resurrection catholic missions montgomery, alabama

VOLUMN 86, NO. 1
WINTER ISSUE 2005
RESURRECTION CATHOLIC MISSIONS
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
Temporary Headquarters of the
Knights of Peter Claver, Inc.
VOLUMN 86, NO. 1
WINTER ISSUE 2005
“TRUST IN GOD” our Pass Word
“ONWARD” is our War Cry
REMARKS FROM THE SUPREME KNIGHT
ARTHUR C. MCFARLAND
This issue of the Claverite reflects the highs and lows experienced by Noble Order since the Summer 2005 issue. In that
issue, we profiled the KPC members of the hierarchy of the
Catholic Church who have joined our cause. Several of those
bishops and archbishops joined us at our 90th Annual National
Convention in Las Vegas in July 2005. As in the past, Las Vegas
proved to be an attractive venue for our convention. In fact, it was
one of the largest and most productive conventions in the history
of KPC. This was certainly a high point of the summer.
Convention activities are captured in the photos in this issue.
Another high point of our summer was the 2005 National
Junior Convention held in New Orleans just two weeks before the
Senior Convention. Over 1400 youth and chaperones gathered at
the Hyatt Superdome for the four-day event. These young people
conducted themselves in an exemplary way as they engaged in
spiritual renewal, business sessions, competitions and social
events. They elected new Officers for 2005-07 including James
Coleman, Jr., Junior Supreme Knight, and Gabrielle Deculus,
Junior Supreme Lady. We congratulate them and all other officers on their election as leaders of our youth division. Junior
Convention reports and photos also appear in this issue.
As the world knows by now, August 29, 2005 became a low
point in the history of the Gulf Coast and KPC as Hurricane
Katrina sent floodwaters over the levees of New Orleans and
ashore along other parts of the Gulf of Mexico. Katrina and her
cousin, Rita, transformed the talk of the town from “How far
below sea level is your part of New Orleans?” to “How high did
the water rise in your house?” From Gramercy, LA, just west of
New Orleans, to Bay St. Louis, Pass Christian and Pascagoula,
Mississippi and as far to the east as Mobile, AL, Katrina cut a
path of immense destruction beyond the experience of most residents of that area. Rita extended this path as far west as Port
Arthur and Beaumont, Texas. Your street address no longer
defined simply where you lived, but, in the aftermath of Katrina,
dictated whether your house or anything you owned was still
there and recoverable.
Katrina not only destroyed property, but more importantly,
destroyed lives. The pictures of families stranded on rooftops,
overpasses, the Convention Center, Superdome and Xavier are
forever recorded in our memories. The Hyatt Superdome, site of
our Junior Convention, was one of the most heavily damaged
hotels in the business district. In short, on September 29, 2005,
the good times stopped rolling in New Orleans. Organizationally,
Katrina uprooted a major segment of our foundation. Members
from over 70 units were displaced from their homes and parishes
along the Gulf Coast. We continue efforts to locate these members. Please provide any information you have on the location of
displaced members to the national office. Our prayers continue
for those still waiting to return home.
Our headquarters building on Orleans Avenue was not spared
the floodwaters. Our flood watermark is located 38 inches from
the floor. Thus, anything below the top of desks was completely
destroyed. In the days and weeks after Katrina, mold and mildew
crawled the walls onto the ceilings far beyond the watermark.
Paper records and inventory were destroyed by floodwaters,
moisture or contaminated by mold and mildew. We were fortunate because our financial and membership records were maintained in electronic form and removed prior to the hurricanes.
Since the hurricanes, the building has been gutted. The Board of
Directors has committed the funding to restore our property. We
intend to return to New Orleans to help rebuild the city.
While the hurricanes exposed the extent of poverty in our
midst and the incompetence of government in the face of a major
natural disaster, it created new opportunities for us to demonstrate
why KPC exist. Clavers from north to south and east to west
responded to the pleas for help from individuals known and
unknown. Like other Americans, Clavers were generous with
their time and money. Many opened their homes for weeks to
those seeking shelter or aided children transitioning to new
schools. Just as St. Peter Claver reached out to Africans arriving
in Cartagena with nothing more than memories, Knights and
Ladies greeted evacuees from New Orleans and other areas with
the necessities of life.
In the case of our Noble Order, I must thank Father Manuel
Williams and Father Fred Briers, pastor and assistant pastor,
respectively, and the people of Resurrection Church in
Montgomery, Alabama for opening their parish facilities to KPC.
On September 1, 2005, they invited us to relocate our offices to
their property. By September 15, 2005, we had restored our basic
operations. Because of their generosity, we have devoted the
cover of this Claverite to them. There were many other volunteers who helped us recover. They will be appropriately recognized at our National Convention in Houston, TX.
2005 proved to be a year of mixed blessings-many highs and
disturbing lows. As we approach the 2006 Hurricane season, we
do not know what challenges the future holds for us. However,
our mission as Clavers is to respond unselfishly to the needs of
others as we meet them. That is what St. Peter Claver did. That
is our call-yesterday, today and tomorrow. May God continue to
bless all of you who daily define love through Christian service.
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Greetings Clavers:
It is with a heavy heart that I write my final article for the Claverite. Please allow me the opportunity to pen some of
my empowerment tools used during my tenure of office. The theme chosen by the Supreme Knight and me, “Claverism:
Defining Love Through Christian Service,” has served as a nexus for us. The Most Worthy Supreme Knight enumerated
the tragic events of 911: the Anthrax scares, the ravages of war in the Middle East and in Africa and the discontentment
spreading in other areas of the world. Life and the worth of humankind seem to be devalued at almost every turn.
The Millennium ushered us into a period of needed change when the Supreme Knight announced, “The Supreme Lady
and I have partnered to advance the mission of our Noble Order and we have adopted a theme that captures our
goal during this administration.” It has been a privilege and a tremendous joy to have worked so closely with our
Supreme Knight. There were times when I thought to myself - I cannot do this anymore, but he always knew just the words
to say to make things better again. The recognition given by the head of our Noble Order set the tone for a cooperative spirit, which has been practiced throughout, and now I reflect upon the empowerment and its successes with all Clavers doing
their respective jobs. The support of the National Court, Officers of the Auxiliary; Gracious Ladies, Ladies and Junior
Daughters have worked with most of the National Programs approved by the Board of Directors and implemented them in
their respective churches, schools and communities, rising to a new level of dynamics in our spiritual, social and Christian
goals. Your responses individually and collectively have been a vote of support and respect which I shall always remember
and treasure.
I cannot call the names of our staunch supporters during this administration; therefore, allow me to categorize the activities and major initiatives that WE, TOGETHER SERVICED.
• Expansion – All Divisions have conducted Initiations, Reclamation and Retention Programs. The election of energetic officers, encouragement of the younger members as Emerging Leaders; formulation of activities for the youth
in our Order have all played major roles in our expansion. Some of our Emerging Leaders are serving as strong mentors for their Non-Catholic friends, and their participation in World Youth Day has become a blessed event for those
attended.
• Communication/Technology – The KPCLA Website Committee and the National Office Staff with their expertise
and love of the Internet and their email savvy immediately brought information to our doors. Even Katrina could not
impede their progress.
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• Joint Leadership and Training – I enjoyed the opportunity to see Knights and Ladies working and sharing committee assignments with the ability to get the job done. The development of Manuals for the Senior and Junior
Divisions were very much needed. We covered additional information with follow-up presentations in workshops.
• Clergy Relations – This has very much improved with concerns for educating the Church Hierarchy, from the
leadership in Rome to the local parish priest.
• Monetary Support – Requests were made and contributions/donations are being given through the Disaster Fund
set up as a result of Katrina. We are there for our family of Clavers. The UNCF/Xavier Fund is a program selected by our Noble Order to help develop the Saint Katherine Drexel Religious Center in New Orleans.
• August 28, 2005 – A Dark Day in the Life of Clavers. The devastation of Hurricane Katrina and the other hurricanes/storms caused us to weep for all people and ourselves. Affected directly and indirectly, lives, homes, minds
and bodies were destroyed in a matter of hours. The intensity of what followed is engraved in our minds. WE
WERE HOMELESS – Our National Office home was destroyed. The News Media treated 9th Wardees all the
same; lower, middle or upper everyone was trying to survive. Clavers were defining Love Through Christian
Service, and some dedicated members and friends stepped up to the plate and dealt a blow to the seemly satanic
events of that day and those that followed. We are operating in a temporary site in Montgomery, AL, with a limited staff and dedicated members like Rita & Charlie Ester, Rebecca & Amos James and of course, my hard working husband Fred Briers, Jr. We are doing the best that we can. Adding Gail Johnson to the staff has been a tremendous help to all of us. On our property in New Orleans, crews are successfully working with the Blessings of
Almighty God so that we may return soon.
If you can identify with any of this scenario, know that I thank you. God has truly blessed me in this office. A personal thanks to my husband, son, daughter, son-in-law and other blood ties. We know you, our extended family, love us.
I am happy to know and have the opportunity to work with the Honorable Arthur C. McFarland, Supreme Knight, and
his family, members past and present on the Board of Directors, Knights and Ladies, and other Clavers especially,
Dorothy Henderson and W. Charles Keyes, Jr., who are no longer with us, but who have been blessed with the favors of
the Almighty because of their dedication and sacrifices to this Noble Order.
Just for me, reach out and touch that Claver family member who has helped you to understand your role as a Claver.
If you can identify their contributions of Christian service, hug them for me.
To the officers that will lead this organization for the next two years, I say you have an awesome job ahead. My
prayers are with you and yours as each of you strive to continue the Christian commitment of Claverism. May God shower His blessings abundantly upon all Clavers and I anxiously await our coming convention in Houston, Texas. I hope to
see you there!
Yours in Christ and Claverism,
Mary Louise Briers
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2005 JUNIOR NATIONAL CONVENTION
COMPETITION WINNERS
4
5
Despite the many challenges presented by the weather and the changing of schedules, the Juniors met each challenge with determination to do their best. Their convention received ratings of excellent and good.
We would like to thank the Commanders, Counselors, Area Commanders, Area Counselors, Grand Knights, Grand Ladies, chaperones, and parents, for their support in getting the Juniors to the Convention. We would like to thank Supreme Knight Arthur
McFarland, Supreme Lady Mary Briers and the National Boards for their support and their faith in the Junior Division. Special thanks
to Mr. Athanase J. Jones and his Staff for the long hours and hard work put into the Junior Convention.
Respectfully submitted,
Elsa R. Phillips
National Counselor Junior Daughters
James A. Coleman
Director General Jr. Knights
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16th JUNIOR NATIONAL CONVENTION
Knights of Peter Claver, Inc
The 16th Junior National Convention convened at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana from July 7-10, 2005.
Over 1400 members were in attendance. The convention theme “Claverism: God’s Gift to Youth” was visible throughout the various activities and competitions.
Some highlights of the convention were a tour of the Knights of Peter Claver National Office, a tour of the Aquarium. Additional
activities included Thursday Prayer Service, an Icebreaker/Fun-Fest, the Convention Mass, candidate’s forum and a convention banquet, Junior were able to compete in the following competitions: Quiz Bowl, Arts , Crafts, Science ,Essay , Spelling Bee ,Poetry and
Speech .On Thursday night, Juniors from the six Districts/States competed in the Talent Show. Their performance was outstanding.
The Business sessions of the convention provided the Juniors with an opportunity to plan for the future of their organization. They
met in committee meetings where they presented positive recommendations and suggestions of ideas and programs to enhance the
Junior Division. Officers were elected.
2005-2007 Junior National Officers
Junior Daughters
Junior Knights
Gabrielle Deculus
Jr. Supreme Lady
John Coleman
Jr. Supreme Knight
Keyley Mable
Jr. Vice-Supreme Lady
Austin Richard
Jr. Deputy Supreme Knight
Zamara Thibodeaux
Jr. National Secretary
Desmond Taylor
Jr. National Secretary
Sheryl Carpenter
Jr. National Treasurer
Ryan Mallery
Jr. National Treasurer
Meghan Jackson
Jr. National Mistress-at-Arms
Keith Honore
Jr. Sergeant —at-Arms
2005 JUNIOR NATIONAL CONVENTION
COMPETITION WINNERS
QUIZ BOWL WINNERS
BANNER WINNERS
1ST PLACE
BR/CT 151 St. Monica
Houston, TX
1ST PLACE
CT 28 St. Ann
Beaumont, TX
2ND PLACE
BR/CT. 164 St. John
Port Arthur, TX
2ND PLACE
BR/CT. 354 Fr. Bernard Hall
Grand Rapids, MI
3RD PLACE
CT. 276 ST. Anthony
Atlanta, GA
3RD PLACE
BR/CT. 26 St. Maria Goretti
Pass Christian. MS
2005 OUTSTANDING JUNIOR DAUGHTER AWARDS
CENTRAL DISTRI CT
GULF COAST DISTRICT
LOUISIANA STATE
NORTHERN DISTRICT
TEXAS STATE
WESTERN DISTRICT
Mallori Harrell
Alicia Miles
Raimy Living
Jada Dougles
Bianca Henny
Jourdyhn Williams
CT.
CT.
CT.
CT.
CT.
CT.
188
313
166
167
139
259
2005 OUTSTANDING JUNIOR KNIGHT AWARDS
CENTRAL DISTRICT
GULF COAST
NORTHERN DISTRICT
LOUISIANA STATE
TEXAS STATE
Steven Robinson
Myrick Nichols
Corey Taylor
John Coleman
Austin Richard
BR. 5
BR. 4
BR. 353
BR. 31
BR. 341
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JUNIOR DIVISION NEWS
World Youth Day 2005
With Pope Benedict XVI
Bishop Joseph N. Perry
Twelve of our emerging leaders participated in World Youth Day 2005 celebrated at Cologne, Germany and its neighboring cities of Dusseldorf and Bonn this
past August 16-21. I felt privileged to be
chaplain for the group and grateful that
our supreme leadership of Knights and
Ladies deemed it important that our young
people be there. Given the few African
American youth actually present, our
Knights of Peter Claver group was conspicuous. I was impressed by the numbers
of youth from the continent of Africa participating.
In his effort to bring the Gospel to the
world through unprecedented and large
scale outreach, the late Pope John Paul II
[1978-2005] focused his attention on
Catholic youth from around the world of
every race, nation and ethnicity. And the
youth have responded in numbers unimaginable. It is fitting that our KPC youth
should be in that number!
WYD in its basic program was a
week of prayer, catechesis, long-distance
walking to the sacred places, grabbing
trains and buses, meeting other Catholic
youth from around the globe, welcoming
the arrival of the Pope at the Cologne
Cathedral culminating in a 12 mile roundtrip hike across German farm land in a
long processional column of a several
hundred thousand youths to arrive at
Marienfeld, a farm stretch outside
Cologne where Pope Benedict led a three
hour prayer service the first night, then a
concluding Mass the next day Sunday.
Never before in history has the Pope
of the Catholic Church been so visible to
the church’s young folk. In these times,
the successor of Peter has shown himself a
true father to the young. They listened
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attentively to him challenge them to be
faithful in a world satisfied to live without
symbols of God and religious faith and
confident with making up their own rules
for living decently or indecently.
Five German households in the quiet
village of Kalkum, about a half-hour’s
drive outside Dusseldorf, took our group
in as guests for the eight days. Four couples and one widow were extraordinary in
their reception of us with hospitality,
meals and other notes of generosity.
The week began with strong prayer,
the feast of the Assumption of the Mother
of God, August 15, and our group on the
first night citing Revelations 12 and its
proclamation of the woman clothed with
the sun with the moon under her feet and
upon her head a crown of 12 stars! I gave
each a small Bible for meditation and
asked them to bring along a rosary. Each
day began 7.30am with Morning Prayer
together with a group of 49 from Toronto,
Canada who were lodged in the same village as we were. We were fortunate to celebrate Mass together later in the week.
World Youth Days are classrooms of
Christian diversity that have in mind to
enlighten today’s young people to the reality of a global village in hopes that this
generation might handle better the variety
that is the human race and thereby sew the
virtues of peace and harmony. I was particularly impressed with interest paid to us
by youth from Korea, Palestine and
Russia, to name several. No where else
other than World Youth Day have I seen
such depth of friendliness and mutual
interest among people.
The three cities hosted prayer before
the exposed Blessed Sacrament, with
opportunities for individual Confession
and catechetical sessions in parish churches. We were fortunate to retrace our steps
to just twenty feet from Pope Benedict
XVI when he arrived at the Cologne
Cathedral amidst some 800,000 young
people from 160 nations gathered for an
enthusiastic reception.
We were also treated to a program
given by Jim Caviezel, the actor who portrayed the Christ in Mel Gibson’s celebrated film, The Passion of the Christ. He
and his wife gave strong talks to the
English speaking youth about Christian
virtue, fidelity, sexual integrity and constancy. They showed the film in its entirety after which the large gathering recited
the rosary.
We walked a huge Way of the Cross
Torchlight Procession outside on Friday
carrying a large cross through the streets
of German hamlets.
Pope Benedict held a long night’s
prayer vigil with the crowds infused by a
well orchestrated musical program
Saturday, followed by a camp-out under the
stars and forty degree temperatures leading
up to the concluding Mass Sunday morning
at Marienfeld. By then the attendance was
estimated at about a million.
I trust WYD-2005 left some lasting
impressions in the hearts and minds of the
members of our group. It occurs to me
that we have an enormous responsibility
to model our juniors along the riches of
our Catholic traditions. Our 12 received
an impressive dose of Catholicism bolstered by huge numbers of their peers
from around the world who were baptized
with the same ritual that they were and
who feed upon the same Eucharist they
feed upon.
In our own discussions I learned that
these juniors and emerging leaders are
faced daily with the power and pull of the
popular culture which in respects ignores
piety and religion and sometimes mocks
these. Reflecting on questions several of
them posed to me, I came to understand
our youth are inundated by questions and
assaults on their faith by relatives and
peers and the media who cannot put
together the terms “black” and “Catholic”.
Their questions of contrast and comparison between the free black churches and
the Catholic Church are placed innocently
in an effort to understand the specialness
of the Catholic faith. All the while they
witness the free and evangelical traditions
being approached by some adults and
youths in the manner of a consumer product or in the manner of entertainment …
who has the best choir and musical execution, the best youth program, the best
preacher and/or best dressed preacher,
who offers the most popular mega church
experience. Which Church is cool!
World Youth Days traditionally afford
young people a deeper understanding of
the profound substance of our Catholic
faith. Hopefully, our pilgrimage to
Germany raises their self-confidence and
nurtures a deeper pride in being Catholic.
In our Catholic tradition is found
perennial truths. Each generation of
young black Catholics must try to understand those core truths. Our black
Catholic youth are on the road to making
personal decisions about their faith commitment in midst of a large menu of
church offerings; some of them seemingly
more attractive than the Catholic Church
for a variety of reasons premised in cul-
ture and history’s prejudice. We trust that
with our adult example and explanation of
the faith their decisions will lead them to
remain among us. Pope Benedict sermonizing in his final Mass challenged the
youth along this same idea, to remain
faithful to their Catholic roots.
Our KPC youth are not far behind
being fine examples of Catholic faith. On
the flight home I just happened to spy one
from our group praying his rosary in low
but audible words of the Hail Marys! $
Ryan Joseph Mallery, Junior Grand Knight of
Branch #76 was elected Junior National
Treasurer at the Junior National Convention
held in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Ryan is the son of Raymond and Edwina Sam Mallery.
Ryan Mallery Junior Grand Knight Branch #76
Ryan attends Northside High School in
Lafayette, Louisiana. He is a junior in the
Engineering Academy and also a member of
the basketball team. As a member of
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church community, he serves as lector, altar server, youth
council member, and mentor at the Village of
the Arts & Humanities Summer Program. He
is also a member of the Louisiana Stars, a
16/under basketball team, which recently
placed 3rd in the National AAU Basketball
Tournament that was held in New Orleans,
Louisiana.
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JUNIOR KNIGHT RECEIVES
VERNON BERNARD SCHOLARSHIP
Junior Knight Tony St. Julian (center) receives the Vernon Bernard Memorial Scholarship of
$1000.00 from Grand Knight, Clarence Washington, Council #341, Holy Family Catholic
Church-McNair, as Father Rodney Armstrong looks on. The council provides scholarships from
the proceeds of their annual scholarship and charities golf tournament. It part of their community services. Tony is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest St. Julian.
Respectively submitted by:
Kenneth C. Simon
Commander Council #341
Junior Knight Excels in Academic Performance
Court and Council #238
St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church
Houston, Texas
Desmond Fournier, Junior Knight of St. Peter Claver, is a 2005 high school graduate of The High School for Engineering Professions in Houston, Texas. He is the son of
proud parents, Lady Bertha and Knight Johnny Fournier. Desmond’s GPA is 4.6 on a
4.09 scale. He is a member of the National Honor Society and will enter Rice
University’s Engineering Program in the fall. Desmond was awarded a $1000.00
Scholarship by the Knights and Ladies, Council and Court #238. In addition to his
scholastic achievements, Desmond has accomplished many noteworthy recognitions,
awards and leadership roles in the community. He is a motivator and has displayed
many leadership skills as Junior Texas State Treasurer.
Please join us in congratulating Desmond Fournier as an aspiring, dynamic young
achiever.
Council and Court #238 have awarded a $1000.00 scholarship for three consecutive years to Junior Knights and Junior Daughters who are outstanding achievers.
Respectfully submitted,
Lady Bobbie Rossigion-Scholarship Committee Chair
Knights Raymond & Lady Lorita Duke-Co Chairs
Council/Court #238
Desmond Fournier
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First Annual Tea
Knights of Peter Claver, Jr. Daughters,
Christ the King Junior Court # 371
Christ the King, Junior Court # 371 enjoyed their First
Annual Tea on September 18, 2005. Guests were served chocolate covered strawberries, egg, chicken, and tuna finger sandwiches on homemade bread, a lovely assortment of desserts and a variety of hot flavored tea, all of which was served on fine china.
During the tea, the Jr. Daughters displayed one of their service projects, crocheted quilts for premature babies. Lady Teddy
Piña, Court #371, has shared her talent with the
Juniors and taught them the art of quilting.
A major highlight of the day was a dance by The Christ the
King’s Boot Dancers whose members are Junior Knights, future
Claver youth and Young adults.
The performance was based on the history of how the workers communicated in the diamond mines of South Africa. Our
second delight was that of the youth choir director, Rhonda
Malone who enchaned everyone with her rhythmic voice. Our
third charm, Charann Brown, a Jr. Daughter, recited one of her
original poems “I Am A Girl.”
Lady Maezella Grimes, Counselor and Area Deputy, Lady
Rebecca Charles- Watts dedicate many long hours to the Juniors
and has inspired others to give of their time, talent, expertise, and
money to support the Juniors.
Everyone enjoyed the door prizes and bided generously at
the auction. The Juniors donated $100 to the Katrina survivors
through KPC. Thank you to all the loving, volunteers who made
this fundraiser possible! We couldn’t have done it without you!!
HOUSTON AREA
BROWN BAG PROJECT 2005
The morning of September 10, 2005 dawned gloomy, cloudy
and overcast with intermittent rain. The spirit of the Junior
Clavers gathered was not deterred by the day’s inclment weather
as we prepared for the 7th annual Brown Bag Feed The Homeless
Project in Houston, Texas.
The 2005 event held at the Bread of Life Day Break
Community Center was an expression of the dedication of Junior
Knights and Junior Daughters from the Galveston-Houston Area
to serve our brothers and sisters and mankind as did our Patron
Saint, Peter Claver.
Approximately 175 juniors prepared 300 sack lunches containing a sandwich, chips, fruit and juice. We also passed out
hygiene packs which had been packaged the night before.
As we issued these items to the homeless, we experienced a
deep feeling of compassion unfolded as the realization that we
were exhibiting the ideals of Peter Claver. As many of the homeless thanked us, we also thanked them for coming, realizing that
except for the direction of our parents and senior Clavers we may
also falter and fall into bad luck. As our guests went on their way,
we had learned valuable lessons about service to others with food,
clothing, a kind word or a smile.
Junior participants were: Desmond Taylor #151 Junior
National Secretary, Mykel Thomas #138, Brianna Batiste #151
Junior State Lady of Prayer, Kenneth Robinson #72 Junior
Chairperson Brown Bag Project, Austin Richard #341 National
Junior Deputy Supreme Knight, Sara Patterson #248 Junior State
Treasurer, Christopher Pichon #138 Junior State Treasurer,
Cambrian Pichon #138 Junior State Reporter, Zamara
Thibodeaux #151 National Junior Secretary, and Carrie Newman
#98 and members of the surrounding Junior Branch and Courts
We were honored to have Senior Clavers present: Lady Elsa
R. Phillips #231 National Counselor of Junior Daughters, Knight
Gene A. Phillips, Sr. #231 Past National Deputy Supreme Knight,
Lady Nan Arceneaux #151 State Deputy of Texas, LA, Lady
JoAnne Henderson #138 Junior State Directress, Knight Adrian
Adams #151 Texas State President, Lady Judy Edwards #151
Texas State Vice President, Lady Barbara M. Murray #222 Past
State Deputy of Texas, LA, and Lady Viola John-Louis #222
Texas State Treasurer. Our Special Guest was State
Representative Garnet Coleman.
With pictures taken, area cleaned, the homeless went to their
next destination and said good byes we took our leave knowing
that Peter Claver is proud and smiling down on us.
Thank you senior leaders for your guidance and support:
Knight John Kennedy #159 and Lady Udavine Barnes #72 Senior
Chairpersons, Knight Percy Creuzot #238, all Commanders and
Counselors and Senior Claver Members.
Until Next Year
Submitted by,
Cambrian Pichon #138, Junior State Reporter
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FR. JOYCE FINNIGAN,
JUNIOR COURT #61 KANSAS CITY, KA
The Junior Daughters Receive Thanks for Giving
– St. Ephegenia, Junior Court #188, Memphis, TN
“I was hungry and you fed me, thirsty and you gave me
drink; I was a stranger and you received me in your home, naked
and you clothed me;…” It was the words of this passage from
Matthew 25:35-36 that served as an incentive for the members of
Junior Court #61 when they visited the Shalom House in Kansas
City, a shelter for homeless men. Thirty homeless men who live
at Shalom on a temporary basis.
On October 15, 2005 the Juniors donated sack lunches to the
men and toured the facility. This was quite a learning experience
for them and awakened an awareness in them that like St. Peter
Claver, they are to render aid to those in need.
The Junior Division of the Knights of Peter Claver adopted
an initiative called the “Brown Bag Project” at the 16th Biennial
National Convention held in New Orleans, LA in July 2005. The
initiative was developed to encourage Junior Knights and Junior
Daughters and other young people to feed persons in need by
donating and distributing brown bags containing food items in
their respective cities. The Junior Daughters of St. Ehegenia,
Junior Court #188 of St. Augustine Catholic Church decided to
adopt Hope House, a daycare center for children and families
afflicted with HIC/AIDS. Instead of donating brown bags of food,
they donated a brown van filled with the fixings for a
Thanksgiving meal for each of the thirty-five families in the Hope
House Daycare Facility. The food was delivered on the Monday
before thanksgiving to ensure that all of the families would
receive their food in time for the holiday. Sr. Margaret Ann
Zinselmeyer, director of operations was on hand to greet lady
Jennifer Harris upon delivery of the food items and extend her
gratitude on behalf of Hope House for the generosity of the Junior
Daughters.
Submitted by,
Members of Junior Court #61
Respectfully submitted by:
Lady Jennifer Harris
Mother Katharine Drexel Jr.
Daughters Court #1
The Junior Daughters of Court#1 deliver
stuffed animals to children at the USA Women’s
and Children’s Hospital for “Operation Easter
Bunny.”
Pictured are: Jr. Daughters, Mayah Martin,
Joi Russell and Lisa Henry.
Mother Katharine Drexel Jr. Daughters
Court #1 / Jr. Conference in Jacksonville, Florida
ST. MARTIN DE PORRES, JR. COURT #266
Eleven young ladies were initiated into St.
Martin DePorres, Jr. Court #266 in New Haven,
CT on Saturday, April 9, 2005. The initiation
was conducted by Area Deputy, Lady Rosilind
Cobb, Ct. #311, Lady O’Kasamar Glover,
Counselor and Lady Patricia Mason, Asst.
Counselor both of Ct. #266 as well as Ladies
from Courts 266 and 311. The new Juniors were
presented to the parish after Mass on Sunday.
The Juniors sponsored a Mother’s Day Tea
and Fashion Show to raise money for charity
and hosted a picnic at the home of Lady Glover
for members of the Junior and Senior courts and
family members. A great time was had by all.
Submitted by,
Lady Sheila Jewel, Lector
12
Katrina Stories
St. Anne Court #44 and St. Edward Council #44
The members of St. Ann, Court #44 are proud to report that
Claverism was at its peak performance in responding to the needs
of hurricane Katrina evacuees who stopped in Orange, TX for
shelter. Orange is the first town in Texas west of New Orleans.
St. Edward, Council #44 and St. Ann, Court #44 provided
approximately 700 hot meals to evacuees who were housed in
shelters, hotels and private homes. Individual counseling, clothing and assistance in placing children in school and school supplies were also provided. As the evacuees strive to adapt to their
new homes, we continue to assist them by whatever means possible. They ARE NOT a project, they are a part of our life.
ral notebooks and crayons. The backpacks were donated to the
Dream Center in Los Angeles. The Dream Center is a church that
took in 300 families who were relocated to the Greater Los
Angeles area as a result of the devastation caused by Hurricane
Katrina.
St. Columbia, Court #127
Oakland, CA
St. Anselm Junior Court #292
in Los Angeles, CA
FILL BACKPACKS FOR
SCHOOLCHILDREN WHO
WERE VICTIMS OF KATRINA
The Junior Daughters of Court 292 at St. Anselm Church, in
Los Angeles, California, know all too well how important it is to
be prepared with school supplies for the coming year, so much so,
that they felt the need to help schoolchildren who were victims of
Hurricane Katrina.
The Junior Daughters took it upon themselves to collect
donations from the parishioners of St. Anselm. The Junior
Daughters collected enough school supplies to fill over 55 backpacks for students who were victims of Hurricane Katrina.
The backpacks contained items such as pencils, pencil sharpeners paper, pens, rulers, folders, dictionaries, erasers, glue, spi-
Lady Dolores Hill-Newman wrestled with the decision as to
whether to attend the 8:00 am Mass at St. Columbia Church or the
11:00 am Mass at another church. She finally decided to attend
St. Columbia, and it was there that she was unexpectedly reunited with a former teacher of thirty years ago, Sr. Judith Therese
Barial, SSF. Sister is a member of the Sisters of the Holy Family
in New Orleans, LA who prior to hurricane Katrina was on
assignment in Belize, Central America. She was visiting her biological sister and brother-in-law in Oakland.
Lady Hill-Newman had attended St. Mary’s Academy in
New Orleans and Sr. Judith Therese Barial was not only her math
teacher but was like a family member. Seeing Sister at Mass and
learning of her recent diagnosis of breast cancer and the necessity for surgery were both quite a surprise to Lady Hill-Newman.
Sister Judith Therese explained to her former student that due to
hurricane Katrina all of her medical records had been lost. It was
then that Lady Hill-Newman realized why she had such a strong
attraction to attend the 8:00 am Mass. Lady Hill-Newman is an
X-Ray technician at the Alta Bates Summit Cancer Center in
Oakland and was able to assist Sister in resolving her dilemma of
having surgery. Sister had surgery on October 4, 2005.
For Sister Judith, being reunited with Dolores was a blessing,
and for Dolores the reunion was a miracle.
13
More Katrina Stories
TEXAS CLAVERS ASSIST HURRICANE
KATRINA EVACUEES
ST. JAMES MAJOR COURT #172
PRICHARD, AL
Clavers throughout Texas are involved in projects to assist
people affected by Hurricane Katrina. In a citywide effort,
Houston Clavers collected food, personal items, and school supplies to be distributed to those affected by Hurricane Katrina. St.
Peter the Apostle Church was utilized as a drop off point. The
project was supported by the following councils and courts: St.
Benedict the Abbot #248, St. Mark the Evangelist #359,St.
Bernadette #101 St. Mary the Purification #159, St. Gregory the
Great #252, St. Monica #151 St. Peter the Apostle 238, Queen of
All Saints #138.
The items were picked up by the St. Vincent DePaul truck for
distribution to the Houston Astrodome. The overflow was delivered to The Houston Star of Hope shelter.
Clavers in Texas are still involved in services to displaced
Clavers living in the various cities.
The members of Court 172 were not significantly affected by
Hurricane Katrina and felt blessed. Many have contributed time
to the Red Cross, Salvation Army and to several shelters. They
have taken in evacuee from Louisiana and Mississippi, providing
a place for them in their homes and or in their rental property. The
Ladies assisted in the clothing and food drives throughout the
county and surrounding counties, helped distribute food to those
parishioners and members of the community who were in need.
They are still working to help with those evacuee who are without a place to live.
LEGACIES OF LOVE AND SERVICE
BISHOP JOSEPH A. FRANCIS COURT 297,
NEWARK, NJ
Members of our Court, like the rest of the country suddenly
found themselves literally Leaning on the Everlasting Arm of
Christ. Clavers and their relatives in New Jersey were in dire need
of help and our college children were finding their way home
from New Orleans and other areas as a result of hurricane
Katrina, bringing with them those who now did not have a home
because of the flood. Thus we began what has always been our
work, Claverism, helping where we could. Immediate family
members of three members of Court #297 and the grandchildren
of several of the Ladies were part of the horror of the aftermath
of the hurricane. Court #297 gave financial support to those in
need and our churches also helped. We lifted all affected by the
hurricane in prayer and remembered them at our annual
Memorial Mass for our Precious Ladies and Precious Knights
held the first Saturday in November of each year. We have families here in New Jersey and many Clavers, their friends and families have made contributions and will provide warm clothes for
the winter to our southern evacuees.
Submitted by
Grand Lady Peg Henderson
14
The Chicago Claver Family celebrated a very inspirational
Claver Day at St. Jude the Apostle Church in South Holland, IL
on Sunday, September 11, 2005. “Legacies of Love and
Service”was the theme for the Claver Day Mass which was hosted by Augustus Tolton Council and Court #375.
Father Paul Weddington gave a very inspiring homily. The
second collection was donated to the survivors of hurricane
Katrina. One thousand one hundred seventy-eight dollars and
thirty-nine cents was collected and forwarded to the KPC HURRICANE RELIEF EFFORT.
The Emerging Leaders assisted with distribution of the
Temporary KPC/KPCLA National Headquarters Location and
Give to the KPC Hurricane Relief Effort Notice to all in attendance. After the Mass, everyone attended a wonderful banquet
that was held at St. Michael Archangel Social Center in Lansing,
Illinois.
The Chicago Emerging Leaders sponsored an Angel Tree for
donations that were given to the Katrina Survivors who were
housed at Tinley Park Mental Health Center. The project was
titled “Chicago Clavers Care.” All Councils/Courts were invited
to adopt a family and provide Christmas gifts for them. The gifts
were distributed on Saturday, November 26, 2005.
Submitted by,
Lady Anita M. Herron, Grand Lady Court #134
Several photos attached (not sure which photos to use)
More Katrina Stories
CHRISTMAS IN NOVEMBER –
CHICAGO CLAVERS CARE
ST. JAMES MAJOR JUNIOR COURT #172
PRICHARD, AL
On Saturday, November 26, 2005, Chicago Clavers demonstrated their corporal works of mercy and reached out to the
Katrina Survivors from New Orleans who were housed at the
State of Hope Transitional Housing Site/Tinley Park Campus,
located in Tinley Park, Illinois. We were happy to bring
Christmas joy and love to the Katrina Survivors by sharing
Christmas gifts with them. There were 13 children – ages 2-14
years old; and one family with five children.
In addition to the gifts, we served cookies and punch and
played Christmas music. When we announced that we represented the Knights and Ladies of St. Peter Claver, and that we understood their loss, because our National Office is located at 1825
Orleans Avenue, and we too had experienced a great loss and
much devastation, many recognized the address and were familiar with the Knights & Ladies of Peter Claver. Many of the men
were familiar with some of the priests and began sharing stories
about them
When our Emerging Leaders first suggested State of Hope as
a project, there were 150 guests; and then in October there were
91; and when we began to collect gifts, there were 41 still housed
at the State of Hope Transitional Housing. We were extremely
grateful to Emerging Leader, Lady Zaneta Riley of Court #134,
who made special Angels that listed the information for whom we
were to purchase gifts. The Angels were presented to the members of the Chicago Inter Council and Ladies of Immaculate
Heart of Mary Court #134 during our November meetings. The
following members graciously participated in the Christmas
Angel project are Ladies Diane Asberry, Antoinette Mullen,
Ernestine Hutcherson, Muriel Stansberry, Bertha Wonzer, Sharon
Starks, Shirley Simmons, Dawn Matthews, Lady Madeleine
Cash, Paulette Grant, Gloria Johnson, and Knight James
Lampkins; all members of the Chicago Inter Council. Members
of Court #134 who donated children gifts are Ladies Pat
Hopkins,. Sharon Binion, JoAnn Ball, Anitra Hutcherson, Estelle
C. Baker, Catherine Sydnor, Yolanda Sydnor, Hortense Harris,
Carolyn Hicks, Louise Johnson, Gladys M. Smith, Azeliea
Mosely, Renee’ Allen, Thomas Ann Riley and Anita M. Herron.
The Ladies who participated on November 26, 2005, to make
a difference in the lives of those who were relocated from New
Orleans were: Ladies Anita M. Herron, Coordinator, Juanita
Burden, Ernestine Hutcherson,. Thomas Ann Riley, Zaneta Riley,
Madeleine Cash, and Brother Aamond Robinson, Emerging
Leader of Council #93.
We are pleased to report that the family with five children
was given a home that was renovated and had six bedrooms. The
father was overwhelmed with the generosity of the people of
Chicago and our surrounding Suburbs. On November 28, 2005,
we received a Thank You Letter from Rita Lindsey-Stevens, Site
Coordinator, Tinley Park State of Hope. We extend a special
Thank You to Ms. Thelma Taylor, volunteer Activity Director,
who assisted Lady Herron with this project.
We truly believe that St. Peter Claver would be proud of each
of us as we demonstrated our LOVE, CARE, and CONCERN!
The Annual Founders Day Turnout was celebrated on
Sunday, November 6, 2005 at St. James Major Church.
The members have begun their annual food drive for
Thanksgiving. This year the food will be given to families that
were affected by hurricane Katrina. The Juniors will also have a
toy drive in December. The toys will be given to the children
affected by the hurricane.
Graciously submitted by,
Lady Anita M. Herron,
Advisor, State of Illinois
Emerging Leaders
STATE OF LOUISIANA
I am Cierra Paige Meche, the 18 years old daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph E. Meche of Sunset, LA, both of whom
are active Clavers. I am enrolled at the University of
Louisiana at Lafayette due to Hurricane Katrina. Prior to the
hurricane, I attended Xavier University in New Orleans.
In July 2005, I transferred to
the Senior Division at the Junior
National Convention in New
Orleans. As a Junior, I held the
position of Jr. National Secretary.
I am proud to announce that I
was recently elected Vice Grand
Lady of Court #84 in Duson, LA,
and my mother was elected
Grand Lady. Now we have a
“mother daughter” team in Court
#84 This is the first time in the
history of the Court that the
offices of Grand Lady and Vice
Grand Lady have been held
simultaneously by mother and
daughter. I am the youngest Vice
Grand Lady in the history of
Court #84 and in District 4 in
Louisiana.
Prior to transferring to the Senior Division, I was a member of Junior Court #34 in Grand Coteau, LA. As a member
of Ct. #34, I served as Junior Grand Lady for two years after
which I was elected Junior National Secretary. During my
four years as a Junior my mother was the Junior Daughter
Counselor. Her dedication and initiative enabled the members
of the Junior Court to prosper.
About a year ago, my grandmother was diagnosed with
Alzheimer’s disease. She has been a Lady in KPC for 50
years at St. Benedict de Moor Catholic Church, Court 84. My
mom transferred to Court #84 to be with her mother..
Meanwhile, I remained in Court #34 in order to represent the
court as Jr. National Secretary.
I intend to serve as a role model to the young in the community and KPC. My election to the position of Vice Grand
Lady is the first step in doing so. I hope to dismiss the stereotypes that young people have about the Senior Division. The
older people in the organization look to me to get more young
people involved. By holding this office, I can prove to young
people that no matter how young a person is, he or she can
have the respect of their elders.
15
16
17
More Katrina Stories
Knights of Peter Claver reaching out to hurricane victims
By Lois Kindle, Tampa
Thoreau Nellum
When the levees broke in New
Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, more
than private homes and businesses were
inundated. Organizations normally benefiting the mostly black population affected
by the storm, such as the national headquarters for the Knights of Peter Claver,
were also destroyed.
Councils around the country forged
into action, while the national office temporarily relocated to Montgomery, Ala. at
Resurrection Catholic Church.
"Our national headquarters was right
down in the middle of the water," said
Thoreau Nellum, Grand Knight of Tampa
Council 379. "There was 4 to 6 feet of
water in and around the building." He
added most of the Catholic churches in
New Orleans were also in the flooded
black community.
From its Montgomery location, the
national office quickly waived membership dues for an estimated 92 councils
across the hurricane-ravaged Gulf States
and set up a Knights of Peter Claver
Hurricane-Relief Fund to aid members
and their families and to assist black
Catholic parishes affected by the storm.
"Please pray for our brothers and sisters who daily wrestle over an uncertain
future," wrote Arthur McFarland, supreme
Knight and chief executive officer, to the
local councils. "More importantly, let us
recommit ourselves to the meaning of
Claverism — defining love through
Christian service."
Nellum said the Knights of Peter
Claver are collaborating with the
International Alliance of Catholic
Knights, including the Knights of
Columbus, to assist in the rebuilding of
black parishes. Tampa Council 379, which
has 25 Knights, immediately sent $1,000
in individual donations to the national
relief fund. But more importantly, said
Nellum, his council is setting up a local
relief fund to provide ongoing support for
four families who fled New Orleans and
sought refuge and assistance from St.
Peter Claver Parish in Tampa.
"These families have six children
who are now at St. Peter Claver School,"
Nellum said. "Some of the parents have
already found work, but some have not.
They have lost everything and are trying
to rebuild their lives. So we want to establish a local relief fund to aid them.
18
"It's not a one-shot thing," he continued.
"We need to set something up to aid
these individuals once the (normal channels of) relief stop. Twelve to 15 months
down the road from here, these families
are going to have some financial hardships."
Nellum said the Knights of Tampa
Council is currently assisting the families
by guiding them through the maze of governmental bureaucracies and red tape.
Nellum said he never realized how difficult it is to go through county, state and
federal agencies to get assistance.
"There are so many things you just
don't think about," Nellum added. "It's
much more than losing a home or a job.
It's about losing literally everything,
except for the clothes on your back.
Anyone who goes through something like
this has a hard time staying sane and holding onto hope."
The story gets more personal.
Nellum and his wife, Yvonne, were
born and raised in New Orleans. Because
of Katrina, both of their families are now
scattered across several states, having
evacuated New Orleans as the storm
approached.
But Nellum's oldest brother, Griffin,
felt he could weather the storm. The 65year-old and his wife, Linda, actually
made it through the hurricane, but then
faced the horror of being trapped in their
home when the levees broke.
"They took refuge in the attic,
crashed through the roof and spent almost
two days there before being rescued,"
Nellum said. "My brother lost his home,
two cars, his business and even his teeth.
"He was in a mental daze," said
Nellum. "It has been like trying to pull
someone out of quicksand."
Nellum said ultimately it is faith that
is lifting up his brother and the other families.
"You hate to say (the ordeal) was
God-sent, but out of all this devastation a
lot of good things are coming," he continued. "People who used to be concerned
about material things have found the only
thing they really have is God. In order to
deal with what they've been through, they
have to turn to a higher power."
Nellum said that is what kept his
anger at bay.
"At first, I was angry because I had
been through Hurricane Camille and I
knew what these storms could do," he
said. "I begged my brother to leave."
Then his anger turned to the situation
in New Orleans, which Nellum said had
been unchanged in 400 years.
"What people don't know, what the
media didn't report, is historically, the city
flooded every three to four years. But the
water always went down and we were able
to just clean up.
"If you let your emotions go, it's easy
to get terribly angry," he continued.
"Government agencies were ill-prepared;
there was a lot of finger pointing. What
was seen on TV was what the media wanted the country to see. Behind the scenes,
there was much heroism going on in the
black community."
Nellum said his anger turned to terror when his old neighborhood flooded.
"I thought my brother was dead.
When I heard from him, I felt great relief
and I thanked God for that. We did lots of
praying — for him and all the families."
Nellum said his brother Griffin, who
recently learned he has cancer, is now
going to church regularly and beginning
to recognize even the smallest of gifts.
"He never knew how much he appreciated
water," Nellum said.
The Knights of Peter Claver was
founded in 1909 in Mobile, Ala., by four
Josephite priests and three laymen. At the
time, black men were excluded from joining the Knights of Columbus. The
Knights of Peter Claver, a predominantly
black fraternal organization and its ladies
auxiliary, serve others through parish and
community activities, contributions to
worthwhile causes, youth development
and scholarships.
_______
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DISTRICT NEWS
STATE OF LOUISIANA NEWS
KPC Day A (Group) L-R Tim Ford, Grand Knight Council 144, Lady Maggie Green, Lady
Carol Dean, Father Andre McGrath and Cedric Blackshire. KPC Day B Father Andre
McGrath receiving monetary award from Grand Knight Tim Ford. KPC Day Knight and
Ladies – council and Court #144 at KPC Day Celebrationin Mansura, LA
75th Anniversary Celebration
Council & Court #144
St. Louis Chapel, Parks, LA was the setting for the 75th
Anniversary Celebration of St. John Council and St. Cecile Court
# 53, October 16, 2005. A 9:00 AM Mass was celebrated by
Father Broussard, assistant pastor of St. Bernard Church, Breaux
Bridge, LA. Members of St. Paul Assembly and Chapter #3,
Lafayette, LA, and Court 49, Breaux Bridge turned out with
Council and Court # 53.
Family members lit candles to honor deceased members of
the Council and Court before the Mass celebration. During the
Mass, Junior Daughters Heredia and Julie Dauphine, winners of
the 2005 Mildred T. Lyons Memorial Scholarship were recognized. Lady Cynthia Lyons-Jackson, State Deputy of Louisiana,
presented certificates to Council and Court # 53 for their service
to the Knights of Peter Claver, St. Louis Chapel, and the community of Parks.
Grand Lady Anna Belle Reed presented a plaque to Lady
Laurena Joseph, Charter member, and Lady Anna Mae
Thibodeaux, 60-year member. Melvin 'Red' Solari was presented
a plaque by Grand Knight Carol Dauphine.
Following Mass, a breakfast was held in the church hall for
members, guests and the St. Louis Chapel church family. John
Potier and Parks Gospel Choir provided entertainment.
On May 15, 2005, Council and Court 144 of the Knights of
Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary honored graduating seniors at
the 9:00 am mass at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic
Church in Shreveport, LA. Junior Daughter Kimberly Tucker
and Junior Knight Cedric Blackshire were the honorees.
Kimberly received the Court’s annual scholarship award and the
Council presented Father Andre McGrath with a financial award.
Members of Council and Court 144 attended the annual
Knights of Peter Claver Day Celebration held in Mansura,
Louisiana on Sunday, September 11, 2005 at Our Lady of the
Prompt Succor. Following the Mass, a luncheon was held in the
Uganda Center.
19
GULF COAST DISTRICT NEWS
Educational Gift from Huntsville Knights
and Ladies
Sir Knight Charles T. Smoot Council No. 286 –
Huntsville, Alabama
Saint Francis of Assisi Court No. 286 – Huntsville, Alabama
The Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary, Council
and Court #286 presented a check in the amount of one thousand
dollars to Holy Family Regional School in Huntsville on Sunday,
May 8, 2005. Mrs. Mary Tomaine, Principa, accepted the check.
Speaking on behalf of the Knights and Ladies, Grand Lady
Kanobia Blackmon stated that the school is an integral part of
Saint Joseph Catholic Community. “The school exists to promote
a community of believers. It provides a viable and enriching
learning environment which fosters tomorrow’s active citizens.
It’s our privilege to support the school and its mission to educate
our youth.”
Thanks to the generous support of the community, Catholic
and otherwise, the Council and Court are able to provide money
to promote scholastic achievement. The Knights and Ladies sponsor an Annual Valentine Champagne Brunch in February and a
portion of the proceeds are donated to the school.
In keeping with their commitment to support youth and their
educational endeavors, on Sunday, May 22, 2005, Council and
Court #286 sponsored the 2005 Baccalaureate Mass for graduating seniors at St. Joseph Catholic Church.
The Scholarship Committee, chaired by Lady Brenda Brown,
expressed a desire to ensure that average students have the opportunity to compete for the major scholarship award. For this reason, this year’s scholarship program was open to graduating high
school seniors who maintained a C average and planned to enroll
in any postsecondary school.
The recipient of the scholarship is Justin Folk of Saint Joseph
Parish. Justin is the son of Dan and Jane Folk of Madison,
Alabama. Justin is a graduate of Catholic High School in
Huntsville. He has excelled academically and has been involved
in many church and civic activities. He is attending the University
of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.
Grand Lady Kanobia Blackmon reiterated the commitments
of the Knights and Ladies in her address to the faithful. She
exclaimed, “We are not only committed to encouraging our
young people to further their education, but we encourage them
to live the gospel values.”
Grand Knight DeKarlos Blackmon presented checks in the
amount of fifty dollars to each graduating senior, recognizing
their noteworthy achievements. He then presented the scholarship
award to Justin Folk of Saint Joseph Parish.
Scholarship Awarded by Huntsville
Knights and Ladies
Sir Knight Charles T. Smoot Council No. 286 – Huntsville,
Alabama
Saint Francis of Assisi Court No. 286 – Huntsville, Alabama
The Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary No. 286
sponsored the 2005 Baccalaureate Mass for graduating seniors at
Saint Joseph Catholic Church. On Sunday, May 22, the Knights
and Ladies awarded gifts to graduating seniors, and a scholarship
in the amount of one thousand dollars.
The Scholarship Committee, chaired by Lady Brenda Brown,
expressed a desire to ensure that average students had a fighting
chance to compete for the major scholarship award. For this reason, this year’s scholarship program was open to graduating high
school seniors who maintained a C-average and planned to enroll
in any postsecondary school.
The recipient of the scholarship is Justin Folk of Saint Joseph
Parish. Justin is the son of Dan and Jane Folk of Madison,
Alabama. Justin is a graduate of Catholic High School in
Huntsville. He has excelled academically and has been involved
in many church and civic activities. He is attending the University
of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.
Grand Lady Kanobia Blackmon reiterated the commitments
of the Knights and Ladies in her address to the faithful. She
exclaimed, “We are not only committed to encouraging our
young people to further their education, but we encourage them
to live the gospel values.”
Grand Knight DeKarlos Blackmon presented checks in the
amount of fifty dollars to each graduating senior, recognizing
their noteworthy achievements. He then presented the scholarship
award to Justin Folk.
Greetings from Archbishop Lyke Council and
Court #340 – Hapeville, GA
From left, Grand Knight F. DeKarlos Blackmon, Mrs. Mary
Tomaine, and Grand Lady Kanobia Blackmon
20
The Knights and Ladies of Council and Court #340 have
been busy rendering service to church, community and the organization. Members have participated in the Eucharistic Congress,
hosted a farewell party for our Chaplin, Rev. Glen D. Parker,
C.Cs.R, and a farewell reception for our Redemptorists priests, in
addition to a welcome reception for incoming Archdiocesan
priests.
The Ladies sponsored a Mother-Daughter Graduation Party
for the Junior Daughters. Each graduate was given a gift bag
which contained the book titled “Just One More Thing Before
You Go.” The bags were the appropriate colors of the respective
college to be attended.
We celebrated our 11th Anniversary and turned out as a family at Mass followed by dinner at the Golden Coral in Jonesboro,
GA.
ST. JAMES, COUNCIL #172 – PRICHARD, AL
The members of St. James, Council #172 have been actively
involved with the church and their immediate community.
Following hurricane Katrina, the Council donated clothing
and can goods for the victims in the surrounding area. Knight
Jesse Davis initiated the drive. Several of the men packaged
donated food, beverages, water and toiletries that were given to
the church by a vendor that services stores in the area. The parishioners and members of the community that were affected by the
storm received the items.
The Knights participated in the church’s Annual Fall Festival
by setting up and manning booths, working with the ticket
returns, games and clean-up following the festival.
The observance of St. Peter Claver Day and Founders Day
was in conjunction with the Ladies and Junior Knights and Junior
Daughters.
The Ladies of St. James Major, Court. #172 are very proud
of three of their members. Lady Stephanie Danzy was presented
the Claver Woman of the Year Award for 2005 at the Annual Gulf
Coast Conference in April, Lady Valencia Liscomb received the
2005 Silver Medal at the National Convention in Las Vegas and
Lady Luberta Portis, Faithful Navigator of Agnes Coleman,
Chapter #1 was awarded the prestigious Categena Award at the
Supreme General Conclave in Las Vegas.
Community service projects undertaken by the Ladies
include collecting used eyeglasses and cell phones to be donated
to the Lions Club and Penelope House (home for abused women
and children) respectively.
The Knights of Council 172 following “Founders Day” turnout
pictured with Fr. Linus Akpan.
Women’s Day Celebration
ST. JAMES MAJOR, COURT # 172
PRICHARD, AL
Saint Francis of Assisi Court No. 286 – Huntsville, Alabama
ST. JAMES MAJOR JUNIOR DAUGHTERS
PRICHARD, ALABAMA
St. james Major Junior Daughters of Court 172 have begun
their annual food drive for Thanksgiving. This year the food will
be given to families that were affected by Hurricane Katrina. The
Juniors will also have a toy drive in december. The toys will be
given to the young children who were affected by the hurricane.
Saint Francis of Assisi Court No. 286 held its first Women’s
Day Celebration on Sunday, October 16, 2005 at Saint Joseph
Catholic Church in Huntsville, Alabama. The theme was Fruits
of the Spirit, found in the Epistle of Paul to the Galatians, 5:2226.
Mrs. Bobby Bradley, the former President and Chief
Executive Officer of Computer Systems Technology, Inc. in
Huntsville, was the guest speaker. Her address focused on the
fruit, love. Mrs. Bradley’s words were inspiring and motivating.
The event concluded with a reception in the Father Messmer
Parish Life Center.
21
STATE OF TEXAS DISTRICT NEWS
Queen of All Saints, Court # 138 – Houston, TX
St. Veronica Court #89 – Fort Worth, TX
The Ladies of Court #138 are proud to recognize Gold
Certificate recipients, Lady Gladys Armelin and Lady Mildred
Williams and Silver Certificate recipients Lady Lillian Randle,
Lady Rose Ann Guidry and Lady Mary E. Brown. The combined
number of years that these dedicated Claver Ladies have given in
service and love total one hundred seventy-five years. May God
continue to bless them for their exemplary life.
A check in the amount of $600.00 was presented to Melinda
McCullough of the Sickle Cell
Foundation by Lady Janae Tinsley, Texas State President, on
behalf of St. Veronica, Ct. #89. The donation will be used for
research purposes.
The Court sponsored a Health fair on March 5, 2005 for the
Southside Community of Forth Worth. Services such as free testing for sickle cell, mammograms, environmental health information and blood pressure checks were provided.
On July 13 the members attended the ordination and installation of Bishop Kevin W. Vann. Bishop Vann is the third Bishop of
the Diocese of Forth Worth.
Lady Shirley M. Foreman, Lecturer
Lady Mae Smith, Lector
NORTHERN DISTRICT NEWS
“CHICAGO CELEBRATES 75 YEARS OF CLAVERISM”
Sheer dedication was exhibited by the Chicago Clavers as we stood in the rain on Oakwood Blvd. to march in the 76th Annual Bud
Billiken Parade. We chanted “Didn’t it rain children, didn’t it rain”; and “Rain, rain, go away, come again another day”! This was the
first time in 76 years that it rained on the day of this historical Back to School parade. The Grand Marshals for the parade were Mickey
and Minnie Mouse. The overall theme for the parade was “Education: A Family Affair”.
The participation of the Chicago Clavers was not only A Family Affair, but one of the many activities that demonstrated our 75
years of Claverism in Chicago. We were surrounded by many groups, such as the Marching Band Youth Group from Clinton, Iowa.
Their music and dancing inspired us to continue to stand in the rain with our umbrellas, rain coats and rain hats! Our Marching Unit
included several first timers from Court #375 and Branch and Juniort #375, members from Courts # 134, 142, 154, 181, 236 and 356.
Kudos to: Lady Mary Reed, Court. #356, who served as Marching Coordinator.
We finally arrived at Washington Park with our soaked tee shirts that displayed St. Peter Claver on the front. We were greeted by
our Picnic/Parade Committee who had prepared a very delicious meal. We, the marchers, began to dry off, as we dined on fried chicken, meatballs, spaghetti, corn on the cob, salad, watermelon, rolls, and soda. School supplies purchased with monetary donations collected from Claver Family were distributed to all of our Junior marchers. We thank God for allowing the sun to finally shine on us!
Submitted by,
Lady Anita M. Herron
Reporter, Grand Lady Court #134
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ST. JOSEPH COUNCIL and COURT #93
CELEBRATE 60 YEARS
St. Joseph Council #93 was established on February 4, 1945
followed by the Court’s establishment on April 8, 1945. The occasion of the 60th anniversary was celebrated on Sunday, April 10,
2005 with a Mass and reception. Auxiliary Bishop John Manz
officiated at the mass and delivered a most poignant homily with
words of encouragement to the members to continue their works
of charity and to service others as Pope John Paul II had done.
Charter member, Lady Gertrude Hill was in attendance and
added noteworthy jubilance to the celebration. She exemplifies
the true meaning of Claverism through her many years of giving
and service to this Noble Order. Lady Hill’s family was also in
attendance. Her children were among the first members of Branch
and Junior Court #93. A plaque was presented to Lady Hill at the
Mass.
During the past sixty years the Council and Court have had
members to serve as Northern District Officers, National Officers,
Officers on the Chicago Inter-City Council Executive Board,
Supreme Navigator, Supreme Captain and Supreme Steward,
Junior National and State Officers, members of the 4th Degree
Knights and Ladies of Grace, Area Deputies, Area Counselors,
Gold and Silver Medalists, recipients of various awards, such as
Adele Stadeker, John T. Lane, Tolton and Elizabeth Seton and Sr.
Thea Bowman.
We have had a very busy sixty years in Claverism and we
look forward to the future.
James Cephas, Grand Knight, Cn. #93 and Wanda L. Massey,
Grand Lady, Ct. #93
NEWS FROM BISHOP JOSEPH A. FRANCIS
COURT 29,7 ARCHDIOCESE OF NEWARK, NJ
Members of Court #297 along with the members of Junior
Court #297 celebrated St. Peter Claver Day at Christ the King
Church in Jersey City. The Court is regional and consists of many
parishes under one unit, such as: Blessed Sacrament, St. Mary’s,
Queen Angels, St. Antoninus, St. Leo’s, Christ the King, Sacred
Heart, St. Rocco’s of the Archdiocese of Newark. The mass was
beautiful and so were the Ladies.
As the year continued we gave financial support to one of our
own, Lady Joyce Smith Carter, who sponsored a beautiful Black
Tie affair to help needy children and families with tutoring, food,
summer camp any and all that keep families going with many
things are missing.
Bishop Joseph Francis Court became members of the
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN. This was a
first and another opportunity for our Court to work in concert
with the Archdiocese of Newark.
Our Chaplin, Fr. Luke, O.S.B. celebrated 25 years as a priest
and we had the good fortune to be able to present him with a
“financial blessing”. Also during the year our Court gave another
charitable gift to me for one of my projects at the Northern State
Prison, Newark, NJ, “WE CELEBRATE SOBRIETY.” The 250
inmates who had remained clean and sober for over year had an
opportunity to speak to other inmates as to why it is important to
take this step and remain in that state and it was followed with a
Popeye Fried Chicken and Dunkin Donuts Feast. We also financially helped St. Peter Claver Church Ghana West Africa this time
last year with their need for censer, holy water sprinkler and
incense boat and other needs.
We are fund raising to support the KPC Hurricane Relief
Fund and hopefully we will gather funds very soon.
Grand Lady Peg Henderson
CHICAGO CLAVERS CARE
On Saturday, November 26, 2005, Chicago Clavers demonstrated their corporal works of mercy and reached out to the
Katrina Survivors from New Orleans who were housed at the
State of Hope Transitional Housing Site/Tinley Park Campus,
located in Tinley Park, Illinois. We were happy to bring
Christmas joy and love to the Katrina Survivors by sharing
Christmas gifts with them. There were 13 children – ages 2-14
years old; and one family with five children.
In addition to the gifts, we served cookies and punch and
played Christmas music. When we announced that we represented the Knights and Ladies of St. Peter Claver, and that we understood their loss, because our National Office is located at 1825
Orleans Avenue, and we too had experienced a great loss and
much devastation. Several of them recognized the address and
were familiar with the Knights and Ladies of Peter Claver. Many
of the men were familiar with some of the priests and began sharing stories about them
When our Emerging Leaders first suggested State of Hope as
a project, there were 150 guests; and then in October there were
91; and when we began to collect gifts, there were 41 still housed
at the State of Hope Transitional Housing.
We are pleased to report that the family with five children
was given a home that was renovated and had six bedrooms. The
father was overwhelmed with the generosity of the people of
Chicago and our surrounding Suburbs. On November 28, 2005,
we received a Thank You Letter from Rita Lindsey-Stevens, Site
Cooordinator, Tinley Park State of Hope. We extend a special
Thank You to Ms. Thelma Taylor, volunteer Activity Director,
who assisted Lady Herron with this project.
We truly believe that St. Peter Claver would be proud of each
of us as we demonstrated our LOVE, CARE, and CONCERN!
Graciously submitted by,
Lady Anita M. Herron,
Advisor, State of Illinois
Emerging Leaders
CHRISTMAS IN NOVEMBER –
23
“YOUTH WALKING IN THE
LIGHT OF CHRIST”
Sunday, October 16, 2005, was truly ‘the Day that the Lord
hath made.’ The Junior Knights and Junior Daughters of the City
of Chicago and Suburbs came together to celebrate their Unity
Day Mass at the home parish of Branch and Junior Court # 134,
Holy Name of Mary Church at 10:00 a.m. Brother Anthony Irvin,
is the Commander and Brother Robert Matthews, Assistant
Commander; Lady Karen Britton, is Counselor, and Lady Sharon
Binion is Assistant Counselor. The entire Mass was coordinated
by the Juniors with an elegant elocution of the greeting, readings
and reflection on the readings and gospel. Father Willy Mukucha
served as our Celebrant
Lady Diane Asberry, Northern District Directress presented a
special plaque to Dr. Harth for her presentation on HIV/AIDS at
the Jrunior Health Fair. Counselor Karen Britton, Assistant
Counselor Sharon Binion, and the Junior Daughters presented
bouquets of flowers to several distinguished Ladies of Court
#134.
REFLECTIONS FROM JUNIORS - MORGAN
WILLIAMS & DOMINQUE LOTT:
MORGAN: As teens, there are things in life that we put
before God, things such as alcohol, drugs, sex and friends. We
sometimes forget that we don’t need these things to be popular or
to feel loved. What we do need is the realization that God is
always at our side and will help us at all times. We also have our
Church and Claver families who care about us and will support us
in doing what is good and pleasing to God.
DOMINQUE: Everyone is called to be a child of God. Some
people choose to follow God and others choose not to follow
Him. Regardless of the choice, God is a loving, caring God Who
can turn anyone’s life around as is expressed in the song “Jesus
Walks” by Kanye West. With faith all things are possible. It is our
choice to believe and follow God’s invitation to be His child.
Whatever our choice, God stills loves us and will never abandon
us.
After Mass, everyone joined together for food and fellowship
at Beggar’s Pizza in Alsip, Illinois and dined on a delicious family style meal.
The guest speaker for the evening was Lady Janean T.
Johnson, Emerging Leader of Ct. #134, and 2004 Northern
District Woman of the Year. Lady Johnson shared her journey
from Jr. Daughter to Emerging Leader to Woman of the Year, a
journey accomplished by always keeping God first , having the
support of her family, her Faith Family of Holy Name of Mary,
and her Claver Family.
Submitted by,
Lady Anita M. Herron, Grand Lady
Immaculate Heart of Mary Court #134
24
RETRACTION
This is a retraction from the article titled:
“Lady Rosemary B. Butler Meets Pope John Paul, II”
From the Claverite Winter Issue of 2004 - Page 56
Lady Rosemary Braziel Butler is a long time
member of Katherine Drexel Court #1 of the Ladies
Auxiliary of the Knights of Peter Claver in Mobile,
AL.
In September of 1983, she was on a Pilgrimage to
the Holy Land and Rome led by, now deceased,
Reverend Father Oliver Adams of the Archdiocese of
Mobile. He was well known by the pontifical staff and
the group that he led was given a special place for
pope John Paul II’s audience. As the Pope drew near
location Lady Butler was forced forward to the front
of the crowd. When he reached the area where the
group stood, he noticed Lady Butler, as she was the
only person of color in the crowd. He came to a complete halt, turned and approached the group. As he
reached the barricade, he took her and into his and
held it as he blessed those around her. The Vatican
photographer took a photo of this momentous event
and later brought the photo to her and Fr. Adams.
Lady Rosemary Braziel Butler is a noted breaker
of racial barriers. In 1946, she initiated the action that
broke the color barrier at the Cathedral of the
Immaculate Conception in Mobile, AL. She was the
first person of color to be hired to a State position in
Mobile but only after several appeals to the then
Governor. Later, she was the first to be named to the
Advisory Board of the School of Social Workers at the
University of Alabama and the first to be named to the
Board of The State Department of Human Resources.
She also became the first of her race to serve as
President of the Alabama Conference of Social
Workers. Lady Butler was appointed to serve on
Advisory Boards by Governors George Wallace and
Fob James and was appointed to a National Board by
President Lyndon Johnson.
SPECIAL INTEREST SECTION
2005
SILVER MEDAL WINNERS
KNIGHTS
CENTRAL STATES DISTRICT:
BROTHER EVERETT FREEMAN
BENJAMIN GIVENS, SR., COUNCIL #57
KANSAS CITY, MO
GULF COAST DISTRICT:
BROTHER WILBUR JOHNSON, SR.
FATHER PETER, COUNCIL #9
NATCHEZ, MS
LADY ANDRA T. LUCAS
ST. THERESA LITTLE FLOWER, COURT #52
NEW ORLEANS, LA
WESTERN STATES DISTRICT:
LADY THERESA LEMELLE
SACRED HEART OF JESUS, COURT #121
WEST COVINA, CA
STATE OF TEXAS:
LADY MARY TERRELL
ST. BENEDICT DE MOOR, COURT #72
HOUSTON, TX
NORTHERN STATES DISTRICT:
NONE SUBMITTED
LADY JOYCE TYLER-WILLIAMS
QUEEN OF ALL SAINTS, COURT #138
HOUSTON, TX
STATE OF LOUISIANA
BROTHER LIONEL CHARLES
OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP, CN. #132
JENNINGS, LA
NORTHERN STATES DISTRICT:
LADY SAUNDRA SPAULDING
ST. JOSEPH, COURT #93
CHICAGO, IL
BROTHER JOSEPH KENNER
CORPUS CHRISTI, COUNCIL #60
NEW ORLEANS, LA
LADY DOROTHY L. WESLEY
ST. FELICITAS/ST. AILBE, COURT #181
CHICAGO, I
STATES OF TEXAS
BROTHER MARION DANIEL
SACRED HEART, COUNCIL #83
LIBERTY, TX
KNIGHTS OF PETER CLAVER,
LADIES AUXILIARY
WESTERN STATES DISTRICT:
BROTHER MICHAEL HICKS
HOLY NAME, COUNCIL #121
LOS ANGELES, CA
LADIES
CENTRAL STATES DISTRICT:
LADY PERLIE WHTLEY
SR. BARBARA BEASLEY, CT #308
OMAHA, NE
* * * * * * * 2005 AWARD * * * * * *
OUTSTANDING FINANCIAL SECRETARY
ADY OLLIE DUPLECHAIN
Queen of All Saints, Court #138
Houston, Texas
2005 Gold Medal Winners
BROTHER GENE A. PHILLIPS, SR.
ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI, COUNCIL #231
HOUSTON, TX
GULF COAST DISTRICT:
LADY VALENCIA T. LIPSCOMB
ST. JAMES MAJOR, COURT #172
MOBILE, AL
LADY LULLA EMANUEL-WILTZ
EVANGELINE, COURT #49
BREAUX BRIDGE, LA
LADY LILLIE R. WRIGHT
ST. JUDE, COURT #148
MONTGOMERY, AL
***************************************************
2005 - GRAND KNIGHT AND GRAND LADY
OF THE YEAR
STATE OF LOUISIANA:
LADY DIANA C. ALLISON
WILFRED B. RICARD, COURT #116
BATON ROUGE, LA
LADY SHIRLEY HARTFIELD
ST. FELICITAS/ST. AILBE, COURT NO. 181
CHICAGO, IL
LADY JOHNNIE MAE GREEN
ST. AUBRY, COURT #119
MARINGOUIN, LA
BROTHER GEORGE WILLIAMS
ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI, COUNCIL NO. 49
BREAUX BRIDGE, LA
***************************************************
25
FAMILY OF THE YEAR - 2005
WILFRED B. RICARD
COURT AND COUNCIL #116
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA
2005
SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
The Winners of the 2005 THOMAS R. LEE, JR.
MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS are as follows:
MR. COURTNEY PAPILLION
CHURCH POINT, LA
Mr. Papillion is the son of Mr. Anthony and Jermaine Papillion.
He was a Junior Knight in St. Mathilda Branch #92. He is a
graduate of Eunice High School in Eunice, Louisiana. He is
attending Southern University, A & M. College in Baton
Rouge, Louisiana.
The winners of the
WILLIE POLK, JR. MEMORIAL
SCHOLARSHIP
issued to the States and Districts are as follows:
Gulf Coast District winner:
Erien Watson
Meridian, MS
Rodgerick Wiggins
Ocean Springs, MS
Allegra Danzy
Mobile, AL
Courtney Trotter
Meridian, MS
Central States District winners:
K’brini McGraw
Wichita, KS
Lauren K. Williams
Eric K. Cazenave
Okmulgee, OK
Memphis, TN
Western States District winners:
Ijeoma Ezeh
San Leandro, CA
Marissa Garrett
Seattle, WA
Northern States District winners:
Christopher D. Smith
Chicago, IL
Jessica Scott
Chicago, IL
Sharlese N. Peoples
Chicago, IL
Jenna Ferguson
Pittsburgh, PA
Olivia S. Casey
Carbondale, IL
Chaate’ Enyard
Chicago, IL
MISS TIFFANY TRENCH
Ms. Trench’s guardian is her aunt, Janessa P. Oubre. She was
a Junior Daughter in St. James, Jr. Court #135. She is a graduate of St. James High School in St. James, Louisiana and she
is attending Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge,
Louisiana.
Marcus Brown
Chesapeake,VA
State of Texas winners:
Cedric Johnson
Beaumont, TX
Jared W. Joseph
Houston, TX
Alesia Carmouche
Houston, TX
Geran T. Wilson, Jr.
Houston, TX
Shaunte’ Collins
Austin, TX
State of Louisiana winners:
26
Cierra P. Meche
Duson, LA
Joelle Brown
St. Martinville, LA
Derius Skinner
Eunice, LA
Ronald Demby
Franklin, LA
Erica Landry
Welsh, LA
Raimy Living
Lafayette, LA
Brittany Tucker
New Orleans, LA
Nicole Leonard
Gretna, LA
Rakita Reeves
Harvey, LA
FOURTH DEGREE DIVISION NEWS
Geralyn C. Shelvin
Supreme Navigator
Fourth Degree Ladies of Grace
Greetings:
It is indeed an honor and privilege to report to the membership regarding the Fourth Degree
Ladies of Grace Division.
Since my last report to THE CLAVERITE there have been numerous Exemplifications held
across the country and we welcome these Gracious Ladies to the Supreme General Chapter. I thank
all the Chapters who have expanded our membership for following the guidelines and communicating so efficiently with the Supreme General Chapter. Most of all I thank you for your patience
with the temporary changes in processing your requests for Exemplifications due to the lack of
regalia and supplies and mail re-routing and delays post Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Please continue to keep in your prayers our Claver Brothers and Sisters and their families as they rebuild their
lives following these events.
It is hard to believe that we will soon be preparing for the 2006 Conclave and National
Convention to be held in Houston, Texas. The Gracious Ladies from Inez Y. Bowman Chapter #
2 of Houston, Texas will be the coordinators of the 2006 Gospel Extravaganza. Tickets are still
$10.00 each and we encourage all members of Our Noble Order to attend; as well as any relatives,
friends, etc... they wish to bring as well. More information for purchasing tickets will be sent with
the National Convention and Conclave Information packets. All proceeds for the Gospel
Extravaganza are used for our Educate the Religious Project which assists persons pursuing vocations. Our Partners in Education Project continues to be funded annually by the membership
where the Ladies of Grace Division provides assistance to institutions, facilities, or programs pertaining to our Roman Catholic Church.
At the 2005 Conclave the membership approved a new endeavor, the Building Hope Project.
Gracious Ladies will be bringing new teddy bears or stuffed animals to be given to children in local
health care facilities wherever the National Convention/Conclave is held. All members of our
Noble Order are invited to participate with the Ladies of Grace Division in this project if they
choose.
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28
Lady Audrey Jones
Lady Bessie Swindle
Lady Gladys Armelin
Lady Mildred Williams
Lady Lillian Randle and Lady Rose Guidry
29
MEMORIAM SECTION
LADY MARY F. BYRD
SUNRISE: 2/23/1908
SUNSET: 9/23/1005
MEMBER OF COURT #146
LADY SUSAN MARGARET McGRAW
SUNRISE: 12/13/1954
SUNSET: 7/8/2005
MEMBER OF COURT #286
LADY ETHEL JULIEN
SUNRISE: 6/17/1931
SUNSET: 2/22/2005
MEMBER OF COURT #75
LADY VIVIAN NAOMI CURTIS
SUNRISE: 11/14/1927
SUNSET: 3/7/2005
MEMBER OF COURT #326
LADY MARGERY R. JONES
SUNRISE: 8/31/1919
SUNSET: 10/4/2005
MEMBER OF COURT #146
LADY LOUISE B. BURT
SUNRISE: 9/9/1924
SUNSET: 7/20/2005
MEMBER OF COURT #93
BROTHER FRED JOSEPH SOLOMON
SUNRISE: 5/23/1952
SUNSET: 11/15/2005
MEMBER OF COUNCIL #163
LADY MAUD LEWIS LEAL
SUNRISE: 6/4/1901
SUNSET: 7/3/2005
MEMBER OF COURT #266
30
KNIGHTS OF PETER CLAVER
2004-2006 NATIONAL COUNCIL – BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mr. Arthur C. Mc Farland
Supreme Knight
Post Office Box 80609
Charleston, S. C. 29416-0609
H: (843) 577-4889
B: (843) 763-3900
Fax: (843) 763-5347 (B)
E-mail: cecilesq@aol.com
Mr. Emmett C. Orr
Deputy Supreme Knight
4001 Frytown Road
Dayton, OH 45418-2307
H: (937)268-6616
B: (937) 775-3467
Fax: (937) 775-3434
E-mail: emmett.orr@wright.edu
Mr. Michael Taylor
National Secretary
1061 Northwood Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23452-7951
H: (757) 498-9376
B/Fax: (757)498-9274
E-mail: mrt151@aol.com
Mr. Louis Hawkins, Jr.
National Treasurer
7218 Holder Forest Circle
Houston, TX 77088-7431
H: (281) 405-8467
B: (281) 405-8312
Fax: (281) 405-8316
E-mail: bj@bjhawkins.com
Mr. Vincent Wilkins, Jr.
National Advocate
1408 Canadian Geese Court
Upper Marlboro, MD 20774-7062
H: (301) 249-7711
Fax# (301) 218-9327
E-mail: vwilkinsesq@aol.com
Mr. Robert E. Miller
Lay Board Member
8505 S. Bennett Avenue
Chicago, IL 60617-2256
H: (773) 375-0795
B: (312) 814-8727
Fax# (312) 814-7105
Mr. James A. Coleman
Director General Jr. Knights
2702 Hinton Drive
Lake Charles, LA 70615-6739
H: (337) 436-4881
B: (337) 437-7412
Fax: (337) 433-0896
E-mail:
JACOLEMANSR@HOTMAIL.COM
Most Rev. Joseph N. Perry
National Chaplain
Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago
Post Office Box 733
South Holland, IL 60473-0733
B: (708) 339-2474
Fax: (708) 339-2477
E-mail: jperry98@aol.com
Mr. A. Jackie Elly
Past Supreme Knight
5912 Meadow Drive
Moss Point, MS 39563
H: (228) 475-3132
Fax: (228) 474-6115
E-mail: Supknight13@aol.com
Mr. Garry Bostick
District Deputy of Central States
1804 N. W. 176th Place
Edmond, OK 73003
H: (405) 341-1033
W: (405) 734-9088
Fax: (405) 734-9059
E-mail: garry3@cox.net
Mr. Anderson F. Shaw
District Deputy of Western States
4115 Don Felipe Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90008-4206
H: (323) 293-6904
B: (323) 293-6904
Fax: (323) 934-8039
Email: INASHAWCONSTR@aol.com
Mr. Howard Crawford
District Deputy of Northern States
1733 Patricia Lane
Flossmoor, IL 60422-2057
H: (708) 957-2080
Fax: (708) 957-2081
Email: hcrawford1733@aol.com
Mr. Leonard V. Stiell
District Deputy of Gulf Coast
557 Farrell Street
Mobile, AL 36607-1351
H: (251) 471-3741
Fax# (251) 478-8196
E-mail: LVStiell@bellsouth.net
Mr. Harry Beevers
Supreme Navigator
Fourth Degree, KPC
1548 Haydel Drive
Marrero, LA 70072-3531
H: (504) 347-6628
W: (504) 347-8438
E-mail: hbeevers@bellsouth.net
Mr. Roosevelt J. Stevenson
State Deputy of Louisiana
1080 Silverwood Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70807-3332
H: (225) 775-6112
Fax: (225) 774-9918
E-mail: RJS11044@aol.com
Mr. Gerald W. Joseph
State Deputy of Texas
11814 Lafferty Oaks Street
Houston, TX 77013-5619
H: (713) 455-2134
B: (713) 674-1741
Fax: (713) 678-3114
E-mail: JosephGeraldW@aol.com
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KNIGHTS OF PETER CLAVER LADIES AUXILARY
2004-2006 BOARD OF DIRECTORS – NATIONAL COURT
Mrs. Mary L. Briers
Supreme Lady
4360 Sunnybrook Drive
Montgomery, AL 36108-5042
H: (334)281-7316
Fax: (334) 288-9668
E-mail: mlbriers4360@aol.com
Mrs. Elsa R. Phillips
Nat=l. Counselor Jr. Daughters
22911 Palomino Creek Court
Tomball, TX 77375-71981
H: (281) 370-1757
Fax: (281) 251-7920
E-mail: elsarita@aol.com
Ms. Loretta Richardson
District Deputy of Central States
681 South Fulton Street
Denver, CO 80247-1924
H: (303) 344-8728
Fax: (303) 343-3129
E-mail: Loretta681@aol.com
Ms. Grace M. Dawson
Vice Supreme Lady
16144 Wolcott Avenue
Markham, IL 60426-4944
H: (708) 596-5099
B: (312) 325-6433
Fax: (312) 732-8014
Email: grace.m.dawson@jpmorgan.com
Ms. Leodia Gooch
Past Supreme Lady
7743 Boardwalk Tower
O’Fallon, MO 63366-4169
H: (636) 561-4872
B: (314) 792-7641
Fax:(314) 792-7654
E-mail: goochwilliams@aol.com
Mrs. Nan Arceneaux
State Deputy of Texas
9203 Cornett Drive
Houston, TX 77064-7601
H: (713) 937-3236
B: (281) 405-4064
E-mail: nan_arc@yahoo.com
Ms. Lena F. Young
National Secretary
1352 E. 76th Street
Chicago, IL 60619-1448
H: (773) 643-9453
B: (773) 451-2072
Fax: (773) 624-8393
E-mail:lena12@ameritech.net
Mrs. Cynthia Lyons-Jackson
State Deputy of Louisiana
103 Rain Tree Trail
Lafayette, LA 70507-3711
H: (337) 232-5110
B: (337) 235-8523
Fax: (337) 235-8523
E-mail: cyns1@yahoo.com
Mrs. Yvonne H. Jackson
National Treasurer
8921 Shady Bluff Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70818-4520
H: (225) 261-0959
E-mail: yvonnehjackson@bellsouth.net
Ms. Micaela LeBlanc
District Deputy of Western States
13428 Maxella Avenue, #185
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
H: 1-888-KPC-LAWS
B: (310) 258-1932
Fax: (310) 568-9157
E-mail: westernstatesdeputy@just4us.info
Ms. Brenda Andrus
Lay Board Member
939 St. Charles Street
Lafayette, LA 70501
H: (337) 232-9088
B: (337) 291-5755
Fax:(337) 291-5816
E-mail: bandr5@yahoo.com
Mrs. Marion Smith-Reynoso
District Deputy of Northern States
11311 Althea Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15235-1845
H:(412) 731-4847
Fax: (412) 731-5559
E-mail: marion11311@comcast.net
Mrs. Geralyn C. Shelvin
Supreme Navigator
Fourth Degree, Ladies of Grace
121 Rimwood Avenue
Lafayette, LA 70501-6559
H: (337) 232-8510
E-mail: gshelvin@bellsouth.net
Mrs. Vertelle A. Kenion
District Deputy of Gulf Coast
1284 Marvin Avenue
Charleston, S. C. 29407
H: (843) 571-0679
Fax: (843) 763-3030
E-mail: vdak6@knology.net
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