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Catholic
Diocese
of Charleston
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| Knights of Columbus |
Council
5194 was formed as an outgrowth of Sumter Council 2207 and was
chartered on October 8, 1961. Around this time, Florence
received
a growth spurt due to Dupont and Union Carbide as well as other paper
industries. This brought many northerners to our area and an
influx of Catholics and Knights of Columbus members.
With
a need for activities and social functions, the new council was
formed. This also helped those who were now away from their
families as it gave them new acquaintances with whom to socialize,
relieving homesickness.
The
Council named Msgr. Wood as
the honoree because he had been the first pastor of St. Anthony Parish
in Florence and had been the first KofC member in SC. He had
set
up missions in Georgetown and Florence, traveling throughout a
13-county area on horseback to celebrate Mass in these
missions.
The Council purchased land on the World War II Air Base and decided to
build a home. Some steel joists were purchased and placed at
the
site. However, money was a problem, delaying the
building.
Meanwhile, the Council met in the Air Force Reserve Station at the
Florence
Airport with St. Anthony Parish (when it was located downtown); then at
the Police cabin on the north side of town just off of McIver Road; and
at it's present location on Crescent Circle. Social
functions,
such as the
Harvest Ball, were held at the Elks and the Florence Country
Club. As the Council saved up some money, the urge to build
grew. Each member was asked to contribute $100 and Genevieve
Nichols, who was the widow of George Nichols, Sr. gave $5000 to build
the home that was completed in 1971 and dedicated to the Nichols.
An
auxiliary was formed and functioned shortly but, due to the isolated
location of the home, they didn't formally exist. The Rev.
Dumouchel was the first chaplain and John L. Sullivan was the first
Grand Knight. Jimmy Burch was the first African-American
member
of the KofC in South Carolina. When Bishop Unterkoeffler
learned
of this, he transferred to our council. Jimmy went on to
become
the first African-American Grand Knight in South Carolina.
Council
5194 has had one State Deputy - Thomas L. Rhodes (1972-1974) and hosted
the state convention. Our Council has had a long-standing
affair
with Operation H.O.P.E. with last year's honor including having raised
over $100,000 in the last 7 years and receiving an award for that
accomplishment.
Contact: Bob Cox (843) 661-6057
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Contact information
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