Celebrating 125 years: Anniversary dinner held for Knights of Columbus
Anniversary dinner held for Knights of Columbus
(Photo by Amber Phipps) The Marietta Chapter Knights of Columbus gathered for an evening of celebration to reflect on its 125th anniversary during an anniversary gathering.
(Photo by Amber Phipps) Each guest receives a name tag and a place setting for the evening celebration of the Marietta Council of the Knights of Columbus 125th anniversary gathering held Saturday.
(Photo by Amber Phipps) The Knights of Columbus Council #478
(Photo by Amber Phipps) The original documentation from the founding of the Knights of Columbus that was on display Saturday during the Marietta Council of the Knights of Columbus 125th anniversary gathering.
(Photo by Amber Phipps) A table lined with awards and achievements for members in the Marietta Chapter of the Knights of Columbus on display during the Marietta Council of the Knights of Columbus 125th anniversary gathering Saturday.
(Photo by Amber Phipps) Jerry, Joyce and Laura Offenberger enjoying an evening meal at the Marietta Chapter Knights of Columbus on its 125th anniversary at a gathering Saturday.
(Photo by Amber Phipps) Members of the Marietta Council of the Knights of Columbus gathering Saturday for the 125th anniversary of the fraternal group.
(Photo Provided) Members with the longest active serving time in the Marietta Council of the Knights of Columbus - Bob Dickson with 75 years and Father Dale Tornes with 57 years - do the honors of cutting the cake during the group's 125th Anniversary dinner Saturday night.
(Photo Provided) Past Grand Knights of the Marietta Council of the Knights of Columbus pose for a picture with the original charter Saturday night as the group celebrated their 125th anniversary. From left to right: Rusty Nesmith, Pete Saliba, Randy Burnworth, Larry Moegling, Terry Welch, Bob Dickson, Tom Offenberger, Dave Payne, Ken Offenberger, Dave Gerst, Jim Boersma, Ed Huck and Raph Maloney.
(Photo by Amber Phipps) The Marietta Chapter Knights of Columbus gathered for an evening of celebration to reflect on its 125th anniversary during an anniversary gathering.
(Photo by Amber Phipps) Each guest receives a name tag and a place setting for the evening celebration of the Marietta Council of the Knights of Columbus 125th anniversary gathering held Saturday.
(Photo by Amber Phipps) The Knights of Columbus Council #478
(Photo by Amber Phipps) The original documentation from the founding of the Knights of Columbus that was on display Saturday during the Marietta Council of the Knights of Columbus 125th anniversary gathering.
(Photo by Amber Phipps) A table lined with awards and achievements for members in the Marietta Chapter of the Knights of Columbus on display during the Marietta Council of the Knights of Columbus 125th anniversary gathering Saturday.
(Photo by Amber Phipps) Jerry, Joyce and Laura Offenberger enjoying an evening meal at the Marietta Chapter Knights of Columbus on its 125th anniversary at a gathering Saturday.
(Photo by Amber Phipps) Members of the Marietta Council of the Knights of Columbus gathering Saturday for the 125th anniversary of the fraternal group.
(Photo Provided) Members with the longest active serving time in the Marietta Council of the Knights of Columbus - Bob Dickson with 75 years and Father Dale Tornes with 57 years - do the honors of cutting the cake during the group's 125th Anniversary dinner Saturday night.
(Photo Provided) Past Grand Knights of the Marietta Council of the Knights of Columbus pose for a picture with the original charter Saturday night as the group celebrated their 125th anniversary. From left to right: Rusty Nesmith, Pete Saliba, Randy Burnworth, Larry Moegling, Terry Welch, Bob Dickson, Tom Offenberger, Dave Payne, Ken Offenberger, Dave Gerst, Jim Boersma, Ed Huck and Raph Maloney.
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MARIETTA -- The Marietta Council of the Knights of Columbus celebrated an anniversary Saturday at their post located at 312 Franklin St, marking 125 years since the council's charter was established in 1900.
"The Marietta Council has been a very strong council, and we're lucky to have over 235 members," Dr. Larry Moegling, past Grand Knight said. "We have some very vibrant programs that we work with. We have a philosophy that good programming brings good members, and if we have good and new members, they expect to do positive things in the community."
Moegling said the council works closely with the Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption, serving as the "right arm of the church" and providing manpower for parish initiatives. They also collaborate with other local Catholic organizations like the Catholic Women In Action (Catholic Women's Club) and parish council.
Long time member Tom Offenberger, with over 40 years of service, said in the community, the Knights maintain the parish cemetery, refurbishing buildings and helping with landscaping. He said they host the Daily Bread Kitchen, a non-profit soup kitchen that was started to eliminate hunger in Washington County, which serves over 300 meals each Wednesday, and they also provide space for AARP tax assistance services for the elderly two days a week.
"We do programs that benefit the local community," Moegling said. "We also have programs that help fund and support the Diocese of Steubenville, and there are some state programs that we also donate or support, which are used for organizations around the state of Ohio."
Moegling said the local council has received numerous accolades, including being named the top council in the state for two years in a row during the pandemic.
"Whereas some councils seemed to weaken during the pandemic, our council grew stronger," he said. "I would say communication was the key to that."
For Offenberger, being part of the Knights of Columbus holds deep personal significance.
"It gives you a chance to help others," he said. "There's six boys in my family, and we're all four degree Knights."
Moegling said looking to the future, the council will continue to build on its rich 125-year history while honoring its past contributions to the Marietta community.