KNIGHTS OF ST COLUMBA
HISTORY OF THE ORDER.
The order was established on (5th October 1919) at the Central Halls, Bath Street Glasgow.
The first Council was formed in England at Liverpool (1920) and even in those early days
communications was considered important and the Columba magazine was launched (1923).
The Spiritual side of the KSC activities were marked by the establishment of The Daily Mass
Crusade (1927) and prayers offered for all member Knights of St Columba. This was further
strengthened when over 2000 Knights were present at 31st Eucharistic Congress in Dublin
Eire (1932) .
St.Columba, a young Irish priest and Prince sailed across the seas in approx 600 A.D. to
Iona where he built a small wooden monastery and spent the rest of his days. Over a
period of hundreds of years the monastery has been upgraded, and became the burial place
of Scottish Kings. The first of many annual pilgrimages to Iona was organised by the Knights
(1936).
The Abbey www.isle-of-iona.com on this small Hebridean island has become a
place to visit by many Knights ever since.
Membership of the order grew fast. This was evident when over 10000
Knights as
part of their "Action" work took part in London in the 'Silent March' (1938), against Atheism
and Communism.
In the beginning of what was to the World War II, the Knights established an international
chain of Hostels for our servicemen (1939). There were centres in England (London,
Birmingham & Liverpool) as well as Wales (Llandudno) and Malta in the Mediterranean.
An international residential club was set up in London. The Youth were cared for through the
setting up of St John's Hostel for boys in Leeds (1948).
After the war, Wembley Stadium celebrated the commemoration of the restoration
of the
Hierarchy of England (1950), and the Knights were well represented. The Easter Poster
campaign was set up (1950), followed by the Christmas Poster (1967), two activities which
are still going nearly 60-years later, where Catholic families are encouraged to display these
posters in their front window.
An active Action program had the Knights supporting in demonstrations in 'Quiet Campaign
(1959) which lead to the amendment of the Obscene Publication Act. Further action was
taken in support of the 'Freedom from Hunger' (1963); The Italian Floods Relief campaign
(1966).
In 1969 the Knights of St Columba celebrated their Golden Jubilee, followed ten
years later
by the Diamond Jubilee (1979).
Strong 'Action' projects were organised at Council level where fundraising for good causes
both at home and abroad, raised thousands of pounds. TheKnights purchased a
Jumbulance for the Across Trust(1980). A disaster relief fund was set up, and contributions
were made to the Italian Earthquake Relief Fund (1980).
The Knights were asked to participate in stewarding at Wembley Stadium and other
places
during the visit of Pope John Paul II to London (1982).
The KSC were honoured by the Dedication of the Knights' own St Columba Chapel in
Liverpool Cathedral (1983). Key Action programs followed in 1984 with the distribution
of an awareness booklet called "Parents and Drugs".
Funds were provided in support for disabled children's Orthopedic Limb Centre in Ghana
(1988) while baby resuscitation units where purchased for UK hospitals (1991).
The biggest and most successful campaign was the project named 'Wells for Water' -
the Jubilee Experience (1998) where in conjunction with CAFOD and SCIAF. £227000
were raised to establish water bore-holes in Africa. Followup National Action Projects were
established to meet other needy causes, Help the Hospices (1993) raised £110000,
Partners for Health (1995) raised £140000 and the current 3-year project 'Unsung Heroes'
(2005) in support of the Samaritans.
