MERCHANTVILLE – With a half-century of school breakfasts, food drives, parish festivals, pro-life efforts, and other vital charitable works under their well-worn hands and feet, the past and present men of the Knights of Columbus Council #6735 out of Saint Peter Parish were honored Jan. 10 during a Mass that included Bishop Joseph Williams.
“We thank God for them, and their many, many works of mercy,” said the Bishop, who was joined by Father Timothy Byerley, parish pastor; Father Ernest Amadi, parochial vicar; Father John Rossi, pastor of Saint Bridget University Parish, Glassboro, who grew up at the parish and was a part of the council; Deacons Charlie Lacey and Michael Scott; and seminarian Theo Deluhery.
During Mass, Bishop Williams recalled the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord, and the start of Jesus’ public ministry, noting the fraternity’s similar commitment to God’s people.
Like the Savior, he said, “they enter into the difficult situations people have in their lives, unafraid, and help pull them out.”
Father Byerley added that Council #6735 is “one of the great blessings here at Saint Peter’s Parish,” emphasizing the almost 1,000 food boxes and toys its men delivered this past Christmas season to families in need.
“We congratulate them, we thank them, we commend them. We look forward to their next century of witness and contribution,” he continued.
It was the desire of then-pastor, Msgr. John Fallon, in 1975, to bring in the organization founded by Blessed Michael J. McGivney in 1881, and continue his mission of service and charity to school, family and community.
It was also the second council at the parish. The first was established on June 17, 1923, when Saint Peter was part of the Diocese of Trenton. Father John Conway, pastor, was the first Grand Knight, and meetings were held at a home on Maple Avenue. During the Great Depression, the home was lost, and the exact date the council was disbanded is unknown.
Fifty-two years later from its first incarnation, “Msgr. Fallon thought we should form the council, and that the parish would benefit from it,” said 83-year-old Tim Quinlan, who grew up at the parish, served as an altar boy and graduated from the school in 1956.
The charter was signed by Quinlan and 50 others on Dec. 5, 1975, and its first meetings were in the parish basement. Today, the Knights have their own dedicated space under the school gym, fittingly known as Msgr. Fallon Hall.
Serving as the council’s Grand Knight from 1979 to 1980, Quinlan remained at the parish until 2007, when he and his wife, Sally Ann, moved to Pemberton. After time served with the U.S. Army Reserve, and more than 50 years practicing law in South Jersey, he and Sally Ann relocated to Texas to be closer to family last September.
Back in Merchantville for the celebration, Quinlan fondly recalled the brotherhood he found and the good work he contributed to, such as helping the Knights organize the school’s spelling bee and the parish’s collection for those with disabilities.
“Being able to contribute with the friends I made, made it all worthwhile,” he said. “Every single guy I served with was a good guy.”
After the Mass, the 50th anniversary festivities continued with a banquet at Pennsauken Country Club, where Quinlan and fellow founding Knight Walt Zimolong were honored by the council for their work in helping “lay the foundations … through their faith, example of charity and their unwavering commitment.”
The council also presented awards to current Knights for their service, including Tom Fisher (Faith in Action), Tony Presenza (Distinguished Service), Reese DeFeo (Pillar of the Council) and Andy Lipenta (Lifetime Service).
“I’m shocked and humbled” to receive the award, said Lipenta, who, in a 40-plus-year career with the Knights of Columbus, has worn many leadership hats: Council Recorder, Grand Knight, District Deputy, New Jersey State Deputy, and Vice Supreme Master, among others.
“I’m blessed that I’ve been able to help so many in need,” he said, expressing gratitude for his brothers who have supported and encouraged him in his work.
“We pride ourselves in serving those in need, and I’m here to help,” Lipenta continued.
Council #6735 also recognized the mayor of Merchantville, Edward Brennan, and the local American Legion Post 68 for their support of and cooperation with the council’s work.
Jim Kenney, the current Grand Knight, expressed his appreciation for Bishop Williams’ presence and leadership and Father Byerley’s “compassionate pastoral care and genuine love,” now and constant.
Directing his thoughts to the Christian gentlemen “who lift my spirits with their good works,” Kenney and his brothers look forward to “carrying the torch and building up the brotherhood,” he noted.
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