The History of Dan M. Kennedy
Council 706

Bedecked with white badges, 170 Knights of Columbus from Frand Rapids, Flint and Saginaw came to Muskegon on November 29, 1903 for a day of banqueting and great ceremonial, and the making of forty-eight new Knights, who will now form a Muskegon branch of the Order.

Heading the delegations, which consisted of 100 members of the Grand Rapids council and seventy from Flint and Saginaw, were the leading officers of the fraternity in Michigan, among whom were M.J. Purcell, Territorial Deputy Grand Knight from Saginaw; Charles E. Norton, Grand Knight of the Grand Rapids Council; M.H. Carmody, Chancellor from Grand Rapids; E.S. Lee, Grand Knight of the Flint council and H.E. Naegely, Grand Knight of the Saginaw council.

The delegations, which included many well-known Roman Catholic citizens from these places, arrived on two special trains, one from Grand Rapids, the G.R. & I Special and the Saginaw and Flint Grand Trunk Special. Both trains arrived within an hour of each other at the Muskegon depot. Both deligations were met upon their arrival by a Muskegon committee and escorted to the Occidental Hotel, which was the headquarters of the day and at which dinner was to be served.

At 2pm, the visitors and Muskegon candidates assembled in the K.P. Hall for a preliminary meeting and at 3pm the initiatory ceremonies began. These were were beautiful and impressive. The ceremonial was in charge of the visiting officers under the direction of the Territorial Deputy Grand Knight and continued for five hours, it being 8pm before the fifty new Muskegon Knights were fnally admitted to the Order and made fully eligible to establish what will now be known as Muskegon Council No. 706, Knights of Columbus.

No election of officers was held, as the officials would be chosen at the next meeting of the local branch, which would be held some time in the near future.

The return to the hotel headquarters was made at 8pm and at 8:30 the large company of Knights, new and old, sat down to a sumptuous banquet which was served in the Occidental dining room. Covers were laid for 220. Overhead were festooned many American flags, while the tables were adorned with chrysanthemums and at each place was a carnation favor.

The menu, which was an elaborate one, consisted of Oysters, Celery, Crackers, Cream of Tomatoes, Waffles, Baked Whitefish, Fine Hub Sauce, Saratoga, Chips, Roast Turkey, Cranberry sauce, Mashed Potatoes, Peas, Cardina Punch, Lobster salad, Fruit, Neapolitan Ice Cream, Assorted cakes, Water Crackers, Cheese and Coffee.

Music, which was provided by Hunter's Orchestra, added to the enjoyment of the occasion with many popular tunes being played.

Following the serving was a highly entertaining program of toasts with John McKearman of Muskegon Council as toastmster, and W. J. Weller of this city giving the visitors a cordial welcome.

There was hardly time for all, however, before the trains pulled out at midnight, carrying the visitors away. Many compliments were received for the pleasant manner in which eveything had passed off and for the cordial hospitalities extended. The committee of arrangements, which consisted of a number of Knights of Columbus belonging to various councils, who through their zeal had secured sufficient members to organize the council, received many congratulations upon their success by the visiting Knights and the latter declared that they had never attended an initiation that was so fully provided in every detail.

Taken from The Muskegon Chronicle dated 11/30/1903 (and modified slightly)

Charter Members of Council 706
* denotes Grand Knight

Grand Knights of Council 706