Brief History of Andover Council #1078

The Order of the Knights of Columbus, which was founded in 1882 by Father Michael J. McGivney to promote Catholic fraternalism, was first rooted in the princes of Unity and Charity. Later, the guiding principles of the Knights were expanded to include Fraternity and Patriotism The Andover Knights of Columbus endeavor to live by these principles and use them as a guiding path to perform good works for the community.

Our Council was formed in 1906 back when Andover was a little more than a quiet farming community. The Council was formally established on January 28, 1906. Lawrence Council #67 at Sagar Hall in the Odd Fellow building held the first degree, which conferred member on most of the charter members of the Andover Council. William J Sullivan, Grand Knight of the Lowell Council conferred the second degree and on February 1, 1906, the exemplification of the third degree was performed by District Deputy Edward L. Arundel.   Andover’s Postmaster, Mr. John H. McDonald was named 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 ultimately purchased the Swift Residence on Main St. and moved it to Chestnut St. Extensive alterations and improvements were made. Unfortunately, the Depression hit the Council hard and the building was lost.

In the late 1920’s, the Andover Knights of Columbus hosted the Catholic Daughters of America’s local Court of St. Monica for their bi-weekly meetings. This gesture provide to be of great benefit to both organizations as they co-hosted many events for the benefit of the local community. The court would lay the critical history and groundwork for a Ladies Auxiliary at Andover Council #1078.

The Andover Knights actively supported Archbishop Cushing’s efforts for exceptional children, including care for those at the Kennedy Memorial Hospital. We were one of approximately 30 Councils that provided a monthly contribution to the Archbishop for that purpose. As an expression of his gratitude, the then Cardinal Cushing presented the Council with a portrait and signed note, to recognize the numerous efforts to undertaken by our members to help raise over $70,000 for the Appeal. Grand Knight Bill Tammany received the gift on the council’s behalf in October of 1958.

Building off of its many years of success and positive reputation, the Andover Council undertook the great task of raising funds and interest in the purchase of a new home for the Council. A great unity of purpose and drive to support its members, coupled with the support of its Ladies Auxiliary, the council laid the groundwork in the mid 1950’s, to build a new home.

In Feb. 1962, a Corporate Board was elected raise funds for and then manage a new facility. Its inaugural officer were President Bob Noonan, VP Bill Tammany, Treasurer Larry Morrisroe, and Secretary Frank Bayliss. Those four officers 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 formally incorporated Andover 1078 Inc. on 3/16/1962. 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. A plaque hangs in our current building commemorating the 122 shareholders of Andover 1078 Inc.

A property on Osgood St. Frontage Road was purchased and in Oct. 1963 Board President Bob Noonan was tasked to obtain a building permit from the Town of Andover. 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. While primarily attached to St. Augustine’s Parish in Andover, the council maintained a positive and cooperative relationship with various Catholic institutions, including St. Robert Bellarmine Parish and Merrimack College.

In Oct. 1964 the new Council home was opened on Osgood Street, and named Briarcliff.  Briarcliff remained the Council’s home from 1964 – 1985. The council maintained a bar, function hall, and meeting spaces in Briarcliff for the benefit of its members and the broader catholic community of Andover. When the mortgage was paid off in 1979, the council began exploring other options for a Council home as the bar at Briarcliff was proving to be a mixed blessing.

In 1966, Andover #1078 facilitated inclusion of French Speaking catholic men in the area.  The council hosted a first, second, and third degree for French-Speaking men to join the Knights of Columbus.  The Council partnered with a Degree Team from Montreal, who came to Andover to conduct the degrees at the Briarcliff facility.

In 1985, the Andover Guild Youth Center building at 10 Brook Street was purchased. The facility, including its Gymnasium, presented new opportunities and possibilities for Andover 1078 Inc. Briarcliff was sold to the Professional Center for Childhood Development who occupies the space to this day. Andover 1078 Inc. and the Andover Knights of Columbus Mother of Good Counsel Council #1078 has been at the Brook Street facility ever since.

The new facility posed new opportunities for community support and the Andover Knights of Columbus quickly took advantage of them. For nearly two decades, Andover 1078 Inc. hosted St. Augustine School’s gym classes and basketball and volleyball practices in its basketball court. A wrestling team was given free access to the site during this time as well.   The Andover Knights of Columbus hosted two cub scout Packs and a boy scouts troop in its upper floors. To this day, the facility remains a resource for local non-profit groups and sports groups.

In 1992, the growth of the community of Knights in Andover and Tewksbury justified the establishment of a new council at St. Roberts Bellarmine Parish in west Andover. Council #10877 was formed on April 10, 1992 to the support and fraternal friendship of Andover Council #1078. With regular programming at St. Roberts, the Knights of Columbus of Andover are able to offer exciting and meaningful programming every month. To this day, the two councils collaborate on numerous opportunities, such as Andover Day and the Pregnancy Cares Center Banquet, to promote the Knights’ mission and support organizations we care about.

By the late 1990s, the Council's annual Golf Tournament became a major event drawing in over 100 participants.  Grand Knight Dennis Regan was instrumental in the event's success.

In January 2004, under the leadership of Grand Knight Chuck Lane, the Andover Knights of Columbus started the Winter Warm-up as a new annual tradition. Held at Angelica’s Restaurant in Middleton, the event has evolved into the Council’s largest fundraiser and event of the year. Since its establishment, the Council utilizes the event to honor individuals or organizations whose efforts exemplify the principles of the Knights of Columbus and the life of Fr. Michael McGivney.

On January 28, 2006, the Andover Knights of Columbus, Council #1078 celebrated its 100^th anniversary. The Council was recognized by local and state officials and governments for its service to the local community and the council received a proclamation from the Supreme Council Knights of Columbus. A celebration was held by Grand Knight Hugh Brown at Wyndham in Andover to mark the occasion.

In February 2009, under the leadership of Past Grand Knight Chuck Lane and Mike Toth, the Andover Knights of Columbus expanded the Winter Warm-up setting the stage for its evolution into the council's biggest event of the year. In 2010, the Council added an honoree, an individual or organization whose efforts exemplify the principles of the Knights of Columbus and the life of Fr. Michael McGivney, as an important element of the Winter Warmup.

In 2010, Grand Knight Patrick Curley issued in a new era of success for the Andover Knights of Columbus, securing star council for the first time in over 40 years and establishing a legacy for future leadership. Grand Knight Paul Dollard and Jerry Fox would follow suit in 2014 and 2016 respectively.

On January 28, 2017, the Council’s annual Winter Warm-up was organized to celebrate the 150^th anniversary of its parish, St. Augustine Parish of Andover. Under the leadership of Grand Knight Philip D’Agati, the council planned and participated in a year long series of events, including a Jubilee Mass said by Cardinal Sean O’Malley and two St. Augustine Festivals. At the Winter Warm-up, the Council presented the parish with a statue of its patron, St. Augustine, which sits in the Church to this day. The Massachusetts State Knights of Columbus presented the Andover Council with it’s Church Service Award for its efforts in these events.

On January 28, 2017, the Council’s annual Winter Warm-up was organized to celebrate the 150th anniversary of its parish, St. Augustine Parish of Andover. Under the leadership of Grand Knight Philip D’Agati, the council planned and participated in a year long series of events, including a Jubilee Mass said by Cardinal Sean O’Malley and two St. Augustine Festivals. At the Winter Warm-up, the Council presented the parish with a statue of its patron, St. Augustine, which sits in the Church to this day. The Massachusetts State Knights of Columbus presented the Andover Council with it’s Church Service Award for its efforts in these events.

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic rocked the council, taking the lives of several council members including Past Grand Knight J. Leo Bernard. The Council lost all events but continued to grow in membership, conducted online meeting, instituted programming to support its members and community, winning Double Star Council in 2020 and Star Council in 2021.

In 2023, under the leadership of Grand Knight Philip D’Agati, the council held the 20th Annual Winter Warmup, raising the largest sum of money for charity in the program’s history and winning the State Council’s Faith in Action Award for Community Programming. The council would go on to win Star Council again that year.

To this day, the Andover Council and Andover 1078 Inc. promote the virtues of Fr. McGivney, the principles of the Knights of Columbus, and support the local community. The Andover Council is a top-ten council in fundraising for children with special needs, is a regular recipient of Supreme Council awards, and is proud supporter of St. Augustine Parish. The Council continues to host events to raise money and awareness for causes in line with its mission and actively pursues causes that it can support or groups that it can host in its facility.

Council Awards

Annual Council Awards:

Double Star Council Awards*:  2020

Star Council Awards*:  2022, 2021, 2019, 2016, 2014, 2010, 1966, 1954, 1953

Columbian Awards (Programs): 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2006, 2004, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1953

Father McGivney Awards (Membership): 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2016, 2014, 2010, 2006, 2004, 1995, 1994, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1966, 1954, 1953, 1952

Founders’ Awards (Insurance): 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2016, 2014, 2010, 1989, 1966, 1954, 1953

* Star Council and Double Star Council is achieved by receiving the Columbian Award, McGivney Award, and Founders' Award in the same year.

Special Awards:

Supreme Diamante Award: (Membership increase of 583%): 1986

Community Service Award: 2012

Family Service Award: 2013

Church Service Award: 2017

Council Activity Award: 2018

Faith in Action Community Award: 2023

Past Grand Knights

District Deputies from our Council

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS ANDOVER COUNCIL 1078 CHARTER MEMBERS 1906

	Robert J. Barrett	William J. Haggerty	William E. McKeon
	James J. Bonner	Matthew S. Hannon	Frank McManus
	Daniel J. Bogan	Joseph Higgins	Frank J. Mooney
	David S. Burns	Richard J. Hodnetts	Thomas F. Nuckley
	William J. Burns	John F. Hurley	Thomas E. O’Donnell
	Patrick J. Carroll	Mark M. Keane	David J. O’Donnell
	John T. Clinton	John Kelley	John A. O’Donnell
	Joseph M. Comber	John J. Kelley	Thomas F. O’Connor
	Joseph F. Curran	James E. Kyle	Bernard E. Reilly
	Patrick Daly	Joseph P. Lynch	John S. Robertson
	John A. Daly	Thomas F. Lonergan	James A. Robinson
	Martin Doherty	Leonard J. Lorimer	Harry F. Schofield
	Thomas J. Doherty	Patrick Lynch	John J. Schofield
	William J. Doherty	Thomas J. Madden	James F. Scott
	John F. Driscoll	Patrick Madden	John W. Scott
	John J. Driscoll	Joseph P. Maguire	Joseph B. Scott
	James Duggan	Timothy J. Mahoney	John S. Stack
	Edward D. Duane	Thomas E. Maloney	John J. Sullivan
	Patrick J. Dwane	James J. McCafferty	John Sweeney
	Michael J. Flaherty	Frank S. McDonald	George D. Walsh
	Ralph R. Graham	John H. McDonald	Michael Winters
	James H. Green	William L. McDonald
	James B. Haggerty	Patrick McGovern