St. Mary of the Grove Council 11138

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Last Updated on Wednesday, 28 September 2011 21:58

Council 11138 was officially chartered with the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council on June 21, 1993. Under the leadership of the Knights’ Regional Insurance Agent, Charlie Hobbs, a handful of members from other area councils conducted a weekend recruiting campaign after each Sunday Mass. Talking with the men of St. Mary Parish, they enlisted 28 new candidates, the transfer of 12 existing Knights and the reactivation of 4 prior Knights.  These 44 Charter members crowded into the Parish Center Grotto Room along with several visiting Knights to participate in, or witness, the exemplification of the first principle of the Knights of Columbus (Charity).  Our Pastor, Reverend Simeon L. Gardner, as well as Reverend Anthony M. Londono and Deacon Edward J. Buttles were three of the participants in this exemplification.  Thus, Council 11138 was born and started on a path that has gained many Supreme awards, State recognition and praise from our sister councils in Tampa.

The leaders of our Council over the years have been:

Council 11138 has been awarded STAR Council 7 times. STAR Council is achieved by attaining goals set by Supreme in the three areas of membership quotas, insurance quotas and at least five activities in the areas of council, community, church, family and youth. Other awards from Supreme include the Founder’s Award (insurance), McGivney Award (membership) and Columbian Award (activities and reports submission).

In the Fraternal Year 2004-2005, Council 11138 was awarded the Florida State Council Church Activity for its pro-life project of erecting the Visitation Statue/Memorial on the grounds of St. Mary Parish. This activity was submitted to Supreme Council for recognition throughout the Order.

Our council has grown from the 44 Charter members who gathered in the Grotto Room to the more than 150 members of today. In 1995 we made a plea to all members of our parish. That plea called for you to “make your family a part of ours.” We are family and always have the front door open for new members. We hope you will consider making Council 11138 a part of your life by joining the Knights of Columbus. We recognize that time is one of the most valuable commodities we have in life. The amount of leisure and free time for the average person has decreased in recent years. Many outside influences are vying for the precious time that we have. If you believe in the importance of investing your time in friendship, the church, and helping others the Knights of Columbus is for you. Everyday the Knights of Columbus provides its members with the opportunity to discover the importance of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism to our country and the world.