Even natural disasters, outside the realm of human factors, are limited in their influence
on the course of man's historical development in relation to man's reaction and adjustment
to their phenomena.
After all, where would Good Samaritan Council be today if its members in their search
for new frontiers and service challenges, had decided to pack and move on after their first
encounters with adversity. Human determination to persevere and develop meaningful
service programs for church, community, youth, family, and council, reflect the true
character of the Council and its members.
History is something that happened a minute ago. Let's take a brief stroll through our
history - 30 years of it- to recall many of the events that helped shape Good Samaritan
Council's past and guide us to this place in time.
Good Samaritan Council 6175 was officially instituted on Tuesday, June 24, 1969. The
name Good Samaritan was selected following considerable discussion and consideration
of other names, such as St. Joseph's, Dulles, Our Lady of Space, and St. Francis of Assisi.
The Rev. Julius F. Zehler (who was appointed Council Chaplain by Bishop Walter F. Sullivan)
congratulated the Council on the selection of Good Samaritan. He said "it emulates the spirit
of good works needed in today's world."
The first new candidates were inducted into the Council by the Santa Maria Council First
degree team, with State Deputy Pete Petrine and State Deputy Elect George Anders in
attendance. In that class were Gerard Aschenbrenner, Vincent Cazenas, James Donnelly,
Eugene Facchina, Robert Neary, Frank Rafalko, and Frank Roegner.
The Charter officers were formally inducted on July 27, 1969 and this fledgling council had
set its course for a journey of service to church and community under the direction of Charter
Grand Knight Henry Carr.
The first Formation Degree class from Good Samaritan received the honor October 30, 1969
at Edward Douglas White Council. Those honored were Gerard Aschenbrenner, William Ault,
James Biscardi, James Donnelly, Vince Cazenas, Eugene Facchina, David Greenfield, Al
Kerns, Robert Neary, Douglas Noakes, Frank Rafalko, Frank Roegner, Charles Smith, and
Dave Thompson.
The new council wasted little time in setting its sights on acquiring a council home. Zeph Marsh,
Sam Grafton, and Doug Noakes comprised a committee to investigate the purchase of an existing
building or land on which to build.
Meanwhile, the Knighthood degree was received on November 23, 1969 by Brothers
Aschenbrenner, Biscardi, Donnelly, Cazenas, Facchina, Greenfield, Kerns, Neary, Noakes,
Rafalko, and Roegner. Brothers Ford, Romano, and Hall received their Fourth Degree that
year.
Taking on a host of activities during its first year, the council set the stage for what was to
be a continually increased agenda in succeeding years. They sponsored a team in the State
Basketball tournament, painted the school buses used by St. Joseph's CCD program, and
held its first dance April 17,1970 at the Ruritan Club. The Council also voted to sponsor
a child through the Christian Children's Fund, an activity that is still supported in the
Council today.
On May 12,1970 the Council's by-laws were presented and adopted.
As the council moved into its 1970-1971 fraternal year, the Rev. Charles J. Diehl was
appointed to replace departing Chaplain Fr. Zehler.
Searching for ways to raise funds, Brothers Larry Campbell, Luciano, and Rafalko were
appointed to a ways a means committee.
In September the council approved an increase in appointed the first publicity chairman.
The dues to $24 a year, effective with the beginning of the next year and the council
received its official charter from Supreme.
The council initiated the practice of Corporate Communion on September 20 as part of the
Catholic activity program, with Bill Beeson as chairman, and Council activities chairman
Bob Neary guided the council through its first Columbus Day dance, the first Christmas
raffle was chaired by Frank Rafalko and the first Christmas party was held under the
guidance of Brothers Katein, Murphy, Camillo, and Brashears.
Our Council newsletter, "The Handout" was born January 7, 1971 with Gerard
Aschenbrenner as its editor.
The building committee continued its search for a council home as we moved into the
1971-1972 fraternal year. There was no land available at the right price so the
committee resumed its search.
The council participated in St. Joseph's Operation Green Thumb - planting trees and shrubs
to landscape the rectory and school grounds, with Al Katein serving as program chairman.
Good Samaritan continued to expand its program of activities. An auction was held that
netted more than $300 for the building fund. Toys for Tots, basket of cheer raffle, and an
ad book were some of the other activities held. On April 9, 1972 the Enthronement to the
Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary was conducted and was renewed in several homes in
succeeding years.
In the meantime the Council moved its meeting place to the Commonwealth Bank building
on Route 7 and Herndon Junction. This was one of several moves, including a move to the
Meadows Farm building on Route 7 (now occupied by a car dealership), the Hospitality
room in Sterling Park, and back to St. Joseph's before settling into its council home at the
"Barn."
With the onset of a new fraternal year, 1972-1973, a ladies auxiliary, the Samarians, was
formed, August 10. The first officers included Barbara Castellano, president; Eve Neary,
vice president; Dolores Tomczak, secretary; and Viola Murphy, treasurer.
The council membership reached 75 this year and council activities continued to increase
with com- mitments to helping the Boy Scouts raise money through a lawn fertilizer sale,
formed the first Admission Degree team, and Bob Biller was appointed The first publicity
chairman. Handout editor duties shifted to Frank Rafalko and Marty Schray took over the
General Program chairman's duties for Bob Neary, who was transferred to Oklahoma.
On October 5, 1972 Brother Larry Bach suggested the Council look into the purchase of
the Sterling Park Community Center - the newly renovated Barn. Members agreed to take
a long, hard look at the possibility. However, at a subsequent meeting the members put off
consideration of a council home at that time, when it was agreed the council was not
financially capable of doing it at the time. There was $2437.40 in the Building Fund.
The council discussed selection of a name for the corporation to administer any building
that might be acquired. They considered such names as G.S.C., Inc., Mariner Club, Inc.,
and Compass and Anchor Club, Inc. Compass and Anchor Club was the preference and
a committee was named to pursue adoption of articles of incorporation and by-laws. The
club received its incorporation from the State of Virginia in April 1973.
The building fund showed a balance of $5,682.43 as the council moved into a new fraternal
year, 1973-1974. Good Samaritan continued to pursue a vigorous program of activities - a
family and council holy hour at the home of Brother Bach at which the Sacred Heart of
Jesus was enthroned in his home; and a council corporate communion at St. Joseph's Church.
At this point the council was serving six parishes.
The council held a poinsettia plants sale, a cord of wood raffle, and a Country and Western
dance, raising $450 which was donated to KOVAR (Knights of Virginia Assisting the
Retarded). The council manned a drug information campaign unit during the Easter week,
began sponsorship of a Little League baseball team, appropriately named the Knights, and
presented trophies to the Little League Virginia champions, their coaches, and manager.
Frank Rafalko was elected Grand Knight for the 1974-1975 fraternal year but had to
relinquish the post when he had a job transfer. Bob Neary, who replaced Brother Rafalko,
is the only two- term Grand Knight in the council's history to date.
Institution and charter of Boy Scout Troop 1452 was the most outstanding achievement
of the Youth program that year. The troop was unique in that all its members reside at the
National Children's Rehabilitation Center in Leesburg. Scoutmaster Woody Williams,
who was not a member of the Knights, was commended for his dedication and excellent
work with the boys.
The council began to move more aggressively into state competition with involvement in
the Penny A Knight a Day program to raise funds to foster vocations, and participation in
the State action program, winning third place overall on its first entry. The council
received the State Deputy's award for membership and the Star Council trophy from
Supreme. A major first that year was the institution of the KOVAR tootsie roll program,
introduced by the State Council to raise funds for the mentally retarded. Good Samaritan
turned in over $1300 to KOVAR.
A balance of $10,123 was recorded in the building fund as we entered the 1975-1976
fraternal year, but still no prospects for a council home in sight. So, it was back to the
drawing board. In the meantime, Bob Neary was appointed District Deputy, the council
purchased a banner, sponsored a Memorial Day parade, and joined the Bicentennial
Committee in Sterling Park. Chuck Barrick was the council's representative on the
committee.
Once again the council received the Star Council award, enthronement masses were held
in members homes, members attended the March for Life in Washington, DC, and $1144
was collected during the KOVAR drive. Members formed a motorcade on Memorial Day
and drove to St. Mary's cemetery to pray the Rosary for deceased Brother Knights, and
the building fund grew to $13,856.
Doug Schinude was the council's Bicentennial year Grand Knight, 1976-1977. He
proceeded to open his administration by driving Brother Bob Scheetz's Thunderbird
down Sterling Boulevard in the July 4 parade with Brother Knights Kennedy and Burns
walking beside the car handing out flags.
The Rev. Michael O'Neill replaced Fr. Diehl as Council Chaplain and the Council adopted
the practice of beginning the meetings with Mass or the Rosary. During that year
membership rose to 107. Honors received that year included Star Council, Outstanding
council in the state and district, Public Relations plaque, and a Papal Blessing, and the
Building Fund balance was $17,221.
Several new activities were launched as we moved into the 1977-1978 fraternal year,
including Polish night, spaghetti dinner, and a Mother's Day champagne brunch, and
the council participated in Supreme's Free-Throw contest for the first time. The council
participated in a campaign against pornography in Fairfax County which led to the
adoption of an ordinance against public display of sexually oriented magazines.
The constant search for a Council Home came to fruition on January 6, 1978 when
Grand Knight Frank Rafalko and Chuck Barrick signed papers and took possession of the
old Sterling Park Community Center building, "The Barn," as the new Council home.
picture here
Charlie Montgomery, Sr. working in the Club Room
(the room was later named for him)
Building in hand, so to speak, the reality of mortgage payments and building renovation
became an every day project for the members. To help raise necessary funds to continue
renovation and pay the mortgage, the council embarked on a Bingo program in February
under the direction of Bob Neary. We lost money the first night.
Also that year the council received the Star Council award, the most outstanding council
in District 11 award, state youth activities award, a good sportsmanship award at the state
softball tournament in Richmond. Also that year the Samarians were reactivated with
Marianne Barrick, president; Barbara Principe, vice president; Karen Rafalko, secretary;
Kathi Gannon, treasurer; and Eve Neary, immediate past president.
As we moved into the 1978-1979 fraternal year the new officers of the council joined the
Samarians for an installation dance. In the meantime, much extra time was being logged
as the renovation of the Barn continued. Thanks to the efforts of Brothers Montgomery,
senior and junior, Godish, Neary, T. Bond, Carroll, Foster, Meade, B. Bond, Martinkovic,
Anastas, Pullis, Greenfield, Principe, Martinkovic, Czaikowski, Schmude, Barrick, and
Rafalko new ground floor facilities were added.
Brother Bob Neary moved on to the State Council when he was elected State Warden.
Meanwhile the council held its first New Year's Eve dance which was chaired by Bill
Furlong and John Thomas, and conducted several membership drives in the Herndon and
Reston areas directed 'by Jack Martinkovic and Doug Schmude that brought in a "bumper
crop" of new members.
The first Past Grand Knight's dinner was held February 24 to honor all the past Grand
Knights and their ladies.
A youth organization, the Kids of Columbus, was formed as we moved into the 1979-1980
year, and Frank Rafalko was named District Deputy. Several members of Good Samaritan
Council were on hand for the mass on the mall when Pope John Paul visited Washington,
DC. Grand Knight Frank Principe turned up the activity meter that year to get more
involvement in such activities as a golf tournament at the new Herndon Centennial Golf
Course, participation in the State Softball tournament where the council won the Anchor
award for not scoring a run (the Good Sportsmanship award), a sold-out New Year's Eve
party; an equally successful Polish night and an art-craft expo and sale at the Barn.
The council hosted its first Third Degree exemplification at the Barn with 73 candidates
and about 175 Knights. The Barn was kind of "stretching" at the seams. Also during that
year, the Samarians sponsored a "Baby Shower" for Birthright, and the council collected
$2285 for KOVAR.
Doug Schmude was recognized for his membership recruiting extra ordinary. He had
recruited 75 members and was still going strong. Meanwhile, the council was putting
action into the action program. The council won awards for Outstanding Family and
Outstanding Youth activities, Outstanding Council in District 11, and the Action Program
Champions for Division M.
During that year we witnessed the birth of St. Elizabeth Seton Assembly of the Fourth
Degree. Frank Rafalko was named outstanding District Deputy for the year, and Bob
Neary was elected State Secretary. That year Marty Schray decided to "hang it up" as
Financial Secretary after seven years. Jack Crawford was appointed by Supreme to
succeed him. And, on July 1, 1980 the Council membership record stood at 155 members.
As we ushered in fraternal year 1980-1981, another Good Samaritan member moved into
the state circle as Frank Principe was named District Deputy and Tom Bond served as his
District Warden.
The Knights of Columbus emblem became a very visible item that year as a large emblem,
painted and donated by Andy Verostko, was placed on the front of the Barn to identify our
"home," (with some assistance from the Sterling Park Fire Department). Bingo continued to
experience its ups and downs but showed signs of stabilizing as our major fund raising project.
During this year we also conducted many of the ongoing activities, as well as family pizza
night, pancake breakfasts, a 50's and 60's dance, continued support for the Scout program
and major emphasis on member Recruitment
During that year Val Pescatore, chancellor, who was very active in the athletic program and
many other council programs, was transferred to Philadelphia and vacated his position. Don
Harris, warden, was elected to fill the vacancy, and Paul Del Giudice was elected warden.
The fourth annual Polish night was a sellout, a free throw contest was held at the Rehab
Center in Leesburg and the KOVAR drive netted $2097. The council held appreciation
dinners for the CCD teachers of St. Joseph's and Christ the Redeemer, and lent support to
the CTR carnival. A $500 gift was received from the Samarians for the Barn floor fund.
Brother Jerry DiGiralamo was ordained to the priesthood and appointed Chaplain of Good
Samaritan Council as we moved into fraternal year 1981-1982. Frank Principe was named
District Deputy for a second year. It was the year that the council supported a Vocations
Day at Christ The Redeemer, hosted a Third Degree at the barn and maintained a high level
of activity in the conduct of its action program events.
The council celebrated its 13th anniversary on June 24 and used that occasion to dedicate
the members club room as the Charles Montgomery Room for the extensive work he
performed and directed in the renovation of the first floor of the Barn.
Several members and their families made a pilgrimage to St. Elizabeth Seton Shrine. A Mass
was celebrated at Mount St. Mary's, a tour of the shrine and a family meal at the Cozy
Restaurant in Thurmont, Maryland. This was the year that Doug Schmude hit the century
mark. He recruited his 100th member into the Knights. It also was the year that Bob Neary
was elected State Deputy for the coming year.
Two Good Samaritan Council members were once again in the State circle as we moved
into the 1982-1983 fraternal year. Frank Principe was named State Program Director and
Chuck Barrick served as Public Relations chairman.
A host of Good Samaritan members subsequently served in a variety of State Council positions.
The council held a workers appreciation day with food and refreshments to recognize the
ongoing efforts put forth by members on various programs. Several members attended
St. Joseph's barbecue outing to help with activities and to support the program.
The first Columbus Day parade was planned and held. State Deputy Bob Neary served as
Grand Marshall. Bill Furlong was parade chairman that year - a task he has performed every
year since then.
Picture
State Deputy Bob Neary and members of the
Kena Temple at the first Columbus Day Parade
The KOVAR drive netted $3265, and the council sponsored a film on St. Francis of Assisi
at St. Joseph's and Christ The Redeemer to focus attention on the need for vocations.
Good Samaritan initiated a scholarship program, with three awards, one each to students of
Park View, Broad Run and Herndon High School. Since then, Paul VI High School was
opened and has been added to the list of scholarship recipients. The council's newsletter
"The Handout" won top honors in our division and our membership number was 209.
The New Year's Eve dinner dance was a sell out event for the first time during the 1983-1984
fraternal year. It was one of many activities to adorn the calendar that year. Jim Schaefer
was named financial secretary succeeding Jack Craw- ford.
New ceremonial robes were obtained by the Samarians for the Council and they were
appropriately modeled. During that year Good Samaritan provided more than $15,000 to
charity and community organizations, and the council won the Family activities award.
Membership also continued to show a steady increase with the number of members at 247.
The Rev. Dan O'Shea was appointed Chaplain of our council as we entered the 1984-1985
fraternal year. John Thomas retired as Handout editor and Dave Coffer picked up the pen.
Already showing signs of growth, the third annual Columbus Day parade had Sheriff John
Isom as its Grand Marshall. And the usual breakfasts, New Year's Eve dance, and Polish
night were
keeping the members busy.
The council was presented an American Flag by Congressman Frank Wolfe. The flag had
flown over the Capitol building. Larry Pratt was a finalist for the state "Knight of the Year"
and the council's family of the year was Bob and Eve Neary.
The constant drive for new members continued during the year and the membership grew
to 277.
Improvements to the council home occupied a large amount of time during the 1985-1986
fraternal year as the council started to look outward for ways to increase our financial position.
But, in the meantime the members continued to "do their thing" and thanks to the efforts
of Brothers Bond, Badura, Godish and Pullis, a new sidewalk was put in place alongside
the barn. And, we took on the first BETAC outing, with involvement by some 50 members.
KOVAR netted a profit of $9500 and we gave out more than 8800 tootsie rolls. Doug
Schmude was presented the "Golden Knight Award" for his recruiting efforts. Good
Samaritan experienced a good year in recruitment, adding 52 members and bringing the
membership roll to 329.
The 1986-1987 year started out with a bang as a very large number of the members
participated in the giant July 4th celebration at NOVA. The chuck wagon offerings
were a sellout The council also bid farewell to Fr. Ed Gallagher that year when he was
transferred to a new assignment. Gary Ball was named District Deputy.
(TO BE CONTINUED…)
The Future is Now
In an age when most people are reluctant to "get involved," the Knights of Good Samaritan
Council and their families defy that reluctance and continue to involve themselves in greater
service to their church and community.
As we look back, from time to time, to relive those precious moments of our yesteryear
and recount the events that played an important part in molding the future of our council,
we should always remember there is nothing more permanent than change.
