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The Father O'Neill
Council is the outgrowth of a visionary State Deputy who saw the need for a
Council to service the rapidly expanding Towson-Lutherville area, of an
enthusiastic District Deputy and the zeal of a small group who laid the
groundwork. The fervor and persistence of these men generated the interest
of new initiates, reinstates and transferees to form the Charter group of
forty-four. After a lively debate, the name "Father O’Neill",
a revered, deceased, former Pastor of the Immaculate Conception Church in
Towson, was selected over "Loyola" by a margin of one vote.
The number 4011 was assigned on April 11, 1955, a
First Degree administered on April 28th and on May 5, 1955, the Council was
officially chartered by the Supreme Council.
During this early period, the inestimable help of the
Cardinal Gibbons and Notre Dame Councils is recognized with deep
appreciation.
Quoting Emerson, "There is properly no history only
biography". This is a truism as the years pass in review. Our history is
the story of unselfish and devoted individuals too numerous to mention, not
only due to space limitations, but lest some be overlooked, including the
unsung who have contributed so much time and talent.
The Council was first quartered in the Towson American
Legion Hall until moving to the Towson Elk's Home in March of 1957. Here
were enjoyed, not only excellent facilities, but a most pleasant
relationship with our fellow fraternal organization.
In June of 1964, we relocated in the Garden Room of
the then Towson Plaza. Meanwhile, realizing the need for our own base, a
Building Committee was formed toward that end. In the fall of 1957, the
Committee initiated the Century Club with the objective of having each of
the then approximately two hundred members contribute one hundred dollars
each over a period of four years. Passbooks were issued as a further
incentive. The plaque in the Council's Century Lounge bears testimony to
our success.
In January of 1958, a Corporate Charter was received
and the O'Neill Club of Towson was officially in business. A property
search committee, after viewing several sites, came up with a plot of
approximately ten acres on the north side of Seminary Avenue at I-83. A
portion of the parcel was re-sold and upon the remaining 3.9 acres, our
present home was constructed. Ground was broken on October 17, 1974 and on
May 4, 1975, the building was dedicated with the blessing of the Auxiliary
Bishop, T. Austin Murphy. The building stands as a monument, not only to
the dedication, sweat and prayers of the original architects, but equally to
the Brothers, who through the years have maintained and improved the
complex.
The activities of the Council have generally fallen
under the purview of the old "Six Point Program" as recommended by the
Supreme Council with innovations, additions and modifications to suit
parochial and specific needs.
Our lives have been enriched by the spiritual
activities of the Council. The Chaplain is a vital part of each
administration. At least a decade of the rosary is recited at each
meeting. We participated in the "Knight at Mass" in which at least one
member attended Mass every day of the year. The fifth Sunday is a special
day for family union at Mass followed by a meal. No. 4011 was instrumental
in the formation of the Newman Club at Towson State and has sponsored
seminarians at St. Mary's Seminary. Rosaries have been collected and sent
to the missions. We became interested in the Pro-Life movement in 1976 and
continue to be actively involved.
We have sponsored the "Keep Christ in Christmas"
billboards. The Annual Memorial Mass for deceased members is always an
edifying and well-attended ceremony. The duty of charity is regarded as a
solemn obligation. The Council fulfilled a pledge of $3,000.00 in
sponsoring the Blood Bank when St. Joseph's Hospital was relocated in
Towson. Other beneficiaries have been the Deaf Mute Program and the
Franciscan Center and through the Tootsie Roll Drives, generous
contributions have been made to Down's Syndrome, the special education
program at Immaculate Heart, Ridge School and the Gallagher Center.
Christmas baskets are provided for the needy and
eyeglasses are provided for distribution. Many other services, in a small
way, provide help for the less fortunate, the aged and even among
ourselves.
Youth has always been one of our prime concerns. We
have conducted poster and essay competitions. We have sponsored athletic
teams, participants in the Punt and Pass and Free-Throw contests. We were
instrumental in the reactivation of Boy Scout Troop No. 750 at the
Immaculate. In 1963, we formed a Squires Circle, which gradually failed due
to lack of interest. However, a movement is again afoot to rejuvenate the
Circle under the existing Charter.
Naturally, we have not overlooked the social side.
Rave notices are always emitted after our Bull Roasts, Crab Feasts, St.
Patrick's and Valentine's Dances, the Oktoberfest and the Christmas Party.
For several years, we participated in the Towson 4th of July Parade with
floats and foot soldiers. Our hospitality room at the State Convention is a
must for most conventioneers. Since 1963, our golfers get together monthly
when weather permits for nineteen holes.
We are justly proud of our Council monthly
publication. Begun in 1955, as the "4011 Bulletin" became the
"O'Neill-O-Gram" and finally, the "4011 News" in October of 1968.
Currently, it is presented in a very professional format.
Our First Degree Team has always been highly regarded
throughout the State and provides an unforgettable welcome to the new
members.
The success of these programs is borne out by the
numerous Star Council Awards. Father O'Neill Council has always
wholeheartedly supported the Supreme and State Councils, the District and
the Baltimore Chapter. Two of our members have become State Officers, one
has served on the Executive Committee under two State Deputies, six have
served as District Deputies and numerous as District Wardens, Chairmen and
members of State Committees.
No compendium of the Council would be complete without
recognition of our adjunct, the "K” Ladies. Their contributions to the
Council are a memorable story in itself. Certainly, because of them, we are
better Knights and our Council is a better Council. To them, our heartfelt
thanks and God bless. One of the ladies served as State Ladies Activities
Co-Chairlady for two First Ladies.
And so the beat goes on. As with all human endeavors,
the Council has had a modicum of success, and some failures too. With
variations of old successful projects and Council volunteers working at the
Preakness to earn needed funds we have been able to continue as a viable
entity. The labors of the O'Neill Club have taken care of the physical
needs of our home. This endeavor has been aided and abetted most graciously
by anonymous donors without whom our major improvements would have been
impossible. The on-going help of the "K" Ladies greatly contributed to the
successful completion of these improvements.
With an eye on the future, members of the Council made
a clinical study over a three year period as to where we have been, where we
are now and where we would like to be in the future and most importantly,
the steps that must be taken in order to reach our goals. After a thorough
and elaborate presentation to the Council on Oct. 16,1996, the membership
voted unanimously for adoption of the study. The "Su Num Bonum" is summed
up in our Mission Statement now appearing on the masthead of our "4011 News"
as follows:
THE FATHER O'NEILL COUNCIL OF THE KNIGHTS OF
COLUMBUS IS A FRATERNAL ORGANIZATION OF CATHOLIC MEN DEDICATED TO THE
CHURCH. WE WILL EXPEND OUR ENERGIES TOWARD PRESERVING THE SANCTITY OF LIFE
AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE COMMUNITY VIA SERVICE AND CHARITY. IN
PURSUIT OF THESE OBJECTIVES WE PROMOTE FAMILY, DEVELOP FRIENDSHIPS, ENJOY
FRATERNALISM AND GROW IN FAITH.
The actions of every member of Fr. O'Neill Council
will determine the degree of success for the future. We are proud of our
past and look forward to the next Millennium with great anticipation for
greater accomplishments.
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