Knights of Columbus
	Saint Cloud Council #961, Saint Cloud, Minnesota
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Council History

The original charter for KC Council #961 was received on February 12, 1905 with 60 members. The original meeting place was the Old Grand Central Hotel Ballroom. The first Grand Knight was Colin F. McDonald and the first Deputy Grand Knight was Charles Ladner.

As membership grew, the council moved to the third floor of the Carter building which currently is a residential building called Sunlight Gardens. In 1919, it was decided to form an association to build their own building. Land was purchased on the corner of Saint Germain Street and 10th Avenue. Individual members purchased stock in the new KC Home Association to raise funds. In 1921 the building was completed and KC Council #961 rented the second and third floors from the Home Association for council use. That building remained the home of Council #961 for several years, and near the end of their time in the building, added a restaurant and health club.

In 1975, it was decided to move to Saint Mary's Cathedral Parish Center, where the council continues to hold its events.

Council #961 has been honored as a "Star Council" several times for membership, insurance sales, and events. At the time of Bishop Busch's death, the council provided altars for visiting bishops to celebrate Masses in the KC building. The annual Minnesota State KC Convention has been held in Saint Cloud five times, most recently in 1997.

The council's regular meeting is the first Saturday of each month in the Parish Center of Saint Mary's Cathedral.