Local K of C celebrated in 50 years in 1967

    The Caribou Council of Knights of Columbus, which observed its 50th anniversary in 1967 year, was organized in the spring of 1917 by two Caribou businessmen, Joseph C. McGrath, a cigar manufacturer, and J. Henry Marr, a clothier. These two men had become members of the Fort Fairfield Council and conceived the idea that a council of 100 or more members could be formed in Caribou.     They went to work soliciting and seeking applicants for Caribou’s Council of Knights of Columbus. A charter was granted the council on April 26, 1917, by the New Haven office, to a membership of 35. Some of these charter members still live in our community today. John W.R. Campbell and Leo Haley are two of those known and they are still quite active in council affairs.
    In order to become a member of any organization, there are certain ceremonies and oaths that must be taken before one can become a member. On the 26th day of April, 1917, a degree staff from the Madawaska Council of Van Buren performed the necessary ceremony. That afternoon at 6 p.m., a banquet was served. Later that same evening, the major degree was given at the Odd Fellows Hall on the corner of Main and Water Streets. John Daley, the state deputy from Bangor, with his staff, conducted this degree. It was at that time that the council became officially known as Caribou Council No. 1870.
    During that year Michael O’Regan, a charter member, was constructing a new business block of concrete at the corners of Main and Vaughan Streets, with plans for a council home in its structure on the top floor. A grim accident occurred to Brother O’Regan and his family about a year later. He had installed what was probably one of the first oil burners in his home. While his wife was in the process of lighting it one morning, it exploded, setting the building on fire and burning to death Mr. and Mrs. O’Regan and two of their five children. The day of the funeral was a sad one with the funeral procession making its way to the Holy Rosary Church, four hearses and Brother Knights forming the procession.
    During the years of World War I, the council grew from a charter membership of 35 to 172 by 1928. Then came the depression. It was difficult to keep membership dues paid, consequently many eventually dropped out. Had it not been for several more members being insurance members, the council would have lost its charter. Due to the depression, the council had also found it no longer possible to carry the burden of a council hall. All equipment was moved to the parish hall located on what is now known as Bridge St.
    Reorganization did not take place until July, 1940, though a new council had been formed in North Caribou. Louis Ayoob of Fort Fairfield, then a district deputy, directed the election and installation of new officers for the council. At this memorable event, the council was honored by the presence of Rev. Daniel Feeney, pastor of the Presque Isle Church and now Bishop of Maine with his office in Portland.
    During the early years of 1940, the attendance was low and the membership worked hard. Suppers were served, also many dances were sponsored as a means of increasing the financial stability of the council. The meetings were held in what was known as the Bouchard Block.
    In October of 1951, the council bought a large residential home on High Street and here formed what is known as the Catholic Men’s Association. The council remained here until 1963. That year a fire gutted the inside of the home and the council was in need of new meeting quarters. The Odd Fellows Hall was then rented, until it was decided by the membership to move into more private quarters. From there, they moved to the old Matoaka Club rooms. Here, the council has remained until the present time.
    It is hoped that construction of a new home can be realized in the very near future.
    During the years from 1956, the following have served as Grand Knights of the council:
    1956, Romeo Levesque, served until transferred to Pittsfield, Me.
    This was the year of the 62nd Annual Maine State Convention which was held in Caribou. Bro. James Bernard was appointed to the office of Grand Knight and held this office until 1957.
    1957, Ivan Dubay.
    1958, John Michaud.
    1959-60, Kenneth Hall.
    1960-61,Burns Hemphill.
     After his term of office with the council he served as district deputy until 1963.
    1962, Maynard St. Peter.
    1963, George Heroux. Bro. Heroux was reelected to serve a second term but was unable to accept this nomination because he also received the appointment of district deputy. Kenneth Hall accepted the office.
    1966, Dennis Ellis, the present Grand Knight, a member of the armed forces and stationed at Loring.