A brief history of Council 7997 of North Port FL
North Port Council 7997 was given their charter in March 1982.The first Grand Knight was Sam Gemelli and Deputy Grand Knight was John Myers .The District Deputy at that time who was the installing officer was William Herliky and Bob Strunt was the Deputy Warden.
The first meeting was held on March 24th, 1982 at 7:30 p.m. at the community room of the First Federal of Fort Myers Bank in the North Port Shopping Center. The pastor of San Pedro, Father Duggan gave permission in a letter dated September 1982 to hold meetings in the Activity Center. At the time the cost the church was going to charge the council to hold two meetings per month, was $25 per month. It is unknown when the council held their first meeting at San Pedro as the information is unclear. The population of North Port at this time was approximately 8000 and the parish had approximately 800 registered parishioners.
Beginning in January 1983, the council held their first basketball free throw event followed by their first Tootsie Roll drive in March 1983.
The council celebrated their first anniversary with a Mass at San Pedro’s 9 a.m. followed with a breakfast that included the wives at Calini Inn Restaurant.
The council held their first spaghetti dinner on Sunday, June 5, 1983 at a cost of $3.50 per person. It was held at 2421 S. Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte, home of the Port Charlotte council. Other dinners were held at the Port Charlotte Yacht Club. The Sons of Italy was instrumental in helping in the preparation of the dinner.
In April 15 and 16, 1983 our council attended the state’s bowling tournament in Orlando.
The council’s first newsletter was published in September 1983 and was a typed letter composed of one page discussing various events of the council over the year.
The council’s first picnic was held at Dallas White Park in May, 1984 for $6 that included all food and beverages. At times, the council held social events at the Willows Restaurant.
Since inception, this council has always been active and supportive of San Pedro and the North Port community, serving as ushers, Eucharistic Ministers, Deacon, CCD teachers and providing assistance in maintaining the church and fund raising for the church. The council has also been active in the community with fund raising for those with physical and mental disabilities through the tootsie roll drive.
In the 21st Century our council has been instrumental in supporting those agencies that are pro-life and providing assistance to those organizations that are active in helping those who are pregnant in choosing life for their baby over death.
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Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to practicing Catholic men in union with the Holy See, who are at least 18 years old. A practicing Catholic is one who lives up to the Commandments of God and the precepts of the Church. Application blanks are available from any member of the Knights of Columbus.
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