Nebraska State Council Proceedings Knights of Columbus 1905-1926

     The eighth annual state council of the Knights of Columbus of Nebraska convened in accordance with the action of the last state council at Omaha.

     The Council was called to order by State Deputy W. E. Straub, and opened in due form by State Chaplain Rev. W. Wolf, of Grand Island.

     State Warden John M. Liewer reported that all present were entitled to remain during the meeting.

     The following state officers answered present at roll call: State Deputy W. E. Straub, State Secretary Mark Burke, State Treasurer J. P. Boler, State Warden John M. Liewer, State Chaplain Rev. W. Wolf, District Deputies James M. Fitzgerald, E. B. Hirschman, Frank Real and E. F. Shields.

     State Deputy W. E. Straub then appointed the following committees:

     Credentials--J. F. Crowley, of Hastings; H. J. Boyle, of O'Neill; Luke Mundy, of Fremont; A. P. Mentgen, of Wymore; Frank J. Doran of North Platte.

     Resolutions--J. H. Mullen, of Grand Island; William A. Schall, of Omaha; P. F. O'Gara, of Hartington; Frank M. Colfer, of McCook; A. V. Johnson, of Lincoln.

     Auditing Committee--F. J. Gerharz, of Columbus; Rev. P. Flanagan, of Greeley; T. C. Green, of Creighton.

     Committee on Mileage and Assessment--Dr. Angus Kenney, of Alliance; W. C. Ryan, of Emerson; Patrick Fagan, of Grand Island.

     While awaiting the report of the Credential Committee, greetings from the following state councils, also in session, were read:

     Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, District of Columbia, West Virginia,

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Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Arkansas, Texas, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Utah, California, Victoria, B. C., and Ontario, Canada.

     Communication from Past Supreme Knight Edward L. Hearn, regarding the unveiling of the Columbus Memorial at Washington, D. C., on June 8, in which he asks the following questions: First, as to the number of members and others that are going to Washington on June 8; second, the number of members from each council who are going to march in the parade; third, the number of Councils that will bring their own bands of music to Washington; fourth, the number of members and others who will attend the banquet in the Convention Hall on the night of June 8. It was voted that the communication be answered by State Deputy Straub after the delegates from the various councils had reported as to how many from their councils would attend the unveiling on June 8.

     Voted that the state deputy attend to the answering of all greetings received from other state councils.

     The Committee on Credentials then presented the following report: Upon examination of credentials presented to your committee we find the following delegates are entitled to seats in the council:

Delegates and Council No.	City
W. A. Schall Omaha, No. 652	Omaha
E. W. Simeral, Omaha, No. 652	Omaha
H. J. Boyle, Chas. Carroll of Carrollton, No. 701	O'Neill
B. J. Grady, Chas. Carroll of Carrollton, No. 701	O'Neill
A. V. Johnson, Fitzgerald, No. 833	Lincoln
Wm. McCormick, Fitzgerald, No. 833	Lincoln
F. J. Gerharz, Columbus, No. 938	Columbus
S. J. Ryan, Columbus, No. 938	Columbus
Dr. Angus Kennedy, Alliance, No. 975	Alliance
E. F. Shields, Alliance, No. 975	Alliance
J. F. Crowley, Hastings, No. 1123	Hastings
F. P. Uerling, Hastings, No. 1123	Hastings
Frank M. Colfer, McCook, No. 1126	McCook
C. J. Ryan, McCook, No. 1126	McCook
Wm. P. Rooney, Chadron, No. 1128	Chadron
Wm. Chaulk, Chadron, No. 1128	Chadron
J. H. Mullen, St. Mary's, No. 1159	Grand Island
Patrick Fagan, St. Mary's, No. 1159	Grand Island
Frank J. Doran, St. Patrick's, No. 1211	North Platte
W. R. Maloney, St. Patrick's, No. 1211	North Platte
P. F. O'Gara, Hartington, No. 1233	Hartington
E. B. Hirschman, Hartington, No. 1233	,Hartington
T. C. Green, Count Creighton, No. 1238	Creighton
G. M. Mullen, Count Creighton, No. 1238	Creighton
A. P. Mentgen, Wymore, No. 1295	Wymore
E. J. Delehant, Wymore, No. 1295	Wymore
W. C. Ryan, Emerson, No. 1309	Emerson
J. Lewier, Emerson, No. 1309	Emerson
Rev. P. Flanagan, Bishop O'Connor, No. 1312	Greeley
M. F. Toohey, Bishop O'Connor, No. 1312	Greeley
L. P. Wirth, Falls City, No. 1336	Falls City
Roscoe Anderson, Falls City, No. 1336	Falls City
Luke Mundy, Phil Sheridan, No. 1497	Fremont
Frank Koss, Phil Sheridan, No. 1497	Fremont

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     Also the following state and past state officers we find are entitled to seats in this convention: State Deputy W. E. Straub, State Secretary Mark Burke, State Treasurer J. P. Boler, State Warden J. M. Liewer, State Advocate P. F. O'Gara, State Chaplain Rev. W. Wolf, Past State Deputies T. J. Mahoney, C. J. Smyth, Arthur F. Mullen, and other past state officers and district deputies that may be present.

     Voted that the report of the committee on credentials be adopted as read.

     Voted that we proceed with the reports of the state officers and district deputies while waiting for the report of other committees.

To the State Convention of the Knights of Columbus of Nebraska:
     Brothers:
     In accordance with the laws and rules of the order, I submit to you my report as state deputy for the year just ended.
     The Nebraska State Council convenes today for its eighth annual convention, and it gives me great pleasure to extend to you, representatives of the Knights of Nebraska, most cordial and fraternal greetings.
     Reviewing the wonderful progress of the order in this fair state and throughout the entire extent and jurisdiction of the order, we must needs experience a thrill of pride at the magnificent growth in numbers, and our development in strength and influence.
     The total membership of the order, April 1st, 1911, was 253,346 with 1,506 councils. On April 1st, 1912, the total membership was 271,890 with 1,558 councils, a net gain of 18,544 members for the year and a net gain of 52 councils during the year.
      The membership in Nebraska on April 1st, 1911 was 3,568; insurance membership, 932; associate membership, 2,636. The membership in Nebraska on April 1st, 1912, was 3,706; Insurance membership, 1,001; associate membership, 2,705. Five initiations in the three degrees held since April 1st have added over 250 members that are not included in the above figures and three more classes will, be initiated within the next thirty days.
     The councils in Nebraska are in a growing and satisfactory condition and I have received several requests for new councils during the year. I have refused to give my permission for new councils in two instances for the reason I deemed it would not be for the best interest of the order, members and councils now established. The other requests for councils are now awaiting the findings and reports of the district deputies.
     I have requested each of the five district deputies to make a detailed report to you of the condition of the councils in their respective districts, which will be included in the report of the proceedings of this state convention.
     There is so much good that can be said of each of the councils in the state and of the untiring efforts of their officers and members that I do not wish to usurp the credit and glory that rightfully belong to the district deputies, so I am leaving this part of the report to them.

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The order now operates in the United States, Canada, Philippine Islands, Panama, Mexico, Cuba, Porto Rico and Newfoundland.

Amount paid by the order in death claims for year 1911	$ 647,688.33
Death claims paid since organization up to Dec. 31, 1911	5,509,758.73
Assessments collected during 1911	947,079.16
Assessments collected since organization up to December 31, 1911	8,442,728.00
Cost of management per capita, 1911	.58
Deaths per 1,000 insurance members, 1911	6.9
Average age of membership of order, 1911	35
Total amount insurance in force, Dec. 31, 1911	90,282,150.00
Total assets, December 31, 1911	3,808,783.04
Insurance reserve liabilities December 31, 1911, on total amount of insurance then in force as per Actuary's calculation	2,387,298.00
All other liabilities December 31, 1911	79,781.63

     We rejoice to chronicle the two most important events that have taken place in the history of our order in Nebraska, viz., Divine Providence has chosen from our ranks two priests and conferred upon them the great honor and dignity of bishop.
     On July 6th the Right Reverend J. Henry Tihen of Wichita, Kansas, was consecrated bishop at Wichita, Kansas, and on July 19th, with all the solemnity of the beautiful ritual of our church, he was installed bishop of Lincoln. Remarkable progress has already been made in our dioceses, and while only with us a few months, he has won the love and esteem, not only of the priests, but of the laity as well. The beautiful demonstration given at Wichita and the number who followed our bishop to Lincoln, speaks more eloquently than could any words of mine, of the heart pangs it cost the Kansas people to give to Nebraska one of their most beloved and best known priests.
     In St. John's church in Omaha on April 14th, in the presence of hundreds of friends who had known him from childhood, the Right Reverend P. McGovern was consecrated Bishop. Our Holy Father assigned to him the diocese of Cheyenne, Wyoming. The beautiful tribute paid to Bishop McGovern by the citizens of Omaha and the state, irrespective of creed or race, impress one with the deep love he justly merited.
     May God bless the efforts of our newly elected bishops and may they be crowned with success.
     The fourth degree exemplified to a large class in Omaha on Discovery Day, October 12, 1911, and was a splendid exemplification of the degree. Much credit is due the master of the fourth degree and to those who took part, for their very efficient work.
     I take great pleasure in calling to your attention, that splendid Catholic paper, "The True Voice." It has always devoted much valuable space to Knights of Columbus affairs. The members are kept in touch with the doings of Knights of Columbus councils, not only over our own state, but over the adjoining states as well, and this without any compensation whatever. Every council should make a strenuous effort to have this paper, not only in their library, but also have it reach the home of every member. Its literary value is unsurpassed and it also contains all the important events which take place in our church circles all over the world. It is also appreciated

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by commercial men as an advertising medium. I deem it just and right that our appreciation should find its expression, for the interest this organ has at all times manifested in us, by every council making an effort for it.
     I most earnestly wish to call your attention to the fact that on June 8th next, at Washington, D. C., the beautiful monument erected in memory of the Discoverer of America will be unveiled and dedicated. Fifty thousand Knights of Columbus are expected to assemble in Washington and do honor to the memory of one who labored hard, sacrificed much, and dared to face almost unsurmountable (sic) difficulties that we might enjoy a new world. Although more than four hundred years have passed, this is the first visible homage paid by the New World to his memory, and it should be a great source of pride and satisfaction to us to know that it was secured through the Knights of Columbus.
     Now, here is a golden opportunity for us to give an eloquent expression of our knightly zeal and patriotic citizenship by as many as possible of our Nebraska Knights being present on that glorious occasion and thereby aiding in directing the attention of the American people to the existence and purpose of the memorial. President Taft has appointed Past Supreme Knight Edward L. Hearn and Colonel Crosby, of the War Department, to handle the arrangements. This should be intensely pleasing to every Knight of Columbus as we are aware of their splendid ability and remarkable capacity for large efforts.
     We trust that every Knight will exhaust all his efforts in urging every brother who can possibly do so, to be present on that day to pay tribute to the memory of the most celebrated character of American history, Christopher Columbus.
      I would recommend for your consideration the following:

     That Discovery Day, October 12th, and Memorial Day, May 30th, be observed in a patriotic and appropriate manner by all councils and members.
     That the membership be increased and the standard of membership be kept high.
     That the qualification for membership be kept high and that the greatest care be taken in the admitting of candidates to membership.
     That the greatest care be taken to guard the secret work of the order.

     The splendid report made by State Deputy Arthur F. Mullen, a year ago, covered this point so well, and as the same is still true, I wish to quote from his report the following:
     "You are reminded that this is a secret order; that the acts and doings of the various councils are secret; that no member under any circumstances is permitted to report or communicate anything that transpires in the lodge room while the council is in session, to anyone not absolutely known to him to be an equally qualified member In good standing.
     "During the year two or three incidents have been reported where it is absolutely certain that some member divulged a part of the secret work. It is to be regretted that we have any member in the order low enough or mean enough to violate his obligation as a Catholic gentleman.

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     "The information given out causes me to speak thus strongly for its nature was such that it must have been given out deliberately. Officers in charge of the degrees are admonished to carefully instruct all members regarding the secrecy of the work and to see to it that every member takes all the obligations of secrecy. All members in talking in private with their brothers should impress upon the other the absolute necessity of secrecy. Members should be more careful in talking about the degree work even with each other and under no circumstances, should any member talk with a stranger regarding it."
      That permanent Knights of Columbus homes be secured by local councils, where it is possible to do so. I congratulate the several councils who have already secured their own homes.
     I would also recommend that officers and members encourage candidates for admission to the order, the necessity and importance of taking insurance. Ours is the safest and strongest of all fraternals; the healthiest possible financial conditions prevail. Let us appeal, especially to the young men, for there, I believe, lies our greatest opportunity. Once a new member has been admitted, let him be made to feel at home, and urged to take an active part in all the council affairs.
     Let every means be taken to increase the attendance and enhance the interest and enthusiasm of members. Entertainments should be furnished whenever possible, without expense to members. Much of a council's success in this direction depends upon the lecturer, whose office, in my opinion, is one of the utmost importance. Let an attractive program for the season be laid out, let speakers of talent and ability be invited to address the members. This will not only assist very materially in members taking a keen interest in the order and council affairs, but will very materially lessen the number of suspensions and in securing the prompt attention to the payment of assessments. Care should be taken to keep the dues and assessments paid promptly. Care should also be taken that council funds are safeguarded in every way possible.
     That the councils which have not already made their payments to the Catholic University of America Endowment Fund Committee, should do so as soon as possible, as the committee is anxious to complete the work before the first of August.
     That every council do something distinctive in a religious, charitable and educational way. Besides doing good, it means inspiring good examples which will have a beneficial effect on those within and without the fold.
     I desire to thank the grand knights and council members, personally and in behalf of the state officers, for the courtesies and kindness shown at all times throughout the year. To my brother state officers and district deputies, I wish to convey my thanks and heartfelt appreciation for your loyal co-operation and assistance to which is due whatever success has been attained throughout the year. The chair officers of the local councils and the district deputies are entitled to much credit for their untiring and efficient service.
     To you, chosen representatives of the state council, I appeal for continued and active interest in your various councils. On you and on your great work depends the present and the future of the order in Nebraska. May your efforts meet with the greatest success and

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may the great order of Knights of Columbus grow and prosper true to its great principle, that its members continue to practice and live in Unity, Charity and Brotherly Love.

The State Chaplain, Very Rev. W. Wolf, of Grand Island, in making his report, said:

"We, all who are essembled (sic) here today, have at heart the welfare and the stability of our great order. We all hope that it will be a lasting power for good, a force for righteousness and an ally to Holy Mother Church. But in order that the society may accomplish these

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great ends the officers and leaders must exert their best efforts and energies to watch and control and guide in such a manner and way that the different councils may not only grow in numbers but above all that they may improve in quality. In order to reach this effectively the religious and spiritual side and element must not be overlooked, and here it is where the chaplains must eagerly try to put forth their best work. The position of the chaplain in a council is by no means merely an office of honor. Since it is the aim of the Knights of Columbus to have the very best element, the most representative men of our congregations in their councils, the chaplain should see to it that these Knights are also the most practical Catholics in the parish and he must therefore use every possible and available means to elevate them to that high spiritual standing.
     "Unfortunately on our present form of application the candidate does not need the pastor's signature as to his practical Catholicity, and unfortunately again that timely and opportune resolution making it a strict obligation of every member annually to present the certificate of his Easter confession and communion properly signed by a priest--this resolution presented last year by the Nebraska delegation to the national convention did not carry; hence the order has no means on hand with which to control the question as to practical Catholicity--by which we principally understand our Easter duty--of each member, and it cannot enforce the obligation of the Easter confession and communion. On this point, therefore, the chaplain of a council is in a position analogous to that of the parish priest, who has a parochial school. A pastor cannot compel the parents in his congregation to send their children to the parochial school, but he is told by his superiors to use a prudent pastoral policy with the parents, somewhat in the line of moral persuasion, in which, after relying principally on prayer, kind reasoning with the parents, a large portion of good tact, and a little personal magnetism, play an important part. The same means we must make use of in our spiritual direction and leadership as chaplains of our councils. I am pleased to be able to state that the different chaplains of all our councils in Nebraska certainly do make use of these means and that they work very hard and conscientiously to assist the other officers to forestall sluggish inertia which is equal to retrogression and to steadily lead our councils on to that high and noble purpose to which we as followers of the great Christopher Columbus are consecrated, which ultimately and in its last analysis means to try to become as nearly as possible perfect disciples of the great; good Shepherd.
     "An excellent means to reach this end, and which all chaplains in Nebraska have adopted, is to induce all the members of the council to receive Holy Communion in a body, and this not only at Easter time, but also on other occasions during the year, for example, during the Forty Hours Devotion and on the day on which the council annually has a Requiem Mass said for the deceased members of the order, or in case of the death of a member of the local council as soon as reasonably possible after the funeral. A large number of representative men going thus together to Holy Communion is a sight most beautiful before High Heaven, and the Church--a sight which fills with delight the hearts of all the rest of the members in the parish. The occasion constitutes a gala day for the whole congregation.
      "Under this rule and practice I have personally observed that if

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one of the leading members of a council meeting after a few preliminary remarks make the motion that the chaplain might suggest a day on which he would wish the Easter Communion to be made by the council in a body, has a most wonderful influence on all the members. As a rule it will bring all the members to the communion railing on the appointed day, more so indeed than if the chaplain himself were the author of the motion. This good brother may also, in the remarks on his motion, request the chapain that a certain portion of the front pews for the communion mass he reserved for the Knights. All such incidentals and solicitous arrangements have proved most effective in bringing all the members to their Easter communion. Mark and remember this, dear delegates, you are the Grand Knighst (sic) and Past Grand Knights and you are all the most influential members of your councils. Use the power and influence of your good example within your council. If we could make all our members saintly and holy as our great order aims to do and with the graces of God and in the Church is able to do, the good influence would rapidly extend over the whole community in which we live. And this is certainly our secondary aim; and never in the history of the Church was the time more ripe for a drawing and influential good example; never was there so much demand and necessity for fidelity, courage and zeal in our Catholic men. What the times call for is men--sturdy Christian men, endowed with the courage of their convictions. We need men who are controlled by conscience rather than by expediency, men who are guided by principle rather than by popularity; men who are influenced by a sense of duty and not by selfishness; who are swayed by a spirit of patriotism rather than by a desire of political preferment. Above all, we need men of strong Christian faith who are prepared to uphold their religious conviction in the face of popular prejudice. We need lay apostles; men like the crusaders of old.
"Sir Knights, recognize your sublime calling; appreciate your responsibilities and the far-reaching effect of your good example and you will he rewarded by seeing the influence of your order extend and finally by the happiness of Heaven."

Voted that the report of the state chaplain be accepted and included in the minutes of this meeting.

W. E. Straub, State Deputy	1220 P Street Lincoln
Arthur F. Mullen, Past State Deputy.	. Omaha
C. J. Smyth, Past State Deputy	Omaha
T. J. Mahoney, Past State Deputy	Omaha
Mark Burke, State Secretary	215 West 10th Street, Columbus
J. P. Boler, State Treasurer	Greeley
P. F. O'Gara, State Advocate	Hartington
Rev. W. Wolf, State Chaplain	Grand Island
John M. Liewer, State Warden	Emerson
James M. Fitzgerald, District Deputy	511 City Nat'l Bank Bldg., Omaha
Dr. J. B. Troyer, District Deputy	Burlington Block, Lincoln
E. B. Hirschman, District Deputy	Hartington
Frank Real, District Deputy	McCook
William Maloney, District Deputy	North Platte
E. W. Simeral, Master of the Fourth Degree	Omaha

Omaha Council		$39.45
O'Neill Council	No reply
Lincoln Council	No reply
Columbus Council		16.85
Alliance Council	No reply
Hastings Council		22.15
McCook Council		13.80
Chadron Council		10.45
Grand Island Council		24.85
North Platte Council		13.05
Hartington Council	No reply
Creighton Council		15.60
Wymore Council		8.10
Emerson Council		5.55
Greeley Council	No reply
Falls City Council		7.35
Fremont Council		3.45
Total		$180.65

American Express Company			$ 25.00
Omaha Council	553 Members	Balance	98.80
O'Neill Council	344 Members		86.00
Lincoln Council	392 Members		98.00
Columbus Council	268 Members	Balance	50.15
Alliance Council	104 Members		26.00
Hastings Council	247 Members	Balance	39.60
McCook Council	176 Members	Balance	30.20
Chadron Council	103 Members	Balance	15.30
Grand Island Council	314 Members	Balance	53.65
North Platte Council	163 Members	Balance	27.70
Hartington Council	184 Members		46.00
Creighton Council	229 Members	Balance	41.65
Wymore Council	95 Members	Balance	15.65
Emerson Council	106 Members	Balance	20.95
Greeley Council	209 Members		52.25
Falls City Council	124 Members	Balance	23.65
Fremont Council	81 Members	Balance	16.80
Total	3692 Members		$767.35
Advanced by councils last year			180.65
Grand Total			$948.00

May 31, 1911, to bal. rec'd from Treasurer Schmidt	$ 20.68
September 29, 1911, to Mark Burke	180.65
May 31, 1911, by Schmidt for Western Union		$ 12.95
Sept. 29, 1911, Columbus Telegram Co., printing		126.90
Totals	$201.33	$139.85