History of the Pioneer Council 485: The creation of the Pioneer Council drew its inspiration from Father Michael J. McGivney’s visionary establishment of the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal society he helped found in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1882. With strong backing from the clergy, members of this society enjoyed special insurance rates and benefits, offering a safety net in times of dire need. Meanwhile, in Québec, three councils had already taken root, thriving within their Catholic communities and setting the stage for a promising future.
In November 1899, fifty-eight Catholic men came together, eager to hear from District Deputy John P. Kavanagh of Canada Council 284 in Montréal, Québec. As he spoke passionately about the Order, the room filled with a sense of purpose and unity. By the end of the meeting, a vote was cast, and with unanimous support, they laid the foundation for the creation of a Knights of Columbus council in Ontario, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their shared journey.
With the blessing of Ottawa Archbishop Joseph Thomas Duhamel, Council 485 was officially established on Sunday, January 28, 1900. This council, now recognized as the pioneer from which all other subordinate councils in the province sprang forth, holds a special place in history. John Patrick Dunne, originally hailing from Québec City, became the first Grand Knight of the Ottawa Council, earning him the title of the Father of the Knights of Columbus in Ontario. Similarly, Rev. Father Matthew J. Whelan of St. Patrick Basilica, who served as the council’s first chaplain, is revered as the spiritual father of the Order in Ontario.
History of Council 12158: In the fall of 1997, Charter Grand Knight Michael O’Neill, along with Sir Knights Maurie Breen and Terry Howe, approached Monsignor David Corkery, Rector of Saint Patrick’s Basilica, with the idea of forming a Knights of Columbus Council in the parish. A longtime Knight, Msgr. Corkery was enthusiastic and gave his full support. A successful recruitment campaign brought together 34 men to establish the new council.
Saint Patrick’s Basilica: Our charter, dated March 17, 1998, aligns with Saint Patrick’s patronage. We lost our esteemed friend Msgr. Corkery on November 28, 1998, marking our council’s first loss. Msgr. Corkery recognized the potential among the many men who visit our parish each week. Our council remains dedicated to supporting Saint Patrick’s Basilica, which was honored with basilica status by the Vatican in 1995.
Council Milestones: In 2003, our Council celebrated its fifth anniversary with a charter night at the Southway Inn. We organized trips to New Haven, New York, Washington, and Chicago, including visits to Saint Mary’s Church (Father McGivney’s first council), Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Ground Zero, and various Catholic shrines and historical sites.
The Merger: The merger between the original Council 485, established in the early 1900s, and Council 12158, chartered in 1998, marks a significant moment in the history of our Order. Finalized in May 2021, this merger was driven by a shared vision to strengthen our presence and impact within the community.
The decision to merge was motivated by a desire to preserve and enhance the legacy of Council 485, our “Pioneer Council,” while integrating the resources and energy of Council 12158. Both councils have deep roots at St. Patrick Basilica, with Ottawa Council 485 being the first in Ontario, chartered in 1900, and Council 12158 contributing its vibrant activities and members since its inception.
The merger aims to ensure that Ottawa Council 485 remains a vital and enduring force well into the future. By combining our strengths, we are better equipped to support our community, uphold our values, and celebrate milestones such as the 125th anniversary of the Knights of Columbus in Ottawa in 2025. This unification allows us to honor our rich history while building a stronger, more cohesive council that can effectively serve and grow with the needs of our members and community.
