Our Council History
   Rev. John F. Murphy Council #1943  

The Father Murphy Council was instituted April 27, 1919 in Mystic.  There were (46) charter members who decided to name the council after Fr. Murphy.  He was the pastor of Mystic's St. Patrick Parish from 1895 until 1901. There have been (61)  members who served as Grand Knight of the Council starting with Gene Donahue to our present Grand Knight Frank Longo.  The Council has grown from the (46) charter members to over (200) members today.

The first meeting was held in St. Patrick Church's Columbus Hall.  The Council met there until 1953 at which time they purchased the Old Puritan Laundry on Hatch Street which is still the present home of the Council.  The members renovated the laundry building to accommodate meetings and social events.

Over the years the Council has sponsored many fund raising and social events to assist the Church, Community, Youth, plus the Sick and Disabled. One of the most memorable events was our Council's 50th Anniversary Celebration.  The weekend of festivities started with a parade Saturday morning through Mystic led by St. Bernard School's Marching Band.  Following the parade, an open house was held at the council home.  Refreshments were served to everyone and the members were proud to show off their latest renovations to our Council home. The highlight of the celebration was the Saturday night Banquet. It was attended by over (250) members and guests, including Knights of Columbus and government officials.  The main speaker was The Most Rev. Vincent Hines, Bishop of Norwich.  Sunday morning the council members attended Mass and received Communion together.  Sunday afternoon a 2nd and 3rd Degree was exemplified for (120) candidates.  Following the degrees, a chicken dinner was served for (300) brother knights.

Since that parade, the Council has marched in every Memorial Day and St. Patrick Day Parade held in Mystic. In 1977, the 200th Anniversary of our Country, the Council marched in the parade with a float the members built that was second to none.

The Council over the years has had (9) members serve the Order as District Deputies. In 1986 our Council had the honor to have one member, Peter Balestracci, elected State Deputy of Connecticut and later he was appointed Supreme Warden by the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council's Board of Directors.

Through the leadership and hard work of the Grand Knights and members, the Council has achieved (7) Star Council Awards for outstanding achievements in Church, Council, Community, Family and Youth Activities, along with Membership Growth.

In the last year, our Council disbursements were over $12,000 and 19,000 volunteer service hours involving many worthwhile activities. These included support of our area Churches, St. Bernard School Scholarship Fund, Youth Activities, local Food Banks, and organizations that help People with Intellectual Disabilities.

God has blessed our Council over the years. We pray for his guidance as we continue to dedicate ourselves to the ideals of Columbianism: Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism.

 Vivat Jesus!

Go back to the Knights of Columbus Home Page