thielen	19.35
Peter Wagner	20.07
E. B. Foster	12.00
August Zimmerer	17.80
Edward Zimmer	12.00
L. C. Brian	12.00
Rev. R. Moran	12.00
Jas. T. Brady	16.60
H. E. Coyne	30.26
Chas. Cronin	15.50
A. P. Sprague	11.70
Edward L. Klotz	6.92
W. J. Donahue	16.60
J. H. Pieper	16.60
Mark Burke	8.07
S. J. Oliverius	16,60
Frank J. Moersen	16.25
F. W. Leonard	16.25
J. E. Vlach	6.91
James P. Blu	33.82
C. V. Dunn	14.12
C. J. Driscoll	14.12
J. M. Liewer	14.12
Henry C. Lang	17.34
C. E. Coffey	17.95
Arthur J. Woelke	17.59

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PROCEEDINGS OF ANNUAL COUNCIL MEETINGS

P. J. Barrett	32.82
John H. O'Malley	32.82
Chas. J. Reilly	17.34
Parley Hyde	43,32
J. C. Morrow	43.78
R. B. Daugherty	28.20
M. F. Foley	28.20
James A. Cleary	28.70
E. J. Brady	30.00
Frank M. Colfer	Z8.84
George J. Walsh	18.20
Wm. H. Kloke	14.92
J. H. Barry	11.44
J. C. Tighe	13.10
F. H. Taylor	13.10
A. J. Dewald	17.55
Herman Frank Nacke	17.55
George T. Kearney	15.30
Emil L. Kudrna	11.89
Dr. J. A. Colfer	26.76
John T. Biglin	26.76
James F. Crowley	26.76
F. J. Hassler	30.00
Chas E. Rostraller	30.00
M. E. Dolan	43.32
J. W. Guthrie	43.78
W. J. Tiehen	15.49
L. P. Wirth	14.99
P. J. Mullin	17.00
Roscoe Anderson	14.99
Emmet Murphy	14.99
John B. Woulf	17.00
P. M. Thies	16.40
Francis P. Matthews	121.27
John R. Carroll	33.56
W. J. Landgraf	33.56
Carl E. Sinnon	33.56
E. B. Hurchman	14.90
Anthony Hirchman	17,40
Jos. P. Ryan	21.35
J. J. Kennedy	21.35
D. Radford, Jr	11.40
F. E. Marrin	30.26
H. J. Hammond	30.26
W. G. O'Keefe	43.78
Dr. Leo Phelan	17.86
G. J. Baumann	17.86
W. H. Burchenstein	43.78
W. C. Fraser	4.50
W. H. Laughlin	17.86
P. A. Tomek	15.90
E. H. Whelan	30.26
Total	$2,049.07

Total paid out for expenses of last state convention, $2.049,07.

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J. H. Barry	$ 5.00
Fontenelle Hotel	14.85
Geo. F. Corcoran	5.00
Rev. L. A. Dunphy	6.00
W. J. Donohue	17.60
E. H. Whelan	7.50
Geo. F. Corcoran	15.00
Service Taxi Co	6.00
Total	$76.95--	$ 76.95

M. F. Shafer & Co	80.57
N. C. Leary Co	6.25
Burkley Printing Co .	36.00
Multigraph Duplicating Co	19.80
Francis P. Matthews, Secretary	4.60
Francis P. Matthews, Secretary	15.00
True Voice Publishing Co	233.39
N. C. Leary Co	59.50
Total	$ 532.06
Balance on hand	$5,180.37
Total	$7,761.50
WESTERN MISSIONARY FUND
Balance on hand, as per last report	$1,849.63
Received from State Secretary	2,577.25
Total	$4,426.88
DISBURSEMENTS
Paid to Bishop Charles J. O'Reilly	$ 920.00
Paid to Bishop J. A. Duffy	920.00
Balance on hand	2,586.88
Total	$4,426.88
KEARNEY NORMAL FUND
Balance on hand from last report	$ 735.90
Received from State Secretary	1.030.90
Total	$1,766.80
DISBURSEMENTS
Paid to B. H. Patterson, Sponsor for Catholic Students' Association, Nebraska State Normal School of Kearney	$ 735.00
Balance on hand	1,031.80
Total	$1,766.80
Received of Francis P. Matthews, State Secretary, $7,721.75 to be credited to the different funds as follows:
General State Fund	$4,113.60
Western Missionary Fund	2,577.25
Kearney Normal Fund	1,030.90
Total	$7,721.75

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     I take great pleasure in reporting to you that your Western Missionary Fund amounted to a little over $1,840. This amount was equally divided between the Right Reverend Bishops of Lincoln and Grand Island--$920 to each. This amount in each case has been applied where the best and most permanent results are to be attained for the success of the struggling missions in the western part of our state. Great good will result from your generous participation in this much-needed work. You have helped very materially those whose lot it is to be settled in our western counties of the state. God, who allows nothing to pass unheeded, will reward your efforts. You have the thanks and hearty commendation of Right Rev. Bishop O'Reilly and of Right Rev. Bishop Duffy.
     While congratulating you on your generosity as a state constituent of a great national organization of sterling Catholic gentlemen, it might be well to ask what we are doing in the great battle against our church and school by secret organizations and by so-called religious bodies. We experienced some of the dark-back-door-un-American methods during the session of our last state legislature. Have we learned by experience or are we flattering ourselves that Providence and American fairness will help us out without special effort of our own? "But America and the Lord God expect us to attend to our own business and to use the power we have from God and the constitution to defend our civil and religious rights like men, and do it in the open."
     A false prudence, which is cowardice, has too often kept our hands tied and our eyes and mouth shut till the enemy is ready for the big drive. We must organize more closely. Our Bishops, Archbishops and Cardinals have organized in a grand national scheme for the welfare of the nation and the individual. Let us each keep our hands free and our eyes and ears open and our minds and wills ever ready to receive the teachings of truth. Let us study our religion and its history. Study carefully the long-discarded Catechism, which is a compendium of all philosophy and theology.
     Let us study contemporary history from Catholic papers and Catholic magazines, and let us cultivate a taste therefor, and thus create readers and writers of Catholic literature. Amongst many we find "The True Voice," "Our Sunday Visitor," "America," "Truth," and may others, too numerous to mention. Use our influence to have our state paper treat more fairly Catholic questions and events--to give us equal treatment with other organizations. Let us study Catholic authors and see that our children take an interest in good Catholic reading. Let young and old study the constitution of the United States, which is and should be the text book of our patriotism. Our

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patriotism, nurtured by our religion, will make us good citizens of the republic we love, and will make the republic more secure by the intelligent interest of its loyal citizens.
The editor of the American Freemason has uttered a word which should be made true by every truly Catholic American: "A few men, if brave enough to stand consistently for the right as against the active opposition of some or the indifference of the many, will sooner or later find support and strength, and in the end will achieve victory for their cause. The fair-minded are always in the majority; it Is only that so many are timid and that so many more are apathetic."
This is good advice coming from the opposition camp, but to carry it out requires sacrifice. "It requires much of the prudence of the Christian Martyrs: not the prudence of 'Safety First.' We are the heirs of a long line that threw human prudence to the winds for right and truth; and if we are true to that heritage we shall infuse their spirit, their courage, their ideals, into the Catholic body, and through them into the body of the nation. Then will be realized the logical consequences of Catholic education; the full actualization of our grand constitution in a citizenship throbbing with the power that is of God."

Hon, Edward H. Whelan, Worthy State Deputy, Knights of Columbus:
     Dear Sir and Brother:
     As District Deputy of the First district, comprised of Omaha, Wahoo, Plattsmouth and Falls City, I submit the following report:
     The membership of Omaha Council on March 1, 1920, was 1,562, an increase of more than 100 per cent during the year. Since March 1, Omaha Council has initiated three classes, making a total membership of 1,700. The class held on May 16 was the eighth since October 1, 1919, and the eighteenth class during the past sixteen months.
     At the present time Omaha Council has thirty-four applications awaiting action of the Council and fifty-five applications elected to membership who, for one reason or other, have not appeared for initiation.
     Father Juan De Padilla Council No. 1996, located at Plattsmouth, the youngest Council in the district, has a membership of 99, which is an increase of fifty per cent during the year.
     Wahoo Council No. 1833 has a membership of 230, a net increase of eleven members during the year. Since making its report this Council initiated a class of twenty candidates, making a total membership of 250.
     Falls City Council No. 1336 has a membership of 302, a net increase of twenty-three during the year. Prospects are very favorable for an initiation at Falls City early in the fall of this year.

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     The total membership of the First district, on March 1, was 2,193 of which approximately twenty-five per cent were insurance members.
     All of these Councils are in a very good financial condition at the present time. They all show a substantial increase during the year. Omaha Council was obliged to spend a large protion (sic) of its funds to secure new quarters. However, the increased revenue that will accrue by reason of such an action will soon build up the funds beyond their previous status.
     Omaha Council has plans well under way for the erection of a permanent home which will be a credit to the state and source of pride to members of the order. It is contemplated to make this home the center of Catholic activities in Omaha and also provide numerous comforts and conveniences for Knights of Columbus in general.
     The Plattsmouth Council owns a very substantial and commodious home and the members avail themselves of its many advantages. This Council is less than a year old, but it has a very efficient set of officers, and prospects are vary favorable for its rapid progress.
     The Wahoo Council has purchased ground and is making preparations to erect a suitable building when the unsettled business conditions become more normal. This Council has been handicapped on account of the absence of suitable quarters in the city and undoubtedly will show more progress when this condition is remedied.
     Falls City Council has no permanent home of its own, but has been fortunate in securing ample rooms for meetings and social affairs.
     I am very well pleased and gratified with the hearty co-operation that I have received from the officers of the Councils in the. First district and with the interest that they have taken in the promotion of the order and the welfare of its members. However, I am of the opinion that there is still a great deal that can be accomplished by bringing about a closer association between the local Councils and the state officers.
     The members should be more informed as to the activities of the order in the state and efforts should be made to bring them to a keener realization of the duties incumbent upon its members and of the great amount of good that can be accomplished for the welfare of the Church, the State and the Order by a more united and concerted effort.
     The Knights of Columbus have earned an enviable reputation, but it remains for the members to see that this reputation is rightfully retained and that our deeds reflect credit upon the order and win the admiration of our neighbors.

To the Worthy State Deputy and State Council:
I beg leave to submit the following report as to the present condition and status of the Charles Carroll of Carrollton Council, No. 701, of O'Neill, the Hartington Council, No. 1233, of Hartington, the Count Creighton Council, No. 1238. of Creighton, and the Emerson Council, No. 1309, of Emerson, said four Councils comprising the Second district.

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     As shown by the last report, duly submitted to me by the Charles Carroll of Carrollton Council, said Council has a total membership of 411. Of that membership 144 are insurance members, and 267 are associate members. The financial condition of the Council is excellent, showing a. cash balance on hand of $501.42, and no indebtedness reported. The Council has an excellent home and clubrooms.
     The Hartington Council has a present membership of 384, eighty-four of which are insurance members, and 300 associate members. This Council is in good financial condition, having an excellent home, owned largely by' the Council, and a cash balance of $1,913.46 in the treasury.
     The Creighton Council reports a membership f 380, 133 of which are of the insurance class, and 247 associate members. This Council is in good financial condition, with a cash. balance of $3,145.33 on hand. !.
     The Emerson Council has a. present membership of 329, seventy-nine being insurance members, and 250 associate members. This Council is in a good vigorous and healthy condition, shoving a balance of $825.65 in the treasury, and with no outstanding obligations.
     A general survey of the condition in this district indicates a renewed activity, not only as to increasing the membership of the order, but there is a general tendency on the part of the Knights of this district for a closer union and co-operation of its members, in all things that pertain to the welfare of the order, and to be of service in' everything that pertains to the general welfare of the public; in other words, the Knights of this district are showing that generous tendency both as individuals and as members of the organization, to be of service and to assist and give impetus to every worthy movement that tends to the uplift of society in general. The splendid work undertaken and accomplished by the Knights of Columbus, both here and abroad, during the world war, is being taken up by the Knights of Columbus in their individual communities with splendid results, adding to the prestige of the order and to the personale of its members. Membership in the Knights of Columbus has become, in the eye of the general public, a mark of distinction.

To the State Deputy and Members of the State Council, Knights of Columbus:
     Worthy Sirs:
     The Third Nebraska district comprises the following Councils: Fitzgerald, No. 833, at Lincoln; Father Crowe, No. 1737, at Friend; Beatrice, No. 1723, at Beatrice, and Wymore, No. 1295, at Wymore.
     Fitzgerald Council of Lincoln has enjoyed a healthy growth during the year. Three classes have been put on and in spite of the bad weather which marred the attendance at each of these initiations the membership has increased more than twenty-five per cent. Of 579 members in good standing, 126 are insurance members. The finances of the Council are in good condition. Lapses of membership have been unusually low, meetings have been well attended and the entertain-

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ments and lectures provided by the Council, as for example the lecture by Brother Collins, have provoked a great deal of favorable comment outside of the order.
     Father Crowe Council, at Friend, is likewise in flourishing condition. The membership of the Council is drawn from a wide territory and the Council has adopted the practice of putting on the initiatory work in the parishes outside of Friend, where their members reside. One class was held at Crete by which the Council gained fifty members, bringing the total membership up to 130. Another class to be bold at Exeter is now under way and will probably be held before this report has been submitted. There have been some suspensions which to me is an indication of the efficiency of the officers. Financially the Council is in splendid condition, another tribute to its officers.
     Beatrice Council has held no class this year, owing principally to bad weather, but has made a slight gain in membership by initiation in other Councils. The total membership is now 130, of which almost half are insurance members. The Council has made a good showing financially and will no doubt have a large class this spring.
     Wymore Council has a membership of 73, a slight gain over last year's report, but has had no class. A joint initiation with Beatrice is planned for the near future. Weather conditions have made it impossible to hold regular meetings, and as a consequence, enthusiasm has waned somewhat. A neat sum of cash is on hand and lapsation has been slight.
     A petition for a new Council at Fairbury is now under consideration. In this connection, I believe that a mistake has been made in the past, by granting charters to some of the smaller parishes, so that when the larger towns and county seats of the vicinity organize Councils, the smaller Councils are weakened or the territory of the larger ones are of necessity much limited. If the good of the order rather than the benefit to the individuals be considered, it would seem that a few large active Councils would accomplish more than many small inactive ones. As a remedy for the errors of this nature which already exist, it is suggested that weaker Councils be merged with stronger ones in their vicinity or with new Councils at central or convenient points.
     I believe that the best interests of the order would be served if Councils who have a small group of applicants would arrange for joint initiation with Councils similarly situated. The injection of new blood into the Council cannot help but be beneficial and applicants whose initiation is long postponed lose much of their original enthusiasm.
     To my keen regret, circumstances make it impossible for me to be present at the convention. I hope that this body will take some steps toward perfecting an active state organization. A full-time secretary, with frequent meetings of the state Council and District Deputies, will without doubt increase their efforts and build up the order and its work in the state. A monthly bulletin from the State Secretary, or the regular printing in existing publications of news of interest to Knights of Columbus, will do much to arouse the enthusiasm of local Councils. Comparison of the results of our work, intimate acquaintance with leaders in the order and frequent consultation with the State Deupty (sic) and other officers in regard to the problems of lo-

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cal Councils are not only helpful but almost necessary to keep alive the spirit of the order.
In closing, permit me to say that I have enjoyed the association with the active members of the order, the state and Council officers, degree officers and others and have found the task of arranging degree work a pleasant one. I am thankful to have had an opportunity to serve the Knights of Columbus in a small way in this capacity.

Worthy State Deputy and Delegates to State Convention of 1920:
     The Councils comprising the Fourth district, at the close of the past year, are all in a prosperous and flourishing condition, as is evidenced by the following report:
     Columbus Council No. 938 has a total membership of 325, of which seventy-two are in the insurance class and 253 in the associate class a gain of twenty-one insurance and forty-seven associate members.
     Immaculate Conception Council No. 1666, of Sutton, has a total membership of 150, of which forty-six are in the insurance class and 104 In the associate class--a gain of eight insurance and six associate members since the last report.
     Leo XIII Council, No. 1708, of York, has a total membership of 186, of which fifty-nine are in the insurance class and 127 in the associate class, a gain of twelve insurance and fifty-four associate members.
     Tihen Council, No. 1717, of David City, has a total membership of 363, of which 106 are in the Insurance class and 257 In the associate class--a gain of nineteen insurance and eighty-six associate members.
     The suspensions have been negligible in each of the Councils of the district and practically all confined to associate members.
     I would most earnestly recommend to the members of each Council that every effort be made in the future to bring prominently before the mind of every prospective candidate the insurance feature of the order. The proportion of insurance members to associate members in this district is entirely too small. The reason for this lies largely with the present membership. I have personally talked with many members who had never been solicited for insurance when joining the order. The war risk insurance promulgated by our government has given a wonderful impetus to life insurance of all kinds and old-line insurance companies are doing business on a scale never before thought of. Is there any reason why our order, in its insurance feature, should not profit by this increased activity? It lies entirely with our members.

To the Worthy State Deputies and Brothers of the Sixteenth State Council Assembled at Norfolk, Neb.:
Brother Knights:
The Councils of the Fifth district have been fairly active during

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the past year and have accomplished things which will prove of material advantage in the future.
     The Alliance Council, No. 975, shows an increase in insurance membership from fifty-eight to sixty-seven, and an increase in associate membership from 130 to 142. In January of this year this Council purchased a business block costing $12,500, paying $4,500 in cash, and has a loan of $8,000 in the building and loan association. The rental from the lower floors takes care of the monthly payments, and the Council pays $50 per month to the building association for the use of the upper floors. This has stimulated interest greatly among the members and we now have meetings full of life and believe the results will be very far-reaching in every way. A class of thirty-two was initiated on February 8, very successfully, and it is planned to put on another class probably before the meeting of the National Council. Fourteen members were suspended recently, a number of whom have been reinstated since the date of the report. This Council is well equipped with lodge furniture and paraphernalia, the value of which exceeds $1,000.
     Chadron Council No. 1128 has made little or no change since the last report and shows a loss of one insurance member by death, and one associate member withdrawn. Financially, this Council is in excellent condition, and I feel certain that the next report will show a marked increase in membership and in results attained. Several times during the winter they expected to put on a class, but the weather and condition of the roads were so bad that it had to be given up. They have cash on hand of nearly $2,000, the complete set of furniture, paraphernalia and lodge equipment.
     Sidney Council No. 1816 shows a very excellent growth, increasing the insurance members from fifty-nine to eighty-six, and the associate members from 107 to 136 on April 1. A class was initiated on May 23, the exact number of which I have not learned, but this will undoubtedly make the membership of the Council in both classes more than 150, a gain of at least 100 in the past year. They have about $1,500 in the treasury. The Council is very well officered (sic), and I feel certain that they will show as large an increase in the coming year as they have in the past.
     There are enough applications to organize and institute a Council at Scottsbluff, and this would have been accomplished had it not been for the fact that a proper hall for the exemplification of the degrees cannot be obtained at this time. I am sure that this obstacle will be overcome before fall, and that Scottsbluff will be on the map in Knights of Columbus circles by November 1 at the latest. The pastor, Rev, Father Moloney, who is now a member of the Alliance Council,. is a very enthusiastic Knight, and there are a number of old Knights living at Scottsbluff at the present time who will aid materially in making the new Council, when established, a decided success.

Worthy State Deputy and Brother Knights:
I respectfully present herewith a report of the conditions of the Sixth Nebraska jurisdiction for the year ending March 31, 1920.

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     The banner Council of this district, Hastings Council of Hastings, has a total membership of 467 members, seventy-seven insurance and 390 associate, own some very valuable town real estate, besides having most excellent club and lodge facilities.
     Outside of permanent investments this Council has total cash on hand of $488.33.
     Hastings Council is an institution worthy of more than a mere name, having proven a vital factor in the furtherance of all worthy parish and municipal movements. Its gain in membership during the past year has been gratifying, notwithstanding the fact that its territory has been reduced by the institution of new Councils.
     The Council is most ably officered and its members are past masters in the art of entertaining guests. A most praiseworthy work of practical import put over by this Council was the raising of a church debt of big proportions in Hastings.
     St. Stephen Council, No. 1906, of Lawrence, is a thriving unit in Nebraska K. of C. circles, located in a section noted for its substantial agricultural interests. This Council shows a gain of membership of sixty-five, or almost eighty per cent of its former membership. Its financial statement shows a handsome cash balance with a healthy activity in all Council departments. This Council, through its members has aided that prince of priests, Father Becker, in erecting one of the handsomest parochial school plants in Nebraska, a credit to the zeal and generosity of these good folks and their efforts.
     Liberty Council, No. 1904, at Hebron, shows a total membership of ninety members, with a new class soon to be put in. The Council is a new one and is officered by men whose zeal and devotion are most plainly apparent to those who know their excellent record.
     I am informed that Hebron will shortly put on a new class, at which time their membership will be materially augmented.
     McCook Council, No. 1126, has made a material gain during the year just passed, increasing its membership from 146 to 265, or a gain of 119 members. This Council aided materially in cancelling (sic) a debt of $20,000 on the new parochial school plant and has recently formed a building corporation which will administer the expenditure of $30,000 in a new home.
     The Council acknowledges its thanks to the unceasing efforts of Rev. A. H. Kunz, our pastor, in advancing the cause of knighthood in western Nebraska.
     The jurisdiction shows a healthy gain and bids fair to maintain the record made thus far in its history.