Founding of the Knights of Peter Claver
Of the many organizations formed in the years of Fr. Angelus’s Pastorship – and they ranged from the traditional Altar Society and Holy Name Society to a St. Vincent de Paul Society and a Sodality of the Blessed Virgin – the one that was arguably the most influential down through the years was the Knights of Peter Claver. Fr. Angelus was the pillar of the church and community from 1924-1943. The Knights of Peter Claver were formally organized in Wyandotte County on September 12, 1929, at the church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and the group was called Our Lady of Perpetual Help Council 61. The council received its charter the following month, and charter members included: Theodore Jacobs, Heziak Tackett, Edward LaSalle, T.B. Waller, John Horrid and Theodore Jacobs, Gabrel Glaze, Jess Davis, Cornelius James, Lewis Phillips, H.W. King, Henry Wells, Williams Flowers, J.J. Williams, Donald Jackson, Harry King Jr., Arthur Jones, Williams Thompson and Father Angelus Schaefer. The Ladies Auxiliary to the Knight of Peter Claver was formed in 1932 and remained active until 1952. In January of 1966 The Auxiliary was re-activated again and the group was named after the pastor at that time, Father Joyce Finnigan. It remains active today. In 1977, two new groups were organized to incorporate the young people of the parish: The Junior Knights of Peter Claver was comprised of young men between the ages of 7 and 17 and the Junior Daughters consisted of young women the same age. Both are now active. The Knights of Peter Claver, which had been formed originally as a parish group, soon spread to incorporate members from surrounding parishes. In 1940 pictures show, Council & Court #61 held the District Conference that year, here at Our Lady of Perpetual Help. It is currently the only council and court in the Archdiocese of Kansas City, in Kansas. Some of its current members are the sons, grandsons, daughters, and granddaughters of the charter members. |
Junior Daughter's sponsor Angel Tree to make a family's Christmas brighter. Find out how you can support their project, contact Franchiel.
Ladies' Auxiliary collecting food donations to stock the Catholic Charities food pantry. Knights of Peter Claver prepare for Central States Conference. |
Contact for Knights of Peter Claver- Jonathan Goering (Grand Knight)
Contact for Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary- Barbara Bailey (Grand Lady)
Contact for Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary- Barbara Bailey (Grand Lady)