By Chris Trombley Champlain - The Father Francis X. Chagnon Council #3525 recently celebrated its 60th anniversary With over 170 members and their families attending the event. Several awards were given including a presentation to one new honorary life member, Mr. Ralph Boire. Over $500 was raised for charity during the event. The highlight of the evening was the dedication of the new kitchen to past Brother John Paul Tetreault by Father James Delbel, pastor of St. Mary’s in Champlain; Father Ray Moreau, pastor of Sacred Heart in Chazy, and Father Brian J. Cummings, spiritual director of St. Anne’s Shrine in Isle laMotte, Vt. Mr. Tetreault, who died Feb. 26, was also honored as Knight of the Year. He was a Third Degree Knight and 50-plus year member of the Champlain council , serving as Grand Knight for two years. He dedicated countless hours to serving this organization as a cook and volunteer of many committees. Several members of the Tetreault family were present including his wife, Gloria who helped unveil the dedication memorial. The night ended with the “Officer of the Year” award presented to Francis Mercaldi who spent several hours preparing and presenting a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the over 700 hours of labor that was spent on the new kitchen. History of the council Father Desrosiers was very pleased with the idea and gave his blessing and approval as he and the committee felt that by having a Knight of Columbus in Champlain, the principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism would be better exemplified in our community. It was decided to name the council after Father Francis X. Chagnon who took over the parish in 1887 and ultimately cleared the debt and started the Catholic school of eighty students and placed the parish on solid financial ground. On April 15th, 1952, Claude Lavoie received the council’s charter from the Supreme Council which was post-dated April 23rd, 1952. Also on April 23rd, 1952 the first officers were elected. On July 2nd, 1952 the officers executed a lease with Mrs. William Kennedy to rent the former Lyceum Theater and eventually made the structure on 3 Oak Street a permanent home. On June 29th, 1952, 109 Catholic gentlemen gathered to complete their degrees under the guidance and proud Pastor, Rev. Arthur Desrosiers. On August 20th, 1952 the first monthly supper was held, a strong tradition that continues today. For over 50 years the Father Francis X. Chagnon Council has exemplified the true meaning of the Knights of Columbus and the spirit of Father Chagnon in the charitable works, countless donations to the church, school, and community. In continuing the legacy of Father Francis Chagnon, Council # 3525 continues to be the “strong right arm” of the church and community in the same determination and fortitude of our namesake.
Danny Tetreault, eldest son of John Paul Tetreault, accepts the “Knight of the Year Award” given to his father for years of devoted service and dedication to Knights of Columbus Council # 3525 in Champlain. John Paul Tetreault died Feb. 26. Danny Tetreault accepted the award on behalf of the Tetreault family and encouraged others to follow in his father’s ideals of charity and dedication through hard work and determination. The elder Mr. Tetreault Was also honored during the 60th anniversary celebration of the council as the new kitchen in the council home Was dedicated in his name. The memorial dedication, Shown above, Was Crafted by #3525 member and Past Grand Knight James LaFontaine and features a marble plaque crafted by member Martin Bechard and is flanked by the large knifes that Mr. Tetreault used for over 25 years.
Events Coordinator Debbie Bosley prepares deserts in the new kitchen during the early hours prior to the 60th anniversary event. |
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