Knights of Columbus

Father Owens Council #11114 
Battle Creek, MI 49017
 

Council Officers

Grand Knight - Brian Wemple
Chaplain - Fr. Rob Johansen
Deputy Grand Knight - Ivan Wilson
Treasurer - Ken Huebschman
Chancellor - David Riley
Advocate - Richard Hoenecke
Warden - Shawn McCarthy
Inside Guard - Samuel Durham
Outside Guard - John Lindsay
Lecturer - Timothy Wanner
1st Year Trustee - Richard Hoenecke
2nd Year Trustee - Robert Hughes
3rd Year Trustee - David Goff
Recorder - Robert Hughes

Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to

1. Practical Catholic men in union with the Holy See
2. Who shall not be less than 18 years of age on their last birthday

A practical Catholic is one who lives up to the Commandments of God and Precepts of the Church. Application blanks are available from any member of the Knights of Columbus. Every Knight is happy to propose eligible Catholic men for consideration as members.

Acceptance of the applicant depends upon a vote of the members of the subordinate council in which he is making application. 

All priests and religious brothers having duly made application for membership and participated in the ceremonials become honorary life members of the Order and are exempt from payment of dues.

Application for membership must be made through the council in the community nearest the applicantÂ’s place of residence. Interested prospects without a permanent domicile, such as men temporarily away from home through duty in the armed forces, may make application through their hometown council or at the nearest council on a military base.

Another degree open to members in the Knights of Columbus is that of the Fourth (or Patriotic) Degree. On Feb. 22, 1900, the first exemplification of that degree was held in New York City. The ritual added patriotism to the three original principles of the Order: charity, unity and fraternity. 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 KnightsÂ’ respective countries through active membership in local Fourth Degree groups called assemblies. Fourth Degree members must retain their membership as Third Degree members in the local council to remain in good standing.

Certain members of the Fourth Degree serve as honor guards at civic and religious functions, an activity which has brought worldwide recognition to the Knights of Columbus organization.