The History Of The Columbian Squires

     The existence of the Columbian Squiresis due to the vision of the Knights of Columbus and the experience and determination of Brother Barnabas McDonald, a Christian Brother, whose entire adult life was devoted to the welfare of young men.

Largely because of his previous work with youth, Brother Barnabas was charged by the Knights of Columbus with the development for the Catholic young men, which would have the immediate objective of developing each member's leadership abilities.

On August 4^th, 1925 the first official investiture took place during the 43rd annual meeting of the Supreme Council of the Knights of Columbus held in Duluth, Minnesota. Barnabas Circle #1, sponsored by Duluth Council #447, thus became the first Columbian Squires circle. Other circles followed under the sponsorship of a Knights of Columbus council or fourth degree assembly. Each was granted it's own charter and known by it's own name and number.

Four years after the first investiture Brother Barnabas McDonald died in New Mexico.

"The boy is the gem of God's creation"Brother Barnabas

Brother Barnabas once urged the Knights of Columbus,"...give (a boy) the greatest possible help in making himself the sort of Christian citizen he wishes to become, and so urgently need." Over 300,000 young men have been Columbian Squires in more than 4,000 circles in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Philippine Islands, and Bahamas, Guam and Puerto Rico-a fitting testament to the insight and compassion displayed by both the Knights and Brother Barnabas for the welfare of the young men and everywhere.

A Timeline of The Squires

1925 First investiture of the Columbian Squires held at the 43^rd Supreme Council of the Knights of Columbus in Duluth, Minnesota.

1926 First circle instituted in Canada: Montreal Circle #3, sponsored by Council #284.

1930 Columbian Squires Herald begins publishing as monthly newspaper; first "Best Circle" competion, international bowling tournament, and state circle convention of squires (California); crusade for increased participation in Mass and communion is initiated.

1940 Squires membership numbers 11,000 young men in 368 circles; first circle is established in Cuba: San Cristobal de la Habana Circle #312 in Havana, sponsored by Council #1390. Former Squires give their lives in World War II (Jim Gillis, Richard Dempsey, robert Norby); Squires join Knights in $25million war bond drive; first circle established in Mexico: Torrean Circle #408, sponsored by Council #2348.

1950 Silver Jubilee of the Squires' founding; first circle established in Philippines: Cebu Circle #623, sponsored by Council #3106; Boy Life Bureau becomes "Columbian Squires Department;" Board of Directors votes to affiliate Squires Department with youth department of the National Catholic Welfare Conference; 100 new circles developed in a single year; Columbian Squires Herald observes 25^th publication anniversary (1955); Supreme Knight's "Special Service citation Award" begins (first recipients: Henry Dengel, Joseph Bivens, and Edwards Ramsden); Oratorical contest topic,"Should Mass be Said in English?" predate authorization by ten years; first circle instituted in Panama Canal Zone, Reverend William E. McKeon's Circle #707, sponsored by council #1376.

1960 In "Operation Rose," a sterling silver rose was brought by Canadian Squires to American Squires, relayed to Mexican Squires, and delivered to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, where a special Mass was celebrated on December 12 and the rose was permanently ensconced; J.Edgar Hoover, Director of the F.B.I., addresses special commendation to the Columbian Squires; Pope John XXIII imparts special "fatherly Apostolic Benediction" in appreciation of Squires' "spiritual bouquet;" Squires promote the cause of sainthood for Bishop Neuman; Squires make $5000 gift to Propagation of the Faith: former Squire Terry McDowell wins 500-meter speed skating championship at 9^th Winter Olympic Games (only U.S. gold medal in 1964): Mexican Squires hold their first state circle convention; Peter Hornyak and Stephen D'Armato first recipients of Knights of Columbus Pro Deo and Pro Patria college scholarships; former Squire "Sudden" Sam McDowell, Cleveland Indians pitcher, named to American League All-Star Team; former Squire Milton Ockman, New Orleans, awarded 1^st and 2^nd place gold medals by Marine Corps for bravery in combat in Vietnam.