Somehow I have always associated those words from the New Testament with the role and aims of the Knights of St Columba. After all, like mainly fraternal organisation or societies, the word “Brother” is used as a form of address to each other in the confines of meeting places. Perhaps, this has given rise to many misconceptions of the Order, in the sense that it is a secret society and is a barrier for exclusion of anyone not connected to it. Or more blatantly it is a kind of “Old Boys” network for obtaining employment, promotion, or realising ambition. Nothing could be further from the truth.

That established, the KSC came about when a group of Catholic men, after the First World War were very impressed by the Knights of Columbus in America; and what they did for men and their families in America after the War. This led to a group of men from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Liverpool, initiating the beginning of the Knights in Britain. They decided on Columba, as he had brought Christianity to Britain. Therefore, the Knights of St Columba came into being; with Councils being set up in Glasgow, Liverpool and Edinburgh.

They took it upon themselves, in their own area, to see the need for defending Christian action and the well being of their families rights. The Hibernians indicated a desire to unite with them, But the leader of the Knights Mr Callaghan rejected the idea of a flag- waving, marching order, but one which would go about in a professional and moral manner to fight for justice in the Catholic Church and families.

One of the first important legislation they changed was through parliamentary order, whereby Catholic Clergy could wear vestments outside church. To underline their moral intent, three mottos were adopted:

Caritas: Charity was involvement in any local or international cause, which involved the combined efforts of Catholic men’s help: eg, Hospices, handicapped, elderly, youth; Wells for Africa, Samaritans and many other charitable aims.

Unitas: Unity having a united ‘front against anti-catholic social behaviour both in work and outside unity, which allowed this unity to work in strength.

Fratemitas: Fraternity - this means that Knights and their families anywhere in the world or Britain will be made, through brotherhood, welcome as a member of their family.  Through these three concepts, they owed allegiance to the Cross and the Church.

In 1956 in East Kilbride Council 526 was formed and Father Kilcoyne became their Chaplain and Spiritual Advisor, later to be filled by Father Givens. As the town grew, the Council became larger and stronger, as men from all over the town became involved in the KSC.

The members organised their own social evenings to promote funds and allow the Knights and their wives to meet socially. Many a great evening was enjoyed in dancing to the Knights Trio of Neil Gill on his squeezebox , the late Joe McPhail on saxophone and the late John Reilly on drums.

No need to announce, who was the regular MC. None other than the late Chris McKeown! The old railway hut and Faichney Field throbbed with the sound of music and vocal renderings on those social occasions.

In the Nineteen-Sixties two unexpected clerical figures began to appear in the Knights meeting place, who immediately added intellect, warmth and humour to the proceedings.

Being just off the boat from Ireland, all three descriptions were immediately recognizable. Father Michael Ryan, the tall, dignified curate from Our lady of Lourdes Parish and the slightly smaller, but dynamic Father Cunnane, newly appointed curate to St Bride’s Parish.

Council 526 became positively active in building fund events in the existing parishes. In St Bride’s Parochial Hall manning dances, playing a really active part at the annual Garden Fete in the grounds of St Bride’s High School. Likewise at a comparable Fair in Our Lady of Lourdes Hall. ‘Buy A Church Brick’ were frequently on offer at these events. The Knights were, also active in many outlets for Youth: sport, discos and public speaking. They also took on the roles of passkeepers, electricians, sanctuary duties and various other tasks. All of these dictated by their Motto. '

In the Nineteen-Seventies for different reasons, numbers began to dwindle and in 1973 the Council folded. It was re-established in 1980 and many ofthe former activities were again ,undertaken in the spirit of the Church and the Order.  

Throughout the world, there arose an interest for many different orders to unite: Knights of Colombonus, Knights of Southern Cross, Knights of Columbus and Knights of De Gama united under the banner of an International Alliance of Catholic Knights IACK. Around this period, Father Irons began to seek help in fundraising for St Andrew’s Hospice. The Knights readily agreed to act on his request. When asked for permission to use the Parochial Hall Father Ryan, as he was then, immediately agreed. He added in his renowned Irish wit, “As long as they don’t dance on the tables!”

Unfortunately, the Knights folded again in 2003 through lack of support. But as a Knight, I must commend Canon Ryan for his spiritual guidance and kindness over the years.

Bob Barbour