Knights of Columbus Council 3175

The Father McRedmond council of the Knights of Columbus at St. Mary’s church in Oak Ridge celebrated their 75th Anniversary on October 24th, 2023.   A celebration was had at the church on the 28th in the Family Life center.  Over 40 knights attended including 10 Past Grand Knights and their families.

 The Knights of Columbus are the world’s largest Catholic fraternal Service Organization.  We were founded in 1882 by Blessed Father Michael McGivney, a simple parish priest coincidentally at St. Mary’s parish in New Haven CT.   Our founding principles which we continue to uphold are Charity, Unity, and Fraternity.  In later years we added the principle of Patriotism.

In Oak Ridge the Knights were chartered on October 24^th in 1948.  WWII had ended three years prior and we were no longer a secret city.  Our government was transitioning from a war time economy to a peace time economy.   It probably wasn’t even certain that Oak Ridge would continue to exist, but a few Catholic Gentleman led by our 2^nd Pastor Father Francis McRedmond formed this group that we are celebrating today.

What else happened in 1948

• The Nation of Israel was created, 5 Arab nations attacked it.
• Communists Seized control in Czechoslovakia.
• Berlin Airlift began and continued for 18 months.
• Harry Truman ends racial segregation in the Military.
• The 33 1/3 LP record was created.
• Planned Parenthood was created.
• A postage stamp cost .03 cents

A special degree exemplification ceremony was held on October 24th. Inducties included Ben Hardy, James Muller and James Upgraft for Oak Ridge Council 3175, as well as 2 other inducties from the council in Harriman.