January 28, 2006 marked a significant date in the history of the Andover Knights of Columbus, Council #1078. It marked the 100th year of the founding of the Council by a group of Andover men inspired by religious and fraternal motives.

The Order of the Knights of Columbus was founded by Father Michael J. McGivney to promote Catholic fraternalism. He also founded one of the most successful American insurance enterprises to protect the members and their widows and orphans. The Order’s principles in 1882 were "Unity" and Charity". The concepts of Fraternity and Patriotism were added later. The Knights of Columbus were bound to the ideals of Christopher Columbus.

Andover was a quiet farming community in 1906 when the Council was formed. The Council was formally instituted on January 28, 1906, in the Sagar Hall of the Odd Fellow building in Lawrence. Members of Lawrence Council 67 conferred the first degree of the order on most of the Andover Charter members. The Second Degree was conferred by Grand Knight William J. Sullivan of the Lowell Council. On February 1, the third degree was exemplified by District Deputy Edward L. Arundel. Andover Postmaster John H. McDonald was the first Grand Knight.

The initial meetings of the new Council were held in several small rooms over Burns’ store on Main St. As the Council rapidly expanded, it took over the second floor of the McNally block on Park St. In 1923 a committee was formed to purchase a home that would satisfy their space requirements. The Council then purchased the Swift Residence on Main St. and moved it to Chestnut St. Extensive alterations and improvements were made. It was sold during the depression.

The depression was a difficult time for the Council, and membership and activity waned. However a decision was made to continue on through the depression and World War II. A small core of brother knights kept the Council alive. Grand Knight Eddie Doyle served from 1940-1951, and became Financial Secretary in 1956. William Harnedy took four years as Grand Knight and five years as District Deputy. Bill Doherty served three years as Grand Knight, and 25 years as Chancellor, in addition to a later term as District Deputy.

After the war, starting about 1951 there was a resurgence of interest and the membership increased rapidly. Grand Knight William McDonald is given great credit by Chaplain Fr. Patrick Campbell of St. Augustine’s and State Warden Joseph Boothroyd. Father Campbell complimented the officers and brothers for their perseverance and not accepting defeat during the hard times, and for the enthusiasm and zeal shown in that year. GK McDonald reports, "Our big social will take place on Friday evening Feb. 13th (1953) with a dance at the Crystal Ballroom, Shawsheen Village. A lunch will be served. Tickets $1.50 per person. Let’s all make this a huge pre-Lenten affair."

Archbishop Cushing’s efforts for exceptional children, including care those at the Kennedy Memorial Hospital were actively supported by the Andover Knights. We were one of 25-30 Councils that provided a monthly contribution to the Archbishop for that purpose. There are references in our minutes to numerous thank you notes from Archbishop Richard Cushing. We believe the original Cardinal Cushing painting (framed with a signed April 1958 note) was a gift from the Cardinal for the council’s support of his efforts through contribution boxes in the Council hall, dances run with 50% of the proceeds going to the Exceptional Children’s fund, and other Council contributions including $100 ads for the Charity Ball. In October 1958 GK Bill Tammany reported results of Archbishop Cushing’s Appeal for Exceptional Children raised $70,000.

On a sad note, the young and vibrant Grand Knight Charlie Regan, who had run several functions the prior year, died in 1958 after a six month illness.

Keys were available to the Council hall in December 1958 for $.50/each

There was great unity of purpose from the mid 1950’s, as the Council supported by our Ladies Auxiliary pursued a dedicated building for the Council.

In Feb. 1962 The Corporate Board was elected with officers President Bob Noonan, VP Bill Tammany, Treasurer Larry Morrisroe, and Secretary Frank Bayliss. Effective 3/16/1962, Andover 1078, Inc was incorporated by those four and Board members Joseph Connor, George C. Durant, Frederick Griffin, Arthur Lavely, George Nangle, Frank Nelligan, Andrew Pendelton Jr., John Polgreen, James F. Sullivan, Joseph C. Sullivan, and Joseph Tassinari. In May and June of that year it was decided to sell shares for our new building fund. A certificate would cost $150 in cash or if paid by month at $13/month, then $156. There are 122 names of Brother Knight shareholders on our 1964 plaque.

In Oct. 1963 Board President Bob Noonan is tasked to obtain a building permit on the Osgood St. Frontage Road property. Board Treasurer and PGK Larry Morrisroe obtained a 15 year mortgage, and remained Treasurer through the entire period of the loan.

In 1963 GK John Lyons asked Father Francis L. Sullivan of St. Roberts to be Chaplain of the Andover Council. The Council has been involved with various Catholic institutions including St. Augustine’s, St. Roberts, Merrimack College and developmentally challenged children.

In Oct. 1964 the new Council home was opened on Osgood Street, and named Briarcliff. Over time the mixed blessing of the proceeds from the Council bar, and the effort of running it, made people rethink the type of building the Council wished to own. After the end of the mortgage in 1979, the Council began looking for other options.

In 1985, the Andover Guild Youth Center building at 10 Brook Street was purchased, and we have occupied it for the last 20 years. The building houses a basketball court, two bowling alleys, a weight room, and meeting rooms. The Osgood Street building has been occupied by the Professional Center for Child Development for almost the same period.

In March 1987 State Treasurer John Oteri presented the Council with the Supreme Diamante Award for membership increase of 583% for the year 1985/1986 with George Nangle as Grand Knight.

The Council has been involved with many social, civic, and charitable causes.

In July 1992, Mike Schwing reported a profit of $677 on the Sidewalk Bazaar. Jack Sheehy ran a Red Sox baseball trip at a cost of $25. That October Bill Buco reported a Las Vegas night profit of $1800.

In Nov 2001, GK Jack DeCourcy reports $430 profit on the Steak and Lobster dinner cooked by Gerry Fennessey. The Tootsie Roll drive raised $4553. We took two large Neighbors in Need Families that Christmas providing presents and food.

The following May of 2002 The K of C Golf Tournament made $2834. The council provided $250 to buy a flag at the St. A’s School golf tournament, and $300 for a St. A’s scholarship. The Council provided $500 to Seminarian Louis Melahn.

In a March 2003 meeting John Shea reported a profit on Mardi Gras of $1162. There were 140 guests, and dancing to the Boogalo Swamies.

May 2003 Cinco de Mayo was run at 10 Brook St. by DGK Chuck Lane and Dan Dinan for $25 per person. PGK Mike Schwing tended the Maragaritaville bar and served glow in the dark margaritas. Ski and the 99ers provided entertainment, including a limbo contest, couples dancing, and a spirited Mexican hat dance. We marched in the Memorial Day Parade.

GK Chuck Lane complimented Andrew Szendey and Mike Toth on running the Oct 2003 Tootsie Roll Drive. 48 members participated with a check to the State Charity Fund of $4001. Jim Sullivan Jr. reported on a new security system with individual key cards and tracking.

In July 2004 Andrew Szendey took over as Financial Secretary after 16 years of service by PGK Dick Sayers. Over the last two years Andrew has transitioned to the new Financial Secretaries’ software, an improved tracking and operations.

The Council has made significant contributions to the community over the years. A major fundraiser each year is the Tootsie Roll Drive which raises funds to provide handicapped children with needed equipment. Andover #1078 has maintained a proud tradition following in the footsteps of the men who chartered the council 100 years ago. We are a Catholic Family Fraternal Service organization.