OUR HISTORY AND HERITAGE
Founded on the principles of charity, unity, and fraternity, the Knights of Columbus was established in 1882 by Father Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Conn., and a group of parishioners. Their intent? To bring financial aid and assistance to the sick, disabled, and needy members and their families.
Today, Father McGivney is being considered for sainthood.
Knights come from every stage of life, in countless corners of the world. Join us as we celebrate real role models in a world that needs men who lead, serve, protect and defend.
Olean Council 338 has over 125 years of service to our parishes.
Over the last 125 years, Olean Council 338 has had the pleasure of serving our Priests and our Parishes in the Olean Community. We received our charter May 8th, 1898. We used to have a building on Hamilton St. but sold it to JCC. We now meet in the school building of St. Mary of the Angels Basilica on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month.
“Unity and charity’ is our motto. Unity in order to gain strength to be charitable to each other in benevolence whilst we live and in bestowing financial aid to those whom we have to mourn our loss….”
-Fr. McGivney
Aug. 25, 1883
It is through our programs and charitable efforts that we help those in need in our parishes and community.
Council Officers
These men have been chosen by their fellow members to lead the council. They may also hold additional positions in the council and the order.
Francis Tripodi
Grand Knight
Otto Tertinek
Recorder
Dennis Wright
Inside Guard
Frank Caputo
Three Year Trustee
Joseph G. Keary
Deputy Grand Knight
Thomas Burdsall
Treasurer
Edmund Wallace
Outside Guard
Don Hamed
Chancellor
Thomas Mahar
Advocate
Frank Aloi
One Year Trustee
Stephen Oldenburg
Financial Secretary
Bernard Wenke
Warden
Paul Bzdak
Two Year Trustee
We aim to help men, their families, and our parishes grow closer to Christ. We do this through:
- Our Programs
- Resources
- Helping with the needs of our Parishes and communities
Our Family of Parishes
St. Mary of the Angels Basilica
St. John the Evangelist
St. Bonaventure Parish
Additional Parish We Serve
St. Joseph Maronite