Knights of Columbus

Exeter Council 2179

73 Winter Street

Exeter, NH  03833

The Founding of Exeter Council

by John J. Adams, PSD

The honor to write the history of Exeter Council, Knights of Columbus, especially by the lone survivor of the triumvirate whose humble efforts brought it into being 80 years ago is rather pleasant task, despite the sense of nostalgia such as a challenge presents.  Even hallowed memories that this assign recalls are somewhat dulled and accomplishments of more recent members seen less spectacular as we scan the pages of the Constitutional Roll, containing the names of those initiated into the council since it was founded and, with eyes dimmed with irrepressible tears, soberly reflect names and numbers of our Brother Knights who have answered the final summons.  And while such contemplation must necessarily stimulate a profound sense of loss, yet the achievements that have been attained by their successors, evokes a feeling of justifiable pride.  It is, then, in such a mood that shall endeavor to complete a brief history of this council whose fortunes and misfortunes, through the years, with their happiness and joy, their sorrow and disappointments have touched so deeply some of us who have been borne this burden of those long and eventful years.

The time: a cold wintry night in February 1920.  The place: the office of the Postmaster, (then on Water Street).  Those present: the late Thos. A. Smith, the late Timothy J. Shinnick and the writer.  For several years efforts had occasionally been made to arrange a meeting between those three members of the K of C living in Exeter; for the purpose of instituting a local council of the National Order.  The sediments of the two older members, however, were that the town would not be to friendly to such a proposal.  This feeling, it was subsequently learned, was motivated not so much be any lack of admiration for the Knights of Columbus, of which each had been a loyal member, but from fact that both held state offices in a another fraternal organization and that each, likewise, was an active officer in its local court.  Eventually, however, the conviction of enthusiasm of youth prevailed.

A meeting was planned to be held in Postmaster’s office.  The night was very cold and bleak.  There were few citizens abroad as we trod the distance between the West End and the center of the town over icy sidewalks, as the sound of crunching snow echoed and re-echoed with each footfall.  Quickly following the meeting, a communication was dispatched to State Deputy, the late F. Clyde Keefe of Dover, requesting information concerning formation of a local council.  (Incidentally, the original list of prospective members prepared at the meeting, and the State Deputy’s letter has been preserved and shall be placed in the archives of Exeter Council as memorabilia of its early days).

S. D. Keefe suggested that an announcement from the altar be read, urging the men interested in forming a council to meet in Smith Hall the following Wednesday evening.  A representative group attended: S. D. Keefe and D. D. John S. Dolan of Portsmouth were introduced and spoke at length, each emphasizing his belief that a thriving council was possible in Exeter.  The State Deputy further elaborated upon the origin of the National Order, gave a resume of its history since 1882 and especially of the outstanding work accomplished during and following the recently terminated World War I.

Particular stress was placed upon the ideals – Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism and, of the objectives of society i.e. a body of honorable, representative Catholic men devoted to love of God and country.  Applications for membership were distributed and, with the passing of few weeks, several informal meetings had been held at which the incoming applications were processed and accepted.  The earlier exemplifications were conducted by the degree team from Portsmouth Council and, it should be noted, that the excellence of ritualistic performance, the enthusiasm of the members attending, especially from Portsmouth and Dover Councils, contributed in large measure to the future success of the new council.

At the completion of our initial Second Degree, a most important meeting was called in order that the candidates might select the district deputy of their choice to confer the Major Degree, scheduled to be held in Red Men’s Hall, Sunday afternoon, August 15, 1920.  In spite of the torrid heat, the hall was filled in the early afternoon by Knights from surrounding councils who had come to give a hearty welcome to new members and, by their presence, hearten and encourage those members who had labored so diligently to organize the new council.

Among the distinguished candidates on that memorable occasion was venerable Pastor, the late Daniel J. Cotter.  Also, a prominent member of the faculty of St. Anselm’s College at Manchester, N.H., the late Rev. Aloysius Bradley, O.S.B, was an interested spectator.  He together with other priest from the college assisted our Pastor on weekends prior to the appointment of a regular curate by His Excellency, the late Bishop Guertin.  It seems to be well established fact that only those close to an actively participating in the formation of a council of Knights of Columbus, can understand and appreciate the spirit of camaraderie which prevails following the exemplification of the Third Degree.  This truth was never more strongly evidenced than in our own council.

In due course our Charter was received and proudly displayed on the bright, clean walls of our Council chamber in Smith Hall.  With the arrival shortly of the new robes and imposing paraphernalia for the exemplification of different degrees and ceremonies – Exeter Council #2179 Knights of Columbus was firmly established.  Again the date, August 15, 1920.  From the initial number of qualified members was selected and installed the council’s first group of officers, which follows: Thos. A. Smith, G.K., V. E. Proulx, D.G.K., John J. Adams, Chancellor, John Churchill, Warden, Chas. B. Broderick, Recorder, Jas. F. Donovan, Fin. Sec., Timothy J. Shinnick, Treasure, I. M. Jette, Lecturer, John J. Cahill, Advocate, Peter Camire, I.G., J. R. Jackson, O.G., Trustees: T. J. Keane, Thos. R. Sheehy, Thos. P. Ahearn and Rev. Daniel J. Cotter, Chaplain.

The members of the degree tem vied with another in striving for a standard of excellence in their particular roles and with the most gratifying results.  Time and again its ritual performance evoked spontaneous and well-deserved commendations from the state officers as well as from local members.  And this pointed up the most convincing manner the value of frequent rehearsals, and rich reward resulting from constant endeavors to attain a high quality of performance in the exemplification of the degrees.  This incidentally, has long been recognized as fundamental in any successful, progressive council.

Another factor contributing to the success and the spirit of good will, which prevailed in our council in its earlier years, worthy and deserving of our continued remembrance, was the unselfish and devoted cooperation of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus.  For their valued and faithful services rendered, we shall ever be indebted.

It is worthy to note also, that Exeter Council has been four times honored by having its members appointed district deputies, two of whom were later elected to the office of State Deputy, i.e. John J. Adams, also appointed Master of the Fourth Degree, John F. Willet, Theodore Novak and Reginald Perry.  Moreover, the council has on two different occasions, played host to the State council.  The first Convention held here in 1938 with banquet, musical and speaking program at Exeter Inn, S. D. Adams presided.  Again in 1957, a most successful convention was climaxed by a delightful program and banquet served in the new and spacious Talbot Auditorium with S. D. Willet presiding.

It would be wholly inaccurate if this brief record were concluded leaving the impression that the record has been strewn with rose petals and the skies clear.  Our council is composed, after all, of human beings and therefore susceptible to their shortcomings, whims, and caprices, yet capable of attaining many of the most difficult objectives. And, like most organizations, even families, it ahs experienced its full measure of foul weather as well a fair, but it has nevertheless demonstrated on many occasions that by adherence to and the practice of those precepts enunciated in our Order’s beautiful ritual, that it could overcome those occasional periods of stress and storm and go on to even greater accomplishments.  Truthfully it has been observed that “Some of the best lessons we ever learn we learn from our mistakes and failures; the errors of the past are the wisdom and success of the future.”

Finally, the unparalleled success and progress of Exeter Council during the past (seventy-five) years simply did not just happen.  Even the most cursory appraisals will reveal the extent of the wise and prudent planning, and zeal of determination which motivated those brother Knights who have provided the essential leadership and of their stimulating influence upon those who have labored so effectively in first acquiring and then renovating the attractive home on Winter Street.  They deserve the deep and abiding gratitude of every member of the council.

We salute them and wish for each many years of good health and happiness.  It is also our fond hope that as they continue to gaze upon the fruits of their arduous labors, that they will experience a feeling of genuine satisfaction as fitting reward for their commendable accomplishments.