Knights of Columbus Council 676 History

Seattle Council #676, the first council in the state of Washington, was instituted on June 20, 1902. National organizer, James J. Gorman had been sent by the Supreme Council to the Pacific Northwest in the work of organizing councils in larger cities. He was very successful in his work as he instituted six councils in as many months, the Seattle Council being one of them. James Gorman PGK was so pleased with the conditions here in the Northwest that he stayed to make Seattle his home. Thomas Ivers PGK, then a member of Salt Lake City Council, tendered material assistance in the organization of the council and was later active in organization of the Prefontaine Council.J. C. Ford the president of the Pacific Coast Co., was the first Grand Knight of Council #676. Organizer James J. Gorman was the first State Deputy of the State of Washington in 1904. Frank Egan was chosen as the first Grand Knight of the Prefontaine Council in 1907.

On Nov. 20, 1909, the two councils jointly formed the Knights of Columbus Club, with five members from each council forming the board of directors. John D. Carmody was chosen as the first president of the Club. In 1913, the two councils consolidated and took the name of the Seattle Council.

With property donated to them from Mrs. Elizabeth Foss and with a successful $50,000 bond issue, the building at 722 East Union was formally opened in November of 1913. Joseph Wilwerding was the first Grand Knight of the consolidated councils. The Knights of Columbus Supreme Council Annual Convention has been held in Seattle on two occasions - the first in 1915 and again in 1973.

In 1937, Seattle Council #676 held the first Annual Gridiron Banquet honoring the football teams of O'Dea and Seattle Prep. Later years Blanchet, Kennedy, and Eastside Catholic High Schools were also recognized. The program became so large that in 1990 the High Schools opted to hold their own banquets thus ending the Gridiron program.

In 1960 the Seattle Council purchased the property north of the building from the Archdiocese and in 1970 the property in the center of the block facing Boylston from private ownership.

The Bingo program, started by Tom O' Brien, PGK and Harry Dressel in 1960, continues to support many charitable activities for the council. For the last twenty years the program has been ably managed by

Pat D' Ambrosio with PGK John Alfano and Darrell D' Ambrosio adding a helping hand as co-chairs for the last five years. In the later part of 1998, it became evident that Bingo programs were losing favor with the public and therefore the Council discontinued this activity.

In 1973, the Seattle Council joined in the first annual Knights of Columbus - Nile Temple, Saint Patrick' s Day Luncheon. The Knights and Nobles continue to share the hosting of this annual event on a home and home basis.

In keeping with the Knights of Columbus Charitable Works Program, Council #676 has donated considerable time and money to the Special Olympics, ProLife groups and Prison Ministry Programs. On March 28, 1997, Neil D Bannon, PGK was acknowledged and thanked for 25 years as Financial Secretary of Council #676.

In 1997, as we approach the millennium and our Council's 100th Anniversary in 2002, we are setting new goals for the continuation of our Council and building facilities. A comprehensive upgrading of the building's electrical system, repair and painting of the exterior and landscaping are now in progress. Leasing of additional parts of the building are being considered as a prudent investment option. In 1998, an elevator was installed providing access to all floors of the building. New security safeguards, and disabled access were incorporated as part of the remodeling of the Harvard Street entrance. The next year, a major electrical system replacement was installed throughout the building. New unisex restrooms for the disabled were added on the first floor and in the locker room. Major plumbing repair and updating was also done throughout the building to prepare the third floor for tenant occupancy. Essential improvements including men's and ladies restrooms, air conditioning, new windows, and carpeting was accomplished. Considerable work such as painting, minor repairs and general cleanup was accomplished by volunteer labor.

Our membership has increased substantially and we had particular pride in welcoming Archbishop Alex Brunett and Bishop George Thomas as members of Council #676. A STAR year was accomplished under the leadership of Grand Knight Daniel G. Donohue.