Figure 1.  K of C 4th Degree Honor Guard at
Fr Fred Schmit's Retirement 6-28-2009

Father Michael J. McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus in 1882 at St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, CT., as a Catholic lay organization committed to Charity to those in need, Unity in strength of its membership,  and Fraternity with fellow brother knights.  Today, the Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic family fraternal service organization with 1.8 million members. It provides members and their families with volunteer opportunities in service to the Catholic Church, their communities, families, the young, and to the elderly.

As a member of the Knights of Columbus you and your family enjoy many benefits, including 12 free issues annually of the Columbia magazine, the world's largest Catholic family magazine, eligibility to join the Knights of Columbus top-ranked life insurance program, and many more family and personal benefits.  The opportunity to be a part of the many activities sponsored by the local Councils of the Knights of Columbus and the first hand knowledge of the very positive results achieved in the form of charitable aid, fraternal bonds formed and the enrichment of the Catholic family is immensely rewarding.

The W. P. Morris Council has demonstrated its commitment to the principles established by our founder Fr. McGivney.  Our numerous fund raisers, including Boston Butt sales, monthly Pancake breakfasts, Chili and Spaghetti dinners, Octoberfest celebrations,  Fish Fry’s, and MR (Tootsie Roll) drives, have allowed the W. P. Morris Council to provide substantial contributions to the needs of the Church, Youth organizations, Community help organizations and Parishioners.  Funds raised have also been allocated to special projects which support the principles of our faith and our charter.  The Council was instrumental in outfitting the new St. Thomas Aquinas Church, dedicated in 2005, with a professional quality kitchen and a fully equipped adult meeting room.  In addition to its use for Council fund raisers, the kitchen has been an invaluable focal point for many other church-wide functions including installation banquets, and the hosting of a first ever Putnam county-wide Right-To-Life fund benefit dinner.

Individual members of the W. P. Morris Council have also responded to the needs of the Church and Community and have provided countless hours of volunteer service including: Bingo at Masters Health Care Center; Hospital volunteer service; Habitat for Humanity; Church Planning and Council Committees; K of C Honor Guard; Fall Festival; Holy Week Eucharistic Adoration; Blood Donors; etc.

Members of the Knights of Columbus are obviously people who care abundantly for others.  As such, it is easy to understand that fellowship and fraternity among brother knights is also high on the agenda.  Inner Council activities are planned and participation is encouraged to allow members to relax and engage in purely social and cultural events, some for members only and others for member, spouse and the entire family.  Some of these activities may include card parties, group attendance at theater, special event dances, group day trips, couples dinner out, wine and cheese party, Monday golf, and miscellaneous pick up tournaments (i.e., golf, pool, bowling, fishing, checkers, etc.)

Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to practicing Catholic men in union with the Holy See, who are at least 18 years old.  A practicing Catholic is one who lives up to the Commandments of God and the precepts of the Church.  Form 100 Membership Application blanks are available from any member of the Knights of Columbus.

Any Third Degree member in good standing, one year after the anniversary of his First Degree, is eligible for membership in the Fourth Degree. The primary purpose of the Fourth Degree is to foster the spirit of patriotism by promoting responsible citizenship and a love of and loyalty to the Knights' respective countries through active membership in local Fourth Degree groups (called "Assemblies").  Many members of the Fourth Degree, at their own option, serve on Assembly honor guards at civic and religious functions, an activity that has brought worldwide recognition to the Knights of Columbus.  Figure 1 shows our local Assembly participation in the June 28, 2009 retirement ceremony honoring Fr. Fred Schmit, retiring pastor of St. Andrew Church in Sparta.

Assemblies are formed to service districts, with their membership consisting of all 4th Degree members of each Council within the respective district.  Fourth Degree members of W. P. Morris Council #6645, along with those of Joseph Einecker Council #14902 of Sparta, TN, St. Bernard Council #8152 of Crossville, TN, and Fr. Callahan Council #8273 of Harriman, TN, are represented by Fr. Gabriel Assembly #2162 of Crossville, TN.

Under the guidance of Christian Brother Barnabas McDonald (1865-1929), the first Columbian Squires circle was instituted in 1925. Membership in the Squires is for Catholic boys between the ages of 12 and 17. Squires' activities are many, varying from spiritual to active service for the Church and community. Each circle elects officer members from their own rank, teaching skills of leadership and responsibility.  The W. P. Morris Council currently does not have a local Squires Circle in Cookeville.