Knights of Columbus Convention Takes Over Grand Hotel
By Jessica Delaney

A rosary was said for deceased members during the Knights of Columbus convention on Mackinac Island last weekend. The annual ritual in the Grand Hotel Tea Garden ends with the release of balloons into the air.

In ancient times, knights wore armor and brandished swords. Today, Knights wear ordinary clothing and visit fudge shops and tourist attractions. At least the Knights of Columbus do when attending a state convention on Mackinac Island.

The Knights of Columbus is a fraternal, Catholic men’s organization that was originally formed to provide financial aid for members and families. The society began with just a handful of members in one council and has grown to almost 2 million members nationwide.

Members arrived on the Island Thursday, May 26, and remained until Saturday for their 55th annual state convention at Grand Hotel. More than 1,500 Knights were present on the Island for the convention and most of those attending were from Michigan councils, of which there are 356. Also attending were guest speakers from the national headquarters in Connecticut.

Attendees stayed at practically every hotel on the Island.

Father Gabriel O’Donnell, from New Haven, Connecticut, said the focus of a state convention is work. Changes in law are often suggested at such gatherings and then taken to the Supreme Council, he said.

One of the issues discussed at this year’s council was the question of human rights. According to Alvin Theler of St. Johns, the director of public relations for the group, working with charity organizations is not enough to accomplish all of the goals of the human rights movement.

“We’re trying to understand and work with legislation for human rights. We need to work with them,” said Mr. Theler.

Masses were performed by Bishop James Garland of the Marquette Diocese, Bishop Robert Carlson of Saginaw, and by Cardinal Adam Maida, Archbishop of Detroit, in addition to a Living Rosary performed in the hotel’s Tea Garden and a Mass for the deceased.

This year the Knights of Columbus raised more than $1 million to support programs for the mentally impaired. A statewide raffle is also held yearly to support both the Knights and the Catholic Education program.

Although moving the convention to Detroit or Grand Rapids has been suggested the consensus has always been to return to the Island.

“The accommodations are great, there's beautiful service, the facilities are beautiful, and the whole Island is beautiful,” Mr. Theler said

Fr. O’Donnell agreed, saying, “This Island is ideal. It’s a bit of a fantasy land.”

He noted that many of the conventioneers bring their families along and the children especially enjoy the area.

On Sunday, the Knights voted to hold the convention on the Island again next year.