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The Territorial District of the Knights of Columbus on the prairies was established following the formation of the Winnipeg Council No. 1107 in 1906. The first Grand Knight of the Council, Thomas D. Deegan, became the Territorial Deputy, a post he held until the formation of the Manitoba-Saskatchewan State Jurisdiction in 1909. The split in the Western area came in 1907 when Alberta became part of the organization.
Mr. Deegan as Territorial Deputy carried the responsibilities of the Order throughout the region of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, having an area of 575,000 miles which is about one-fifth of the total of the 48 American States, or a little less that one-sixth the total area of the Dominion of Canada. During the period following the formation of the Winnipeg Council, the Territorial Deputy shouldered the responsibility in the development of Columbianism for this large area.
Alberta was the first target, and with the assistance of such outstanding stalwarts of Winnipeg Council as J.H. O'Connor, J.J. Callahan, F.W. Russel, J.K. Barrett, T.J. Murray, and others, Mr. Deegan was able to introduce Knighthood into Edmonton and Calgary during January 1907. Following the formation of the Alberta Councils a Territorial District was established in the province of Alberta. This left Mr. Deegan more time to expand his work with the Order in Winnipeg and Saskatchewan
The group from Winnipeg took their mission to the West in 1907. They met with many dignitaries in Edmonton the same Sunday and that same afternoon left for Calgary where the institution proceedings were commenced the following day. The proceedings were followed by a banquet where the Knights and the ladies were suitably entertained at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. P.J. Nolan. Open house followed where many of the leading citizens of Calgary were present.
The two new Councils of Edmonton and Calgary started out under exceptionally auspicious conditions. The membership of each City was composed of representatives of professional and businessmen, and they were all delighted with the success of the initiation ceremonies.
The Edmonton Council elected N.D. Beck, a leading member of the bar, as their first Grand Knight. Patrick J. Nolan, a well-known lawyer of Western Canada assumed the office of the first Grand Knight of the Calgary Knights. Mr. Nolan also was elected as the Territorial Deputy of Alberta for a period of two years. (1907-1909). He was followed by Edward F. Ryan, who remained in office until 1912.
(Knights of Columbus, Alberta 1907-1980) |
Welcome to the newly revised website for the Alberta/Northwest Territories State Council. Although the revision is still not complete, the final product will provide every knight with up to date information about the Knights of Columbus in this great jurisdiction of ours.
