About Council 1702

Our History, Mission and Values

Our Core Values

Our Proud Heritage

Our council was founded on August 17, 1913 with a vision to bring together Catholic men in service to their faith and community. Over the past eleven plus decades, our council has grown from a small group of dedicated members to a thriving organization that continues to make a significant impact in our community today

Throughout our history we have remained committed to the founding principles of the Knights of Columbus, Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism. Our members have served in countless service projects, supported numerous charitable causes and built lasting bonds of brotherhood.

We continue to strive to be a beacon of service in the community, while honoring our rich heritage. Always looking forward to ne opportunities and serve our community and our fellow brothers.

Our Founder

Blessed Michael McGivney

Learn About Father McGivney

The Knights of Columbus was founded by Michael J. McGivney on March 28th, 1882.

Drawing on his own experiences, McGivney understood how the sudden death of a father and breadwinner could devastate immigrant families. During this era, Catholic immigrants often faced discrimination, prejudice, and limited job opportunities, which made it difficult for them to enter and succeed in the American workforce. Many struggled without access to social support networks, leaving their families especially vulnerable. On March 29, 1882, while serving as an assistant pastor at Saint Mary's Church in New Haven, Connecticut, McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus with a small group of parishioners. The organization began as a mutual aid society, offering financial support to widows and orphans in case of the men's deaths, and soon grew into a fraternal society that fostered community and solidarity among members. Over time, the Knights of Columbus broadened its activities to include charitable work, blood donation drives, and other forms of service, becoming one of the largest Catholic fraternal organizations in the world. Today, it continues to make a significant impact through its charitable contributions and support for Catholic families. McGivney was also recognized for his dedicated service to his community, and his legacy endures through the ongoing work of the Knights of Columbus. They have since expanded to over 2 million members, donating $185 million and 49 million man-hours to charity during the 2022 fraternal year.

McGivney served as pastor at St. Thomas Church until his death from pneumonia at 38 in 1890.

The Knights of Columbus became one of the first organizations to recruit blood donors, dating back to formal efforts in 1937 during the Great Depression.

Father Louis Deuster

Biography of Father Lewis

Early Life and Education

Father Lewis was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas, on March 5, 1899. His baptismal name was Herman, though he was commonly referred to as Buddy by acquaintances.

Academic and Religious Formation

He attended Saint Boniface School in Fort Smith for his primary education and began high school studies at the Academy in 1912. Entering the monastery officially in 1917, Father Lewis made his first professional vows on September 8, 1918. He continued his academic pursuits at the Abbey, completing both college and seminary coursework. On April 29, 1923, Bishop John B. Morris, D.D., of Little Rock ordained him to the priesthood at the Abbey. Father Lewis subsequently earned a master's degree in arts from Notre Dame University in 1926, after which he joined the faculty at the Academy.

Teaching and Leadership Roles

Father Lewis held numerous roles at the Academy, including coach, athletic director, and instructor in English, Greek, and Latin. He also served as moderator of "The Periscope," the Abbey’s publication, for twenty-five years. In 1932, he was appointed rector of the Academy and fulfilled this role for twenty-five years. Following his rectorship, he became Sub-prior of the Abbey, the third-highest position after Abbot and Prior.

Parish Service and Chaplaincy

Father Lewis began parish work in 1949, serving at St. Edwards in Little Rock until 1950, then at Sacred Heart in Munster, Texas, from 1951 to 1958. In 1959, he accepted the chaplaincy at Saint Bernard’s Hospital and Holy Angels Convent in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Shortly thereafter, he was named chaplain of the Knights of Columbus #1702, an honor that led the group to adopt his name. Additionally, Father Lewis assisted pastors at Blessed Sacrament, regularly officiating masses, weddings, and funerals. He was highly esteemed within the church and community.

Later Years and Passing

In 1975, Father Lewis assumed the role of chaplain at the hospital in Brinkley, Arkansas, where he served until 1976. Due to declining health, he returned to the Abbey and passed away in the early hours of January 4, 1978.

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