History of the Knights of Columbus

Thanks to the efforts of Father Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven and some of his parishioners, the Connecticut state legislature on March 29, 1882, officially chartered the Knights of Columbus as a fraternal benefit society. The Order is still true to its founding principles of charity, unity and fraternity.

The Knights was formed to render financial aid to members and their families. Mutual aid and assistance are offered to sick, disabled and needy members and their families. Social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members and their families through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief and public relief works.

The history of the Order shows how the foresight of Father Michael J. McGivney, whose cause for sainthood is being investigated by the Vatican, brought about what has become the world's foremost Catholic fraternal benefit society. The Order has helped families obtain economic security and stability through its life insurance, annuity and long-term care programs, and has contributed time and energy worldwide to service in communities.

The Knights of Columbus has grown from several members in one council to more than 15,100 councils and 1.9 million members throughout the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, Poland, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Cuba, Guatemala, Guam, Saipan, Lithuania, Ukraine, and South Korea.

History of Chanhassen Council 10031

The Archbishop Roach Knights of Columbus Council 10031 is a relatively young council, started in 1989 (see original charter below).  At that time there were a total of 48 founding members while our current membership is well over 200 strong.  Many of our founding members are still present and active in our Council.  Our home parish has always been St. Hubert’s Catholic Community in Chanhassen, MN.  However, at the time of our inception St. Hubert’s was located on the north side of Highway 5.  In 1996 the church moved to its new location south of Highway 5 at 8201 Main Street.  The original Grand Knight of the Council was Randy Wintheiser.

Successive Grand Knights, serving 1 or 2-year terms, include:

  • 1989-91  Randy Wintheiser

  • 1991-92  Donald Schmieg

  • 1992-93  Larry Pfaff

  • 1993-94  Mel Lenander

  • 1994-95  William Brandt

  • 1995-97  Earl Schaefer

  • 1997-99  Joe Casey

  • 1999-2001  Craig Edwards

  • 2001-03  Mike Buchanan

  • 2003-05  Don Mahowald

  • 2005-07  Jerret Coon

  • 2007-09 Wayne Skoblick

  • 2009-11  Brian Rome

  • 2011-13  John Newman

  • 2013-15  Carl Gammon

  • 2015-18 Mike Casanova

  • 2018-20 Dave Steehler

  • 2020-Present Kraig Leuthard