History of the Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Chapter of Grand Knights

Serving the Western Maryland Vicariate

During late 1998 several then current Council Grand Knights met to discuss the idea of establishing a Chapter of Grand Knights that would align itself with the Western Vicariate of the Archdiocese of Baltimore. The new Chapter would provide the benefits of the existing Baltimore and McNamara Chapters without the requirement to travel substantial distances to attend meetings.

A resolution was drafted and submitted by interested Councils to the Maryland State Council Resolutions Committee prior to the May 1999 State Convention. The resolution read in part "That the Maryland State Council of the Knights of Columbus establish the Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Chapter of Grand Knights in Western Maryland , comprising the counties of Al legheny, Carroll, Fred erick, Garrett, Howard and Washington."

The Resolution Committee response, which was presented at the 1999 State Convention, stated in part: "The process for the creation of a new Chapter is the privilege of the State Deputy. The State Deputy will allow a Chapter to be formed on a trial basis for six months with the understanding that if attendance warrants, he will formally petition the Supreme Council to officially create the Chapter."

The Chapter name was chosen to honor Maryland's Own Saint, Elizabeth Ann Seton, who was canonized by Pope Paul VI on Sunday September 14, 1975. Though she was born and raised in New York, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton did the majority of her work ministering to the poor and laying the foundation for the American parochial school system in Baltimore and Emmitsburg, Maryland. To further honor her the Chapter has chosen for the site of its annual installation of officers, the Basilica of the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton located in Emmitsburg , Maryland . At the Charter installation of Chapter Officers, the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph that Mother Seton founded presented the Chapter with a 1st class relic of Mother Seton. It is now tradition for Councils that host Chapter functions to be presented the relic for their use during the following month. This has served to help to spread the story of her religious life and inspired additional devotion to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. The Chapter is truly honored to bear her name.

In September 1999, the first operational meeting of the "provisional" Chapter was held at St. Timothy Council 12255 in Walkersville, Maryland under the guidance of State Deputy (SD) Philip Asplen Jr. SD Asplen was the primary speaker and discussed his requirements to make the Chapter a viable entity.

The Officers during provisional status of the Chapter were:

Chaplain Rev. Fr. Martin E. Feild Council 11631

President Gregory E. Loss Council 12255

Vice President E. Allen Harris Council 1622

Secretary David J. Richard s Council 11703

Treasurer Robert W. Jack Council 11703

Marshall William J. Kinsella Council 1622

Activity Director William R. Jack Council 11703

At the end of six month trial period (February 2000) the provisional Chapter forwarded a report to SD Asplen outlining participation at each Chapter meeting by Councils within Western Maryland as well as participation by District Deputies, State Officers and State Activity Chairman. The report also detailed the programs held at Chapter meetings during the six trial month period.

Based on this report, SD Asplen petitioned the Supreme Council in April 2000 to formally recognize the Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Chapter of Grand Knights. During their annual summer meeting in July 2000, the Supreme Council reviewed the request from SD Asplen and voted to formally recognize the Chapter.

History of the Chapter : 2000 - 2001 Fraternal Year

History of the Chapter : 2001 - 2002 Fraternal Year

History of the Chapter : 2002 - 2003 Fraternal Year

History of the Chapter : 2003 - 2004 Fraternal Year

History of the Chapter : 2004 - 2005 Fraternal Year

History of the Chapter : 2005 - 2006 Fraternal Year

History of the Chapter : 2006 - 2007 Fraternal Year

History of the Chapter : 2007 - 2008 Fraternal Year

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Updated 7/15/2008 by DBS