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     The business session was preceded by a solemn high mass celebrated by the acting chaplain and attended by all the officers and members of the State Council.

     The first session was called to order by State Deputy William M. Whelan at 11 a. m. in the North Opera House.

     Dr. F. H. Morrow presented the Hon. Julius Nichols, Mayor of the city of Columbus, who welcomed the delegates. Response was made by the State Deputy.

     At this time Brother Mark Burke, on behalf of the Columbus Council, presented to the State Deputy a beautiful floral basket.

     Prayer was offered by Acting Chaplain Rev. Anton Link.

     State Warden Dr. J. C. Tighe, assisted by Drs. Morrow and Leonard of Columbus, took up the pass word of the Third Degree.

     The State Deputy presented the Master of the Fourth Degree, Judge George F. Corcoran, who announced that the District Assembly of the Fourth Degree would convene at 4 p. m., or upon the adjournment of the State Council.

     The State Deputy announced that when we adjourn it would be until 2 p. m.

     The State Deputy announced the appointment of the following committees:
     CREDENTIALS--Dr. E. G. Zimmerer, Lincoln, chairman; Joseph Stanzel, Columbus; John J. Thielen, Hartington; Dr. Henry Farrell, Kearney; Hugh McCaffrey, Orleans.
     RESOLUTIONS--Wm. McCormick, Omaha, chairman; John Hugg, Humphrey; Albert Kjaar, Lexington; John W. Guthrie, Alliance; Sam C. Zimmerman, Lincoln.

     The State Deputy announced that a requiem mass for our deceased brethren would be sung by the Reverend Chaplain at 8:15 the following morning and urged all delegates to be present.

     The State Secretary read the report of the Credentials Committee as follows:

To the Worthy State Deputy, Officers and Members of the State Council:
     We, your Committee on Credentials, have examined the credentials of the delegates to the State Council, and beg leave to report that we find the following present, duly accredited and entitled to be seated in the convention:

State Deputy William M. Whelan.
Past State Deputy Francis P. Matthews.
Acting State Chaplain Rev. Anton Link.
State Secretary Dr. E. G. Zimmerer.
State Treasurer J. Howard Heine.
State Advocate John Gross.
State Warden Dr. J. C. Tighe.
Past State Deputy George F. Corcoran.

District Deputies William McCormick, F. A. Kidwell, E. H. Carroll, Albert Kjaar, Phillip Tomek, B. H. Patterson, John E. Sullivan, John W. Guthrie, John Zavodil and Harry J. Reardon.

Respectfully submitted,

EDMUND G. ZIMMERER, JOS. STANZEL, JNO. J. THIELEN, HENRY FARRELL, HUGH McCAFFERY

     On motion, the report was adopted as read.

     The State Deputy at this time presented Supreme Director Francis P. Matthews, K. S. G., to address the convention.

     A telegram of greeting from Supreme Secretary Wm. J. McGinley was read as follows:

     "W. W. Whelan, State Deputy, K. C. Convention Hall, Columbus, Nebr. The Supreme Knight joins me in extending fraternal greetings to Nebraska State Council, and best wishes for a successful convention and continued growth and prosperity of the order in Nebraska."

     A motion of Bro. Matthews of Omaha that suitable acknowledgement (sic) of the greeting be made, was referred to the Committee on "Good of the Order."

     On motion, convention adjourned at 11:45 a. m.

     State Council re-convened at 2 p. m. The password was taken up by the State Warden and prayer was offered by Acting Chaplain Rev. Anton Link.

     State Deputy Whelan named the following committees:

     Class initiations were announced in the following councils:

     State Deputy W. M. Whelan made his report, which on motion of J. Howard Heine of Fremont was adopted as follows:

To the Officers and Delegates in State Council Assembled:
     It is indeed most appropriate that we have selected as the host to the Twenty-second Annual Meeting of the State Council of the Knights of Columbus of Nebraska, this city which bears the name of the patron of our Order, and I am sure that our deliberations and the results of our mutual counsels shall be over-shadowed by the spirit of the great Navigator, and characterized by courage and high Christian purpose.
     In submitting to you my report as State, Deputy I consider it of the greatest importance to direct your attention to what I may happily call the subsidence of the wave of intolerence which has in recent years swept our country and left its unwholesome marks upon almost every community. It may be said, however, that the experience which we have had as an organization with the promoters of this movement, is not a blessing in disguise. This movement, like similar movements, has operated to stimulate a more zealous devotion, on the part of our members and Catholics in general, to the Church and to our Holy Faith and has, I am sure, resulted in strengthening not only numerically but spiritually the great Order of the Knights of Columbus, and I should also say in this connection that it is to the credit of the officers and members of the Order that almost invariably have maintained an attitude of high dignity and have refused to be drawn into petty controversery (sic) with those whose sole purpose

has been the cultivation of ill will and whose ambition has been mercinary (sic) gain.
     I am especially pleased to be able to lend encouragement and active support as State Deputy to what I believe is one of the most important activities which should command the attention of the officers and members of our Order in Nebraska. I refer to the Laymen's Retreat Movement which had its inception four years ago and began in a very modest way with a few sincere and earnest promoters and has grown from a small beginning of a score of men in attendance to the record made last year when the Retreat was held in connection with the State Convention, with a membership of nearly one hundred men. We have grown as an Order until our membership in the State numbers approximately ten thousand, scattered in forty-one councils throughout the State. We have built in some instances Council homes. We have given attention thus far very properly to the increase in our membership, both social and insurance. We have not, however, until recently, stressed sufficiently the religious and spiritual side and it is my hope that the present year will show a still furthur (sic) increase of interest and attendance at the Retreat which will be held during the summer or early fall, under the auspices of the Order in this State. The committee having in charge the arrangements for the Retreat will doubtless have a very interesting report to be made to the delegates to this State Council meeting before adjournament (sic) and I beg also to advise in this connection that if there are facilities in any part of the State other than Hastings for holding the Retreat the Committee will be very glad to consider the advisability of holding the Retreat at such places.
     I take this opportunity also to bring to the attention of the delegates as well as to the membership of our Order in general, that on June 20-24 the International Eucharistic Congress will be held at Chicago and a very large attendance from the membership of our Order is naturally expected. Special rates on all railroads are granted and are little more than a one-fare rate. Nebraska should be well represented and any members of the Order who desire to make reservations should communicate with his Bishop. We hope to have a special train, in fact, several trains out of Omaha to this great Pilgrimage. It should be unncessary (sic) to urge all Catholic men who can possibly arrange to make the trip to participate in this public demonstration of Faith which doubtless will have a world-wide signifance (sic) and it is hoped will be productive of great good, especially in America where the spirit of irreligion has been growing almost beyond control.
     While dwelling upon the spiritual side and activity of our Order, may I call attention to the very great importance of each Council in the State giving the proper attention to the solemn observance of Memorial Day for deceased members. This day is usually observed on the first Sunday in November and if carried out as prescribed in the ceremonial it will be one of the most impressive meetings of the year and has, of course, a very deep religious significance. I should also at this time emphasize the importance, as well as the duty, of all members with respect to the Annual Reception of Holy Communion. I do not mean of course, by this that we, as Catholic Laymen, should fix the Annual Reception of Holy Communion as a compliance with the duties of a practical Catholic but that this should be the mini-

mum and certainly our membership should if possible establish a rule for the various Councils of monthly Communion and it is highly desirable that the members should receive in a body.
     Another matter which I find in many Council has either been entirely neglected or has been imperfectly done, is the installation of Council officers following the annual election. The dignity and splendor of the ceremonial prescribed for installation of officers should in no case be neglected or done with indifference. The District Deputy should take the responsibility of installing all officers at the earliest possible time following the election and this installation should be carried out as prescribed by the ceremonials of the Order and the occasion should be made, on the part of the Council officers, one of the most important of the year. Careful preparation beforehand should be made to bring out a large attendance of old members, as well as the newly initiated one, and retiring officers should give their most active and emphatic aid and assistance in connection with the ceremony of installation and also with the work which devolves up the newly elected officers.
     Another recommendation which I desire to submit for the very earnest consideration of the delegates and members of the Order is what seems to me a very great opportunity to give great publicity and clearer understanding of those matters which pertain to the Catholic Faith and Religion. It seems to me the time is ripe for a concerted effort on the part of Knights of Columbus to put before the community where the Council exist, in a frank and clear way, by means of circulation of pamphlets, or the distribution of Catholic Newspapers and Periodicals, the argument and explanations in justification of the position of the Catholic Church not only in matters of Faith as such, but on a great many questions which are today social and civic in their nature and which can not be solved correctly except upon Catholic teachings and philosophy. As an example of what may be done in this respect, I am pleased to mention the splendid work which has been done is still carried on by one of the very small Councils in the State, Orleans Council No. 2373, Orleans, Nebraska. Printed pamphlets have been circulated by mail to those not of the Faith through the instrumentality of the officers and members of the Council and in cooperation with the pastor, Father Hahn. To do this work costs but a very small sum of money and is productive of far reaching and permanent results which reflect credit upon the Council of Orleans and the officers and brothers who are promoting it.
     As State Deputy, I very cheerfully acknowledge the spirit of cooperation and harmony which has marked the past year in the affairs of the Order in Nebraska. If we are to gain prestige and accomplish results worth while we must all be willing to refrain from the promotion of personal accomplishments and ambitions, and give instead that kind of sacrifice and service which calls for unselfish zeal and devotion which we have so often pledged and frequently forgotten. Personally, I have regretted that the difficulties of paying personal visit to all of the Councils in the State during the past year have prevented me from working in that close unity and harmony with the individual Councils which I have planned on doing. I was, however, able to visit during the year the Councils of McCook, Orleans, Hastings, Lawrence, Friend, Lincoln, Plattsmouth Omaha,

O'Neil, West Point, Norfolk, Fremont, Humphrey, St. Paul, Ord, Broken Bow, Alliance and David City.
     On November 26, last year, the State Deputy called a meeting at Lincoln of all the District Deputies in the State for the purpose of mutual conference and discussion of matters of common interest affecting the Order in the State. The meeting was authorized by resolution of the State Council of last year and the expense of the meeting was borne by the Supreme Board. Nearly all District Deputies attended and the meeting was characterized by an earnest endeavor on the part of all to work for the best interests and along the lines suggested. The specific point stressed at that time was to promote throughout the State the insurance feature of the order, not only by encouraging the younger men who applied for admission to come in as insurance members, but by urging those in the associate class to transfer to the insurance class and to encourage those who have already carried insurance to increase the amount of their policy. This campaign has been of great help to the Order in the State and has strengthened financially the Order elsewhere. The Supreme Secretary reports that during the year 1925 the Order showed a net gain of insurance members of 1,508. There is also reported as new associate members in the Order 40,693, and the Order has lost from its associate ranks 26,030. In Nebraska, from data complied by the State Secretary, it is shown that with the exception of three Councils, whose figures had not been received, that there has been a net loss in the associate class of more than 250.
      One of our chief objectives during the past year has been the establishment in the State of what has been known as Inter-Council Entertainments and while the results have not been entirely satisfactory there has been made a substantial beginning. In some Districts of the State the District Deputy has initiated the plan by calling for conference with him the Grand Knights, Lecturers and Financial Secretaries, of the various Councils in his District and together have sought to plan entertainment for all the Councils in their District, by which plan each Council becomes responsible for the preparation of one good program and this program is given at the various Councils in the District. It is hoped that this movement will grow and that by means of the entertainment feature the Councils in the state will be able not only to attract new members but to hold their old members and to encourage those, who have allowed their membership to lapse, to seek reinstatement. The great problem which faces us today and which is probably no more characteristic of us than of other organizations, is the problem of holding our organization intact and of doing something worth while for the intellectual and spiritual welfare of the members of the Order. In this connection I desire to emphasize the advisability of all councils planning proper observance of Discovery Day, October 12th. This, being not only a National holiday but in many States recognized by law as a State holiday, our Order should take the lead in promoting proper observance of this day in honor of the patron of the Order.
     Another objective which has had our constant attention during the past year has been to raise the standard of degree work. Too much stress can not be laid upon the beauty and solemnity of the ceremonial and ritualistic work of the Order when it is carried out

after carefully, training and by those who fully appreciate its lasting signifigance (sic). In most cases I have observed that the officers doing the work have acquitted themselves in a very satisfactory manner and I desire to take this opportunity to publicly express my personal appreciation to the District Deputies, the Grand Knights, and all the other members of the various degree teams within the State, who have worked with such high purpose and who have done so, in many instances at a great personal sacrifice of time and convenience.
     We have reached the time our Order when numerical strength should not be the sole object of our existence. Initiations we must continue to hold, but the great field for activity of the Order should be constantly in view. May I suggest that where possible each Council should have its own Council home. This in many instances can be acquired and made to fit into the business life of the community, as well as to furnish a home for the members of the Council. It is a matter of great pride to the State that Omaha Council is now engaged in the construction of a community center under the auspices of the Knights of Columbus which will not only furnish a local objective for the members of the Council toward which they can bend their best efforts, but will furnish a center of hospitality for the Councils of the State and the members when visiting Omaha to meet in mutual friendship and fraternal intercourse.
     Without a very definite and worth-while objective the life of any Council is precarious. Just what that objective should be will, of course, depend upon the circumstances surrounding each locality. In one locality it may be the construction of a club house, or recreation work, in another it may be the promotion of some civic enterprise where the members work in co-operation with other workers for the Welfare of the community. In all localities we may very well keep in mind the great necessity for the promotion of Catholic education where there is no parochial school with proper facilities for the education of the youth. No better enterprise could be undertaken by the local Council than to colaborate (sic) with the pastor and plan for the early construction and establishment of the facilities for such education. This fits in with the greater movement which has already been undertaken by the National Order among the lines of boy guidance and upon which matter you will doubtless by favored by a report later from a member of the Supreme Board who is also a Past State Deputy of Nebraska, Francis P. Matthews, of Omaha.
      Then there is the movement to which reference has been made in this report earlier of the propagation of the Faith in the community as an objective of the local Council. This, of course, must not be done in a manner to arouse criticism, or opposition, or controversy, but in a genuinely zealous and intelligent manner so as to bring before our fellow citizens the truth about many matters on which their information has been either false or entirely lacking. In conclusion, I beg to submit for your very careful consideration but without any definite recommendation the very unfortunate plight in which we find our Catholic teachers many of whom are in qualification, and preparation, the equal of any graduates of any colleges or universities in the State and yet there has grown up a prejudice against their employment by Boards of Education, not only in Nebraska but throughout the country. It is hoped that this condition will not continue

to exist and there seem to be many indications, happily, that we are entering a period where prejudice and bigotry is beginning to subside.
     And finally, I beg to call attention and to ask your earnest consideration in order that some plan may be devised for giving to the Catholic students who attend our State University, an opportunity to have not only a spiritual advisor but an opportunity to undertake religious studies under the direction and guidance of a resident pastor, in order that the Catholic students who attend our State University may come out with an education strengthened in their Faith instead of weakened.
     In closing, I desire to express to the members of this State Council and through them to the members of the Order in this State, my very sincere gratitude and appreciation for the confidence which they have manifested in my efforts as State Deputy and in the undivided and loyal support which I have found throughout the State.

     Report of the State Treasurer was adopted on motion of John Gross of West Point, as follows:

To the Officers and Members of Nebraska State Council, Knights of Columbus, in Annual Convention Assembled:
     Beg leave to submit to you herewith my report of the financial condition of our State Council, showing receipts and expenditures as follows:

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