Knights of Columbus
Council 5129
St. John the Baptist Church
HISTORY
In early 1961, under the direction of the K of C District deputy of Piqua, Ohio, and with the blessing of Father Charles Ford, several men set out to establish a Knights of Columbus council within the parish.
On April 24, 1961, a charter was issued to St. John Council 5129 with 35 charter members. The first Grand Knight was Paul Joseph Lingg who served a term of 14 months. Succeeding Grand Knights were Colister "Click" Good,Frank Cleary, Clyde Staup, AI Psczulkoski, Ed Jackson, Don Saxon, Tom Kihm, Bob Hecker, Ira Harping, Dale Holder, Tom Benkert,Bob Battson, Bob Zeno, Walt Reinhard, Jerry Thobe, Tom McClurg, Bob Hartings, Walt Reinhard (2 terms) Dale Voisard and Tom Enders.
Grand KnIghts who made "Star Council" were Clyde Staup, Ed JacKson, Don Saxon, Tom Klhm, Bob Hecker and Walt Reinhard. Council 5129 was theDivision Champion in 1981--82 and finished as one of the Top Ten Councils in the state in 1981-82 and 1982-83. Several of our past Grand Knights have held state appointed positions: Clyde Staup served as Area Vocation Chairman, 1966-67; Click Good was District Deputy, 1968- 72; Ed Jackson was also District Deputy, 1981-83.
St. John Council 5129 is a very active organization serving the church and community. A great many man hours and much monetary support is provided to the youth, the mentally retarded and other citizens of the parish and county.
The original 35 members have increased to over 140. Originally the members met in St. John's center, but in 1966 permission was granted by the pastor for members to use the present K of C house. In turn the council would maintain the house and make it available for religious education classrooms. Over the past 17 years the house has been remodeled and maintained by the membership, and Is used for K of C meetings the first Thursday of each month. Two local community groups use it for their meetings and religious education classes are held mere regularly during the school year. The upstairs has been made into an apartment for a religious sister who is in residence during the tomato growing season to assist the migrant workers.
In 2007 the council was moved to its current location in the new church building. The council has it regular business meeting on the first Thursday of each month and committee meetings as needed.