History of New Hyde Park Council

In 1987, in celebrating our Council’s 45^th Anniversary, a history of New Hyde Park Council was written and printed. For the benefit of both our newer Knights and their newfound interest in Council #2852, and our senior members who might like to reminisce, we are reprinting the original with additions to bring it up to date.

New Hyde Park Council, 1942 – 2003

A new Knight might very well be impressed with our Council’s business meetings, its leadership, and its building and facilities. After feeling at ease in this new environment, he might, ever so humbly, ask, “Has it always been like this?” The answer of course is a definite “No.”

Back in 1942 fifty-eight male residents of the New Hyde Park area felt that they wanted to get involved in religion, in charity, in a united organization, and in each other. The answer to their needs was, of course, The Knights of Columbus. Other communities had charters, why not New Hyde Park? Requirements, as set forth by Supreme, were met by eager men who knew what they wanted. On February 15, 1942 , New Hyde Park Council became a reality. The framed charter, bearing fifty-eight names, proudly decorates the business office wall of our Council home today.

Things moved slowly for sometime. Membership increased gradually as occasional social events became more and more popular. Meetings were held in the local Village Hall and the community recognized the new group as “men with a purpose.” The purpose was to spiritually advocate charity and fraternity. The same purpose inspired many Catholic women of New Hyde Park. On the first day of July, 1955, a New York State charter documented that fifty-five women would constitute The Columbiettes of New Hyde Park. This was truly a historic event for both The Knights and The Columbiettes. Before long, combined efforts of both groups made committees more versatile, celebrated occasions more joyous, and charity more pronounced. Working together, Knights and Columbiettes began raising money by operating Bingo. Originally the sessions were held in a bowling alley, which was taken over one night a week. Later the games were held in a local parish hall. It was a combined Knight and Columbiettes effort, and still is today.

New Hyde Park Council’s Certificate of Incorporation is dated October 8, 1956 . The Columbus Club, as we called ourselves, would handle all business dealings involving our Council and its properties. Nine elected Directors forming a board, constitutes the decision-making faction of the Columbus Club. Today this Board oversees our building and catering facilities.

While these progressive events were taking place, charity was always evident. Our Columbiettes worked with a radio station providing “gifts for kids.” They assisted the Sisters of the Poor and became most active in a New York State program called “Transcription Program for the Blind.” These were just a few of their projects throughout the years. Their dedication and involvement in such programs made The Columbiettes the respected organization it is today. During these same years, The Knights were constantly innovating new ways to assist those in need. Christmas parties included underprivileged children. Blood bank committees expanded. Assistance to Religious Orders such as The Maryknolls became more and more indicative of Catholic laymen who wanted to be heard. In 1961 a welfare fund originated for those with immediate needs. Such a fund must have available cash. We acquired this cash by organizing dance classes. We were still growing, in both substance and size.

Long-range plans were set in motion to build a much-needed Council home as far back as 1952. The property at 1000 Marcus Avenue , where our Council home now stands, was purchased around 1954. It was not until 1959 that plans for a partial, unfinished building were presented to our membership at a projected cost of $74,000. The ball was rolling and it gained momentum as Columbus Club and various committee meetings were held every few days. These were trying times. Money was tight, but in order to build, money had to be raised. Our Council issued $100 bonds for this purpose. Members and friends purchased $35,000 worth of these bonds. This money, when added to a $50,000 mortgage meant that before long we would have our own Council home.

Memory recalls a small structure on the property of the proposed building site, which was called “The Red Barn.” Every member knew that once “The Red Barn” was torn down, our new building would not be far behind. Ground breaking took place on Columbus Day in 1961. In June of 1962, our doors were opened to all, at a formal dedication, which had the whole town talking. We did much talking about other things. How could we pay off a $50,000 mortgage, take on the financial burden of operating a new building, and at the same time buy back the outstanding bonds? The answer was found in the five-letter word, “BINGO.” Bingo eventually provided most of the income that was needed.

Many friends and local businesses donated to the decorating and furnishing of our Council home. Needless to say, they are still our friends. They know who they are, and they know too, how grateful we will always be.

It was now time for progress. Membership of both the Knights and the Columbiettes increased, the building was completed, and our activities were ever expanding. We, as a united fraternal organization, were becoming stronger than ever. At about this time, the mortgage was paid off. Members took on new endeavors such as weekly visits to The Creedmore Children’s Hospital, annual Memorial Masses for deceased members, and a successful Religious Vocations Program. Our Council is particularly proud of those members who initiated a wake service for the deceased. Our service was later recognized as the official New York State Wake Service, which has been adopted by Councils throughout the state. Our picnics, Christmas parties, and social affairs became better attended and far more successful.

As with most organizations, we too had setbacks. Perhaps the most devastating setback was the horrendous shooting of one of our Council’s favorite sons. To New Hyde Park Council, March 22, 1961 , was a day of infamy. That day, Sir Knight Joseph Coote, a police officer was shot and killed by a drug-crazed suspect whom he was about to question. The incident was difficult to accept. Every Knight and Columbiette regarded the death as a personal loss. Unity among us was never more evident. This helped us to eventually bounce back. The details of other setbacks, and there were a few, are not worth mentioning. What is worth mentioning is that we had the right leadership. Leadership, which recognized problems, faced them head on, and implemented the changes, which brought us back better than before. Yes, we have had leadership in New Hyde Park Council throughout the years, which we have been most proud of. Leadership that demanded respect, deserved respect and received respect.

Times change and like most successful organizations New Hyde Park Council has adjusted to the changing times. Renovating our building has allowed us not only to hold more successful affairs, but to cater our facilities for weddings and social events. This new approach had been a challenge, which we welcomed and have since turned into a financial success. The profits are put to good use, such as modernizing facilities and meeting all charitable demands. New Hyde Park Council is particularly pleased with an innovative idea that one of its leaders planned and turned into one of our proudest hours. In 1984, the first annual “Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony” took place in New Hyde Park. Since that time the celebration has been expanded, through a New York State Resolution, to Councils throughout the nation and elsewhere. This conceived plan to combine the spiritual beauty of the coming of Christ with the fraternal strength of our Knights and Columbiettes has been the most successful endeavor of this Council since the dedication of its home. This event has made this Council proud, and will encourage our stepping forward in the future.

What else is there to say? New Hyde Park Council #2852 has been Star Council many times. We currently have about one thousand Knights and some three hundred fifty Columbiettes. Our programs are always expanding and our leadership is of the same high standards as it has always been. At the present time we allow two senior citizens clubs and other groups to use our facilities. Things such as this make for a community served well.

It is pleasing to say that the new millennium has brought with it fulfillment of two rather exciting endeavors for New Hyde Park Council. Both had been, for many years, considered and were sorely needed. First, our property was expanded to reach Hillside Avenue , increasing parking facilities along with the acquisition of a functional building. Secondly, after years of expectations, we have at last seen a group of young, ambitious Knights find their places within the Council’s membership and leadership. This was long in coming and gives great hope for the future.

Needless to say there have been far too many leaders, innovators, and workers, during these past sixty years to be mentioned here. Their legacy is the success and pride that has been bestowed on us. Hopefully this legacy will be bestowed on others for years to come.

Fraternally yours,

James Zoltowski

Council 2852 Buildings Through The Years