The Knights of Columbus dedicate their new home

LACONIA — Fr. Marc Drouin, Pastor of Saint Andre Bessette Parish, blessed the new home of the Knights of Columbus Council 428 at 314 South Main Street in Laconia on Saturday, March 27.

The Knights had been sharing space in various locations, most recently on the campus of Sacred Heart Church, after having sold their building 40 years ago. Seeing membership and involvement in the parish and community steadily rising, the Knights, under the direction of Kepler Padilla, the Grand Knight made the decision to find permanent quarters to enable them to minister to their parish and community on a more personal level.

The new location brings their meeting space into the 21st century with all of the equipment and facilities needed to conduct meetings and presentations both in person and virtual. The space was designed and constructed by Brother David Karl, the Deputy Grand Knight, under the direction of Brother Kepler Padilla who spearheaded the drive to establish their new home.

The ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by Brother Joseph Kowalik lll, the State Deputy for the state of New Hampshire, Brother Glenn Camley, District Master of the 4th Degree District of New Hampshire and Brother Ray Lemay, State Secretary for the state of New Hampshire and many Brother knights of the Laconia Council 428, as well as members of Monsignor Sliney Assembly 628 who will also call this their home.

Part of their commitment is to the disabled veterans in the area through The Holy Spirit Disabled Veterans Services program which will be operational within the month and will be geared to serve the disabled veterans of Laconia, Gilford and Belmont.

Mr. Padilla sees the council and the Fourth Degree Assembly offering a comprehensive range of programs suited to the members of our community. The center will be open Monday thru Thursday 10 a.m. through noon and Wednesday evenings for planned presentations to different segments of the community.

One of the first programs planned is an open forum for couples with Deacon Mark DeRosch who has recently joined Saint Andre Bessette Parish. The program will be announced and will take place on a Wednesday evening as will all of the other programs planned.