The Great Bend Knights of Columbus Council #862 celebrated a century of service to the Catholic Church and the Great Bend community Wednesday, June 2.

The council was organized in 1904 with 52 charter members, and since grown to include approximately 400 members.

During the council’s anniversary, its members dedicated a Monument to The Unborn, which had recently been erected on the campus of St. Rose Catholic Church. Plans for the monument had begun three years prior and involved discussions about style and "message," as well as about fundraising efforts to pay the cost of construction.

The selected design is of a sign suspended between two limestone posts, with the hopeful message, "Let the children come to me," and accented with two limestone benches, which may be used for personal prayer and reflection.

The monument was presented to the Catholic Community and the community of Great Bend by Grand Knight, Leonard Kaiser. The dedication ceremony included remarks from the Kansas State Pro-Life Chair-couple, Steve and Diane Heiman, and was accentuated by a 12-man KofC Honor Guard.

Father Reggie Urban, Pastor of Great Bend’s Catholic Community, conducted the blessing and dedication of the monument, during which time he reflected upon his childhood and the memories of his father working with limestone posts.

As a continuation of the centennial celebration, the council conducted memorial and prayer services on June 6 at the graves of several founding officers.

The deceased officers who were recognized include: William P. Feder (Grand Knight), Charles A. Hooper, (Deputy Grand Knight), W.F. Klein (Recording Secretary), Patrick E. Murphy (Treasurer), Michael Keenan (Warden), Ed J. Doherty (Chancellor), William Keenan (Outside Guard), James Welsh (Trustee) and Charles McFadden (Trustee). Their graves were adorned with a KofC flag and a colorful wreath that had a ribbon which declared, "founding officer."

Seminarian Darin Hickel, who is also the council’s adopted seminarian, led the graveside services. Services were accompanied by a KofC Honor Guard.

During the regular Sunday morning Mass at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church June 6, Knights of Columbus members performed all of the ministries of the Mass. Council members, many of whom wore their fourth-degree sashes and tuxedos, served as ushers, greeters, lectors and Eucharistic ministers. A choir, consisting of Knights and their families, performed hymns.

The church procession included a 10-man honor guard, as well as Kansas State Deputy Guy Steier and Past Supreme Knight Virgil Dechant.

Following Mass, a banquet was held at the Knights of Columbus Hall. The banquet included prelude and dinner music by the Catholic Community’s Bell Choir, the blessing and re-dedication of the council’s home, and remarks by Great Bend City Councilman, Ken Roberts, Kansas State Deputy, Guy Steier, and Past Supreme Knight Virgil Dechant.

Twenty-five and 50-year members were recognized, as were the Knight of the Year, John Moshier, and family of the year, David and Pam Vainer. The banquet concluded with entertainment by a local rag-time band.