The Bonne Terre Council No. 1088 was chartered in 1906 with forty-two members under the principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. The first elected Grand Knight was Barbeau Roy. In 1959 the council purchased its first permanent home located on Blue and Cherry Streets in Bonne Terre, Missouri. In 1968 the membership voted to merge with the Council in Farmington, Missouri, and the name of the council was changed to St. Francois County Council No. 1088.
In 1975 Council 1088 constructed a new building on Jennings Road located in what was known then as the town of Esther, Missouri.
A Knights of Columbus Council was established for Park Hills on October 30, 1996 and the Council for Farmington was established on January 1, 1999. Once again Knights of Council 1088 consists of men from St. Joseph/St. Anne parishes.
Highway construction created the necessity of a new building. In 2005 St. Francois Council 1088 moved to its current location at 7897 Berry Rd. just outside of Bonne Terre.
The local Council recognizes and supports the Respect Life Committee, Vitae Society, Parkland Pregnancy Resource Center, the Ultra Sound Initiative and many other charities including the annual “Tootsie Roll Drive” for the developmentally disabled. They sponsor Seminarians studying for the priesthood.
The Knights are active in parish life i.e. Lenten Fish Fries for the support of the school, support of the annual St. Joseph Festival and St. Anne Picnic, they host a “Breakfast with Santa”, they erect a nativity scene for our town, their patriotism is exhibited by the flag poles at the catholic cemeteries in Bonne Terre and French Village, they have an active 4th Degree Honor Guard that are present at many parish spiritual functions.
The Knights of Columbus officers meet on the second Monday of the month. The general meeting is held on the third Wednesday of the month. Prayers for vocations are central to their efforts.
Why Join Knights of Columbus Council 1088?
Imagine being a part of a world wide organization that fills your heart and your mind with the joy of giving to others and the feeling that comes with making a difference.
Knights are Catholic men, 18 years of age and older, who are committed to making their community a better place, while supporting their Church. Being a Knight is more than camaraderie; it is being involved with your community; it is supporting your local Catholic Church, while enhancing your own faith; it is about protecting and enhancing your family life. All the good works we do are informed by our four core principles:
Charity – Our Catholic faith teaches us to “love they neighbor as thyself.” Members of the Knights of Columbus show love for their neighbors by conducting food drives and donating the food to local soup kitchens and food pantries, by volunteering at Special Olympics, and supporting, both spiritually and materially, mothers who choose life for their babies. Knights recognize that our mission and our faith in God compel us to action. There is no better way to experience love and compassion than by helping those in need. We try to answer that call every day.
Unity – None of us is as good as all of us. Members of the Knights of Columbus all know that – together – we can accomplish far more than any of us could individually. So we stick together… we support one another. That doesn’t mean that we always agree or that there is never a difference of opinion. It does mean that – as a Knight of Columbus – you can count on the support and encouragement of your brother Knights as you work to make life better in your parish and community.
Fraternity – The Venerable Michael J. McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus, in large part, to provide assistance to the widows and children left behind when the family breadwinner died – often prematurely. The Order’s top-rated insurance program continues to do this today, as do individual Knights, who last year gave more than 10 million hours of their time to assist sick and/or disabled members and their families. In the Knights of Columbus, we watch out for and take care of one another.
Patriotism – Members of the Knights of Columbus, be they Americans, Canadians, Mexicans, Cubans, Filipinos, Poles, or Dominicans, are patriotic citizens. We are proud of our devotion to God and country, and believe in standing up for both. Whether it’s in public or private, the Knights remind the world that Catholics support their nations and are amongst the greatest citizens.
For more information call 573-358-8701. Someone will contact you.
Ladies of Saint Francois
In 1970 a ladies auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus was chartered with 10 members. The group named the auxiliary “Ladies of Saint Francois” and elected Mrs. Jane Vaught as their first President. They meet on third Wednesday of the month.