Council History

Our Heritage

In 1882, Father Michael J. McGivney invited a small group of parishioners to gather in the basement of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Connecticut. His goal was simple—to establish an Order that would unite men in their faith as well as help provide for Catholic families in times of need. It was in that humble beginning that the Knights of Columbus was founded, guided by four core principles: charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism.

These founding members strove to overcome the hardships of the time: poverty, unemployment, and even persecution. Father Michael J. McGivney’s perseverance and foresight resulted in the largest Catholic fraternal and humanitarian organization ever created. The Order has endured for well over a century because of the inspirational courage of so many.

We are an organization of dedicated individuals—1.6 million members strong and growing. Since 1882, the Knights of Columbus has embodied the selflessness of man as it has helped overcome the problems of the world. Poverty, ignorance, and apathy imperil not only individuals but humanity as a whole. We are men of faith, comprising over 12,000 councils at home and overseas, guided by our belief in God, the Catholic Church, and in each other. We are the Knights of Columbus—believing that a man is defined by his actions as a follower of God and a leader in his community. A man is more than simply a man when he bears the title of “Knight.”

Santa Maria Council 4999

Our council was established on June 12, 1960, in Riviera Beach, Florida, under the spiritual leadership of Father Joseph Borg, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi, and first Grand Knight Paul Templeton. The council charter was signed by 69 men and the group met in the VFW building on US 1 in Riviera Beach.

In 1964, the council brothers began looking for property to build a council hall. Property was purchased in Riviera Beach just east of the railroad tracks near Avenue H. Under the direction of Brother and General Contractor Vince Paccone, the council’s building was completed in 1966. The first Grand Knight in this council hall was Brother Coleman O’Toole.

There were many great years from 1966 to 1979. The council members were younger and raising their families. The council hosted communion breakfasts, socials, dinner dances, picnics, and many other events. In 1978, the council decided to sell the building and look for a new location in northern Palm Beach County. The building was sold in 1979 for $53,991, though the funds were not received until 1980. The council then arranged to meet at St. Clare Parish Hall in North Palm Beach, Florida.

In the early 1980s, the council purchased a parcel of approximately two acres on Prosperity Farms Road from the J.D. MacArthur Foundation for $25,000—this is the present council hall site. The brothers set out to raise funding for construction by selling $1,000 building bonds with ten-year terms at 10% annual interest. The building was estimated at $300,000, so they secured a bank loan from a bank operated by Brother Robert Betteker, Sr. Brother and General Contractor John Chiodo began construction in 1983. The new hall was completed in 1985, and the first meeting was held in October 1985 with Grand Knight David Foley. The 8,000-square-foot building was dedicated and blessed by Bishop Dailey. All loan obligations and building bonds were fully paid off by 1992.

Our council has supported its building program and charitable initiatives through its Bingo Program, which funds programs in Church, Community, Council, Family, Membership, and Youth. The council has nearly 400 members and contributes over $100,000 annually to these programs, donating more than 21,000 volunteer hours each year.

The council history was composed by Past Grand Knight Ray Waddell.