St. Regis Council Knights of Columbus – Purpose and Duties

The Knights of Columbus was founded in 1882 be Father Michael J. McGivney for the purpose of supplying financial aid to widows, and their families. Also to render aid and assistance to sick, disabled and needy members and their families.  Further, to promote social, educational, charitable and religious welfare. The subordinate councils were instituted for the same purpose.  St. Regis and other councils are the right arm of the church, and in so doing support it financially and through various volunteer projects.  We also support the community and various other charities. 

There are in excess of 1.7 millions members in the United States and various countries around the world, including Canada , Mexico , the Philippines , and mostly recently Poland.  

St. Regis has its own set of by-laws which are in direct conformity and adherence to the bylaws of the Supreme Council.  Meetings are held twice a month on the first and third Wednesday.  The first meeting, a business meeting conducts the affairs of the council, including financial, charitable and social functions.  The second meeting is a social meeting which can include a guest speaker, or be superceded by a degree.

Officers are elected annually on the first meeting in June, except for the Financial Secretary, Lecturer and Chaplain who are appointed by the Grand Knight.  The Financial Secretary is appointed to a renewable three year term by the Grand Knight and the three trustees.

The Grand Knights duties are to preside over all meetings and enforce the rules and regulations of the council and the order.  He also appoints committees and acts as Chaplain when he is not present.  He is involved in the financial end by signing payment orders and checks.  

The Deputy Grand Knight is the assistant to the Grand Knight and essentially acts in his place when he is not present.  He has various other duties to facilitate the successful running of the council.  

The Chancellor is the back up to both the Grand Knight and Deputy Grand Knight, but also insures the involvement of the entire membership, with stress on new members.  In St. Regis he is involved as well with the Columbiettes and the Squires.  

The Recorder keeps a record of the workings of the council, which are primarily the minutes and some correspondence.

The Financial Secretary collects and pays all monies, and keeps accounts of each member, and issues billing dues notices. Those monies received are paid to the Treasurer.  

The Treasurer is the custodian of funds received and deposits same in a banking institution set up by the council.  He also pays orders drawn by the Financial Secretary and countersigned by the Grand Knight.  He keeps separate accounts of all money transactions of the councils, and reconciles same to the bank statements.  

The Lecturer in addition to providing a repast has the duty to provide entertainment to the council members at meetings.  

The Advocate is the attorney of the council and will rule on any issues in accordance with Roberts Rules, the Supreme Council and St. Regis by-laws.  

The Warden is in charge of all council property, not maintained by other officers, and instructs the guards in their duties.  

The Guards attend the entrance to the council chamber, and any other duties imposed by the council.  Their primary function is to prepare the council chamber for meetings, and inspect travel cards.  

The Trustees consist of three members and the Grand Knight.  They are elected for a term of three years on a rotating basis, wherein a new trustee is elected each year.  Their primary purpose is to audit the books of the Financial Secretary and Treasurer, and other entities at the direction of the council at least every six months.  

 

Club 4651 Purpose and Duties 

Club 4651 is a corporation set up to handle the management and maintenance of the building and property of St. Regis Council.  They function as a separate entity, with their own by-laws, and set of accounts, and carry insurance for the protection of the various assets. As an entity they report to the Grand Knight, and present reports at council meetings on a regular basis. They also hold open corporation meetings to present reports and address specific issues.   Their accounts are subject to audit by the council trustees.  

The corporation consists of eight 3rd degree members, who are elected to two year terms on a rotating basis.  The Grand Knight is also a member of the board.  The officers are President, who oversees the management of the corporation.  The Vice President, who acts as the back up to the President.  The Secretary who essentially is responsible for all correspondence and minutes.  The Treasurer receives monies and makes required payments.  The other four members are each separately responsible for Catering, Bar, House and Finance.  The Catering director is responsible for the smooth execution of hall rental to members and outside individuals for parties.  The Bar director ensures the proper running of that entity, in conformity with Knights of Columbus principles.  The House director ensures that the building facility is kept in good working order and the Finance Director assists the Treasurer in the maintenance of  his function.

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