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     The reports of the District Deputies were read as follows, and on motion adopted:

To the Officers and Members of the Nebraska State Council, Knights of Columbus:

     The First District of Nebraska comprising the Councils located at Omaha, Fremont, West Point and Plattsmouth had on March 31, 1926 a total membership of 2,783 as against 2,443 one year ago or a net gain of 340.
     At the present time 200 applicants are awaiting admission into the Order in this District. During the past year Omaha held four initiations, Fremont one and West Point. Plattsmouth had no initiations at home but brought a number of candidates to Omaha for this purpose.
     The activities of the Order in this District have been many. Omaha Council with its large membership has been especially active: A new Home for the Council valued at $750,000.00 will be completed about January 1, 1927. A carnival held recently by the Council was attended by 50,000 people and netted $25,000.00. Over 1,000 members attended the Holy Communion in a body; 400 members attended the Annual Retreat held at the Cathedral last May; a memorial Military Mass celebrated at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery last Decoration Day was attended by 15,000 people.
     At the present time Omaha Council is preparing a Baseball League for members composed of 16 teams and a Parochial School Baseball League for the boys of the city in which 19 schools participate. Last year a Parochial School Field and Track meet was attended by 8,000 people and 25 schools took part. This has been established as an annual event. The children of St. James Orphanage and 500 Catholic Sisters attending summer school at Creighton University were guests of Omaha Council at a picnic last July.
      Fremont Council sponsored a lecture by Peter Collins, financed a baseball team, had a number of card parties, dances and entertainments during the year. They own property valued at $2,800.00.
     West Point Council expended $60.00 for propagation of the faith, conducted Memorial Services for the dead and had a number of dances and parties during the year.
     Plattsmouth Council owns a home valued at $5,000.00 and during the past year attended Communion in a body and sponsored a number of dances and parties.
     All Councils in this District are in good financial condition and we are at peace and harmony with our neighbors.
     It has been my purpose as District Deputy to promote co-operation among the Councils of this area and to emphasize at all times the Insurance feature of the Order for it is upon this that I believe the future of our Society largely depends.

Worthy State Deputy and Gentlemen of this convention:
     I have the honor to submit herewith my report as District Deputy of the second Nebraska District for the current year.
     At least one visit was made to each Council in district and the officers thereof were duly installed.

     The membership of one Council is composed of brothers from several adjacent towns and the spirit of co-operation shown by all these well worthy of emulation. The officers of this particular council are divided among said towns and this tends to true fraternity.
     The membership in this district has decreased some, due to suspensions for the non-payment of dues, and recommendation is made that, where possible, Financial Secretaries see delinquents in person before resorting to suspension.
     Not all the Councils have submitted the report due, hence this report is not complete in all details. Requests have been made that reports be submitted on time but have not had the desired effort in all cases.
     The three degrees were conferred at Auburn quite recently and the class showed good timber for true knights. A class is in prospect for the immediate future for Friend Council.
     One council in the district has adopted the policy of conferring the first degree when only a few applications are submitted, with the intention of adding the other degree when sufficient candidates are secured. This obviates the necessity of making applicants wait, perhaps for months, before admission. Some of the eastern councils use this system and find it satisfactory.
     Financial condition of the councils is generally good. One council occupying its own home, the others meeting in rented quarters and maintaining club rooms.
     Each council and each brother with whom I have come in contact has shown a spirit of helpfulness and co-operation and to them I desire to extend my thanks.

     The third district is comprised of the following councils: Falls City, Wymore, Hebron and Beatrice.
     The total membership is as follows:

     Of this number 207 are Insurance and 321 Associate.

     The cash on hand is as follows:

     One initiation was held in the Third District this being at Beatrice Nebraska.

     Three initiations are being contemplated for this year.
     One council in the Third District owns its home. Property belonging to these councils is valued at $4,450.00. Club rooms are maintained at three of these Councils. An indebtedness of $1,100.00 exists on the new home at Falls City.
     Regular corporate communion is had at three of these councils. Six lectures for the members and two for the public were held in the past year. These were held by the Falls City Council.
     I hereby respectively submit this report as complete and ask that it be accepted and placed on file.

Worthy State Deputy:
     I beg leave to submit the following report of the 4th district consisting of Columbus, Wahoo, David City, and York Councils.
     The councils of the District have made marked progress in membership, financial condition and social activity. The spirit of Knighthood in the district has assumed an aggressive attitude in things that are Catholic and for the general welfare of each respective council. The spirit of cooperation among the four councils so strongly evidenced last fall is destined to bring about a spirit of unity and harmony which will cement the efforts of the four councils in realizing the fraternal aims of the order. The life and vigor of the respective councils during the year have been evidenced by many activities hereafter detailed.
     Last October the District Deputy issued a call for a conference to be held in David City by the four councils of the district. The object and purpose of the conference was to see if a plan could be worked out, whereby the four councils could form a unit for entertainment purposes. The plan met the approval of the officers of the various councils and it was determined to hold a conference at David City for the purpose heretofore stated. The conference was held and attended by a large number of officers as well as by the Worthy State Deputy and a plan approved whereby each council was to prepare a program and exchange the same with the other councils in the district until each council had been visited. Although, on account of unavoidable conditions, the plan was not carried out last year, the desire of the councils is very strong to try this plan this coming year and every indication points to the fact that the experiment will be tried and the enthusiasm back of the plan convinces me that it is bound to succeed.
      The financial condition of the councils is better than it was a year ago. Larger balances have been shown and building funds considerably increased.
     Tihen Council of David City is the largest in the district. It enjoys a membership, with the class initiated a week ago, of five hundred active knights, half of whom are insurance members. The financial statement is gratifying as the balance on hand is twice as large as it was one year ago. The council, during the year had

no loss, by death, suspensions or withdrawals. The religious atmosphere is good and social functions of high class are frequent.
     Columbus Council No. 938, at the time their report was submitted, had a total membership of 218 members. However, since the report, a large class was added to its membership. The regular meetings are well attended; social functions are frequent and a spirit of enthusiasm prevails among its membership which indicates that considerable activity may be expected in the future. That the members of Columbus Council are wide awake and self-sacrificing is shown by the reception they have given the delegates to the state council held in their city at their invitation. The report submitted to me indicates no loss and withdrawal of membership.
     Wahoo Council No. 1833 of Wahoo, Nebraska, had on March 30 1926 a membership of 236, since that time a class of 34 candidates was initiated and preparation are being made for another initiation to be held on September 24th. About half of the membership is insurance. The council sustained no loss by death, suspenson (sic) or withdrawal. The financial condition of the council is good and their report shows a much larger balance on hand than a year ago. The council emphasizes frequent devotion to Catholic duties and Catholic papers are generally circulated in their community. An aggresive (sic) spirit for the advancement of the influence of the order has been inaugurated and a rapid growth of the council is apparent.
     Council Leo XIII of York, Nebr., has a total membership of 185, fifty-eight of whom are insurance members and hundred twenty-seven are associate members. Since the last report the council initiated twenty candidates. The council sustained a loss of four members due to death during the year. The cash on hand indicates that the council is in healthy condition. During the year the council has emphasized the spiritual as well as social phase of the order. York Council has long held the distinction of providing high class entertainments for its membership. With the enthusiasm evidenced by its membership we have every reason to believe that the council will have a steady growth.
     As a whole the district is in splendid condition and during the year about one hundred and twenty members were added to our ranks in the four councils. With the enthusiasm engendered the fourth district is destined to hold a place second to none in the state.

To the Worthy State Deputy and State Council:
     It is a pleasant duty at this time to submit the following report for the year ending May 1, 1926, on the membership and the financial condition of the councils of District Six of the Knights of Columbus of Nebraska.

     Suspended since last report:

     Prior to the last State Convention but too late for insertion in the last report of Subordinate Councils for this district, a joint initiation of candidates from councils in District five and six was held at Grand Island, April 26, 1925. A large assemblage of representatives from all the councils in the two districts witnessed a splendid exemplification of the first and second degrees by a team from the Lexington Council, Lexington, Nebraska, and the third degree by District Deputy John O'Malley and his team from Greeley.
     A banquet attended by 500 Knights marked the culmination of an excellently planned day's program.
     A joint initiation for the early fall of 1926 is being planned by the councils throughout the district. In the meantime the territory

of each council will be thoroughly canvassed and consistent solicitation made upon the Catholic manhood who are eligible to membership in the Order but who have eluded the efforts of the enthusiastic Knights that approached them.
     Promptly following the election of officers for the year 1925-26 and at the first meeting of each of the councils for October, the ceremony of installation was held. Much enthusiasm prevailed and encouraging expressions from the membership and the newly elected officers at each of these council meetings gave a bright outlook to the year's work. It seems that the Grand Knights of each of the councils exercised unusual discretion in their appointment of a lecturer. T. A. Costello, lecturer for the Kearney Council, to a marked degree has done his lull duty as lecturer in the preparation of working plans for each of the council meetings and by directing the many social activities which were sponsored during the year. Andrew Stone, lecturer for the Wood River Council, was most active, planning and executing some very successful functions for the members of his council and his local parish. Charles Billesbach, lecturer for the Grand Island Council, and his co-workers, assisted by the general membership put on a minstrel show which was a great financial success and served as a stimulus to the fulfillment of the other council objectives.
     Columbus Day or Landing Day was fittingly observed in some manner--by every council in the district. Kearney adopted the policy of an annual observance several years ago and each year a banquet with its attendant addresses tends to educate the membership, both old and new, in connection with the purposes and functioning of the Order in addition to the opportunity always afforded for the promotion of good fellowhip (sic). Grand Island and Wood River observed Columbus Day the past year in a similiar (sic) manner.
     On March 17, St. Patrick's Day, Kearney and Grand Island met at Wood River where the three councils as contributors to a joint program very fittingly and appropriately comemorated (sic) the day. This meeting brought together many acquaintances from the three communities represented and was enjoyed by those present. The intercouncil fraternizing will be continued in the district May 20, with St. James Council at Kearney as host to Wood River, Grand Island and Lexington as guests. The meeting will take the form of a conference on the following topics for the membership exclusively:
     The Suspended Member.
     The New Member.
     Knights of Columbus Insurance.
     How to Maintain Interest in the Affairs of the Order.

     The topics have been assigned to able speakers with an opportunity for discussion by the members.

     The trend of Knights of Columbus activities is toward the goal of permanent and lasting achievements with much to encourage all of us.

To the Worthy State Deputy and State Council Assembled:
     As District Deputy of the Seventh District, Knights of Columbus, State of Nebraska I desire to submit the following report for the year ending April 30, 1926.

     The District comprises the following Subordinate Councils:

     The membership of the above Councils is as follows:

     Since April 30th, a class of 42 was initiated at St. Paul and one of 26 at Greeley, making the total membership for the District as of this date 1,135.
     Your District Deputy has visited the different Councils of the district during the year and found all in a very flourishing condition.
     As above stated the first three degrees were exemplified at St. Paul and Greeley since the first of the present month. At St. Paul on May 2nd, and at Greeley on May 9th. We were favored at St. Paul by the presence of our Worthy State Deputy. Ord Council is making preparations for a class on May 23rd.
     In all Councils meetings are held regularly and special meetings and entertainments are given from time to time. In all Councils Club Rooms are maintained and at Greeley the Council owns a fine large building besides other property. Paraphernalia and equipment are owned by all Councils.
     Each Council of the district has its own first and second degree team which exemply (sic) these degrees in their own Councils. There is also maintained within the District a third degree team which has acted continuously for the past 10 years.
     It is with pleasure that your District Deputy reports that he has the good will and hearty co-operation of the officers and members of the various subordinate councils and that the past year has been one of pleasure in which to act.
     Dated this 10th day of May, 1926.

To the Officers and Members of the Twenty-third Annual Convention of the Knights of Columbus at Columbus, Nebraska:
Gentlemen:
     I hereby present my report of the condition and activities for the past year.
     Alliance Council No. 975 shows a membership of 61 Insurance and 100 Associate, a net loss of 2 insurance members and 18 associate members since the last report. The loss in Insurance membership is accounted for by the death of 2 members. This Council also lost one member by death. The other loss in the Associate membership was caused by suspensions. Since the report was prepared there has been one initiation of 17 on April 11th and reinstatement of three thereby bringing the actual membership back to the same mark as a year ago.
     This council is well officered and the records are well kept and another class is planned for next October.
     Alliance Council owns its own building which is almost free of debt and the future looks quite promising.
     Chadron Council No. 1128 shows a membership of 35 insurance and 79 Associate members or four less than a year ago. The loss is due to one death, one suspension and two transfers. This council is also officered and during the past year has fitted up rooms in the basement of the new academy. A class is contemplated for next September and the report a year hence should show an increased membership. They have a nice balance in the treasury and the future looks very promising. Practically a new set of officers is now at the wheel and excellent progress should be made during this year.
     Sidney Council No. 1861 shows a loss of 12 Insurance and 11 Associate members and a housecleaning has taken place as a result of carelessness in the office of Financial Secretary in not keeping the records properly but they are now in the hands of a competent and faithful worker and a much better showing will be made next year. Conditions have been unusual during the past year but are shaping around now and increased activity is being shown and with the active interest taken by Father Link, I feel sure that all be well hereafter.
     There is no change in the conditions in Scottsbluff since last report but it is hoped that a council can be established there before another year rolls around.

Worthy State Deputy and Delegates assembled:
     Herewith is submitted the report of the activities of the councils in the 9th district comprising Norfolk, Humphrey, Madison and Elgin for the year that just past.

Gain of 4 insurance members and 8 associate members.
Suspensions, 1 insurance member and 22 associate members.
The average attendance at the 22 meetings was from 15 to 25.

     Social activities consisted of Easter dance and three social meetings. Only council in the district to hold an initiation.

Only one associate member suspended during the year.
Average attendance at the-meetings, 75.
Social entertainments 12.
Held annual picnic and had Peter Collins speak.

Loss of one insurance member and one associate member.
One insurance member died during the year.
The average attendance at the meetings was 25.
Social activities consisted of several card parties and dances.

Council gained 4 insurance and 4 associate members.
Suspensions, insurance members 3, associate members 15.
Average attendance at the meetings was 50.
Social affairs were 13 in number, consisting of parties, plays and dances.

     All the councils in the district are in good financial condition.

     There are 259 insurance members in all councils and 559 associate, a total of 818. There was a gain of 12 insurance members and 12 associate members. Four insurance members were suspended and 39 associate members. This goes to show that the insurance members take a more active interest in council affairs.
     Out of the total membership the average attendance was 175. There were 36 social affairs and only one initiation in the district.
     Distinguished visitors in the district were the Worthy State Deputy W. M. Whalen, Hon. W. Downs and Hon. Peter Collins.

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