Senate Resolution No. 592 BY: Senator MARTINS COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of the Knights of Columbus Corpus Christi Council No. 2502 of Mineola, New York, on November 11, 2023 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to those fraternal organizations of high purpose and worthy accomplishment whose endeavors have faithfully served the welfare of the citizens of the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Knights of Columbus Corpus Christi Council No. 2502 of Mineola, New York, to be celebrated on Saturday, November 11, 2023; and WHEREAS, Established in 1882, the Knights of Columbus is a Catholic men's fraternal benefit society with more than 1.9 million members located in over 15,900 Councils throughout the world; and WHEREAS, The original chapel of Corpus Christi Church was built in 1895, and the first church dedication was held in 1906; and WHEREAS, In November of 1921, Corpus Christi Pastor James Burke purchased the old Graves Estate on Searing Avenue where he opened a school on September 11, 1922, which remains today; and WHEREAS, Father Edward A. McGowan was sent to assist Father Burke in 1923, and under Father McGowan's direction, Corpus Christi Council received its official Charter and Council No. 2502 on November 11, 1923; during this time, there were 101 Charter members, led by Grand Knight John Shade; and WHEREAS, The Corpus Christi Council held its first meetings in the American Legion building in Mineola, and in the late 1920s, they purchased a building located at the northwest corner of Willis and Jefferson; in 1940, the Council left this site and thereafter held its meetings in a store on Jericho Turnpike just east of Marcellus Road; and WHEREAS, After relocating to 146 Lincoln Avenue in 1945, the Corpus Christi Council moved to its present location in the late 1960s when they purchased a building which was previously an A&P supermarket; and WHEREAS, In 1945, the Council sponsored a lecture delivered by then Monsignor FJ Sheen at Chaminade High School's Athletic Field; more than 2,000 people attended; the Monsignor's popularity raised to worldwide acclaim when he hosted a television program in the 1950s and was then known as Bishop Fulton J. Sheen; and WHEREAS, By the late 1970s, under the able direction of Past Grand Knight Jerry Hughes, excavation began on the half of the building that rested on the ground; with the assistance of brother John Donahue, who placed all of the bricks, and many other brothers, the Father Tully room was dedicated in 1985; and WHEREAS, The Corpus Christi Council saw fit to transfer ownership of the building to a management company and remains as a tenant for meetings and events through present day; furthermore, with the help of David P. Redmond, the Council went online with its website in July of 2005; and WHEREAS, Throughout its distinguished history, the Knights of Columbus Corpus Christi Council have supported four ideals: Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism; its members have exemplified these principles through their support of countless worthy causes; and WHEREAS, In so effectively carrying out its mission, the Corpus Christi Knights of Columbus have demonstrated the value of fostering camaraderie in a shared vision of community service; this mission is indicative of a noble organization which epitomizes the heart and soul of what it means to be an American; and WHEREAS, Organizations of singular distinction such as the Knights of Columbus Corpus Christi Council provide a model for enhancing the quality of life in the community and, as such, merit the grateful praise of the community of the State of New York; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Knights of Columbus Corpus Christi Council No. 2502 of Mineola, New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Knights of Columbus Corpus Christi Council No. 2502 of Mineola, New York.