March 18th – St. Andrew’s Church at 3:00 p.m.

Our countrymen came in droves. Church pews were almost full; the choir sang well; all assigned participants were on time and on cue, Fathers Nestor Watin and Michael J. Troy con-celebrated the Holy Eucharist in Filipino.  Father Troy was an active participant although the language was foreign to him.  Nevertheless, it was a huge success!

From the church, families gathered at Edmonton 1184 building, which is located just across from the church. Few speakers like Father Nestor Watin, State Deputy Reyes and Bro. Bong Estoque, DD spoke about the Knights of Columbus.  Question and Answer Period followed.   Most of the men present signed the Membership Form 100.

The whole afternoon was a tremendous success!  The organizing group was just ecstatic and after that afternoon of March 18th, the Group of 4 believed that the formation of a new Knights of Columbus council was within reach.

March 20, 2001

State Deputy Reyes wrote a letter to the Archbishop informing him of what transpired on the March 18th at St. Andrew’s Church and thanking him for allowing the Edmonton Philippine community to assemble at St. Andrew’s Church to celebrate the Holy Eucharist in the Pilipino language.

March 29th – at Edmonton 1184 Room at 7:00 p.m.

After the historic March 18th, the Group of 4 met again to discuss the membership updates on transfers, reinstatements and readmissions.  They set April 8th at 2:00 p.m. to hold a First-degree team exemplification at Edmonton 1184 basement with Fr. Bonner First Degree team as the exemplifying team. The State Deputy agreed to contact the Supreme Council Membership Department regarding the membership status of a few inactive Brother Knights. He would send all the required forms to Supreme Council after the April 8th exemplification via courier.

April 8th – at Edmonton 1184 Room at 7:00 p.m.

First Degree Exemplification of the candidates took place at 2:00 p.m. After this exemplification, all members would become Charter Members of the New Council.  The organizing group scheduled a meeting with the Archbishop to discuss many issues of concern to the K of C on April 26th at the Catholic Pastoral Centre at 2:00 p.m. Representing the group would be Father Watin, State Deputy Reyes, DD Eastoque, Grand Knight Tuazon, Deputy Vince Reyes and all those who were able to come.

April 20th – at Edmonton 1184 Room at 7:00 p.m. (27 present)

State Deputy Reyes presided at the first planning meeting of the organizing committee together with the recently exemplified 1st degree Brother Knights to discuss the last ditch efforts to have another 1st degree exemplification for future charter members of the new council.  Leduc Council was scheduled to host one on April 22nd at 2:00 p.m. in their church basement.  Car pooling was encouraged and meeting place would be at Delta Inn South lobby at 1:00 p.m.

Other business matters taken were the election of interim officers, name of the new council  (few names were suggested by the members but ultimately the members voted to accept Nazareno, proposed by Bro. Vince R. Reyes, as the council name in honor of Jesus of Nazarene), establish council meeting evenings and location and scheduled major degree exemplification to take place on April 28th. All newly admitted to the 1st degree and newly re-admitted and reinstated members were encouraged to attend the major degree exemplification.  State Deputy Reyes then turned over the gavel to the interim Grand Knight Tuazon to continue on to the New Business.

After the election of officers, Grand Knight Tuazon appointed DGK Vince Reyes, council program director and Bro. Roger Remanente, council membership director. Another important aspect that was discussed and approved was the holding of a Council Charter night. The body approved the June 15th Charter Night and a committee was formed headed by Bro. Rudy Arcilla. 

Since the State Annual Meeting was coming up in Red Deer from May 4th  – 6th, and the Grand Knight and his wife would be the guests of the State Executive Board, the body decided to send the Deputy Grand Knight and his wife as well.  Having no council funds to draw from, Bro. Rudy Arcilla moved and seconded by Bro. Leo Sosa that those who were present (27 of them) would voluntarily contribute $10.00@ to pay for the registrations of the Deputy Grand Knight and his wife. It was unanimously approved. State Deputy Reyes informed the body that the couple is welcome to stay in their hotel suite during the convention.

Supreme Council Approves the formation of  Nazareno Council

Supreme Council approved the institution date of April 8, 2001 of the Nazareno Council and it was the 12904th council formed Order wide. It was a joyous occasion for all charter members and preparation on the Charter Night planning on June 15th at St. Thomas More Parish Hall was now in full speed.

April 26th

The group met with the Archbishop at the Catholic Pastoral Centre at 2:00 p.m.  Several things were discussed but ultimately, the Archbishop Collins granted the request of the council to hold at least 4 Filipino Masses in Edmonton during special Catholic celebrations. like All Souls’ Day, Easter Sunday, etc. On the other hand, the council would still ask permission from the parish priest concerned to use their church.

May 11th – Edmonton Council 1184 Chamber at 7:00 p.m.

Interim Grand Knight Teddy Tuazon presided the first regular council meeting. The regular prescribed agenda was used and the following important topics were taken, discussed and approved:Election of 2001 – 2002 Council of officers (conducted by Bro. Bong Estoque, District Deputy

• Appointment of Financial Secretary
• Charter Night Report by Bro. Rudy Arcilla
• May 26th - Major Degree Exemplification at Barrhead from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Installation of officers after July 15th
• Publishing a Council Newsletter
• Establishing a Columbus Club
• Council Awards System
• Lunch Coordinator
• State Golf at Barrhead – June 9th
• The Stadium Concession Fundraising – State Deputy ReyesExplore working Bingos with Edmonton 1184- District Deputy Estoque
    

*** Next meeting – June 6th – same place, same time.

June 15th – Council Charter Night – 63 Charter members

Main celebrant for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist was His Grace, Archbishop Collins, with Fathers Watin & Troy as concelebrants at St. Thomas More Church.  Dinner, program & entertainment were held at the church’s banquet room.  State Deputy Reyes assisted by District Deputy Estoque presented the Charter to Grand Knight Tuazon and Deputy Grand Knight Vince Reyes. The church hierarchy, K of C Supreme & State Councils and government officials like the Prime Minister, Premier, Mayor etc.  sent their congratulatory messages which were all meticulously prepared  in a booklet form (souvenir program) with advertisements and  best wishes and congratulations from the Edmonton Filipino professionals, businesses and friends.  A large number of Charter members were present and they received a Photostat copy of the charter & a Charter member certificate.   State Deputy Reyes was the guest speaker.  Philippine Barangay Performing Arts Society, Edmonton presented colourful and exciting Philippine Folk dances that were thoroughly enjoyed by all. A large number of Edmonton councils were represented and they presented all kinds of donations, like robes for the Grand Knight and Deputy Grand Knight to Nazareno. Dancing lasted until the early morning of Sunday. It was a huge success and it bodes very well in the hearts and minds of the Nazareno members especially to the newly knighted ones who are fast learning what the Knights of Columbus is all about as demonstrated by guests Brother Knights in attendance.

The council is now officially acknowledged and recognized as a full-pledged council in the City of Champions!

June 18th

State Deputy Reyes made representation with St. Joseph Auxiliary Hospital administration requesting the use of their Education Room for the purpose of holding our council  (1st & 2nd Fridays) meetings and their chapel, for a monthly adoration (3rd Friday) at their chapel.  SJAH administration approved both requests and it took effect the following month – July 2001.

Notable Accomplishments of the Councils & Officers from 2001 – 2007:

Columbian Year 2001 –2002
Bro. Teddy Tuazon – Grand Knight

• State Council of the Year
• State Grand Knight of the Year – Bro. Teddy Tuazon
• Delegate to Supreme Convention 2002 in Anaheim, CA.
•  5 out 5 council programs won Firsts at State level and sent for Supreme Council International competitions.
• Supreme Star Council Awardee
• State Deputy’s Club 200 Membership Net Gain
• Supreme Council Contest of Champions- membership gain 1,180% (No. 1 in Alberta – NWT; 2nd place International)
• Supreme Insurance Promotion Award – 966% gain; highest in Alberta – NWT; 3rd place International.

Columbian Year 2002- 2003
Bro. Vince R. Reyes – Grand Knight

• State Council of the Year
• State Grand Knight of the Year – Bro. Vince Reyes
• State Council Newsletter of the Year
• 4 out of 5 programs won Firsts at State level and sent for Supreme Council International competitions.
• Supreme Star Council Awardee
• State Deputy’s Club 200 Membership Net Gain
• Delegate to Supreme Convention 2002 in Anaheim, CA

Columbian Year 2003-2004
Bro. Vince R. Reyes – Grand Knight

• State Council of the Year
• State Council Newsletter of the Year
• 2 out 5 programs won Firsts at State level and sent for Supreme Council International competitions
• Supreme Star Council Awardee
• State Deputy’s Club 200 Membership Net Gain
• State Best All- Around District of the Year
• Runner-up, State Squires Circle No. 4698 of the Year

Columbian Year 2004 – 2005
Bro. Leonardo Sosa, Jr. – Grand Knight

• State Council of the Year
• 4 out of 5 programs won Firsts at State level and sent for Supreme Council International competitions.
• Runner-up, State Council Newsletter of the Year
• Supreme Star Council Awardee
• Delegate to Supreme Convention 2005 in Chicago, Ill.

Columbian Year 2006-2007
Bro. Rudy Arcilla - Grand Knight

2006 was a very good year. After having served as Deputy Grand Knight for Bro.Gene Cejero, 2005 Grand Knight,  I succeeded him and became Grand Knight for year 2006.

That year, as Grand Knight, I tried to continue to do the excellent projects that my predecessor had began, to wit, the Group Wedding at the Basilica that my predecessor had initiated through his Service Church Director,  Bro. Manuel Ibasco.

In addition, it was also during this year  that new projects, namely:

1. The Nine Consecutive Christmas Masses in preparation for the birth of Christ on Christmas Day (Misa de Gallo) was begun. With Fr. Nilo Macapinlac as assistant pastor at St. Theresa, Millwoods to help out, and with the efforts and hard work of Bro. Gem Mella, the Nazareno Council Church Director of that Columbian year, this project became a “first” to long-awaiting Filipino Catholics of Edmonton. This will be  the third year that Misa de Gallo will be celebrated  this Christmas Season.

2. Through the leadership of Bro. Art Casapao, the 2006 Family Director of the Nazareno Council, and with the untiring work of the then Deputy Grand Knight Bro. Ding Maingat, the Nazareno Council ten-pin bowling league was begun. This is the third year that the league will be in operation. The first two years were held at Ed’s in West Edmonton Mall and for the first time, at Calgary Trail bowling alley this time around.

3. Through the leadership of Bro. Gem Mella, the 2006 Church Director, the Nazareno Council became the first Filipino community group to have participated in the yearly Corpus Christi outdoor procession led by Arch. Richard Smith. The outdoor altar constructed by the Nazareno Council became the focal point of the Corpus Christi celebration. The barbecue was provided by one of the Couple for Christ prayer groups. St. Michael Assembly via the leadership of Sir Knight Lito Reyes, the Master for Alberta and Northwest Territories and Sir Knight  Ferdie Mendita, the immediate past Faithful Navigator of St. Michael Assembly provided the color and honour guards for the Archbishop.

4. The Nazareno Council made a request from Arch. Thomas Collins, the former Archbishop of Edmonton, now of Toronto, to have the new Corpus Christ Church to be built in Millwoods  become the “home” of the Nazareno Council #12904. Immediately upon the installation of  Archbishop Smith as the new Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Edmonton, the tireless Sir Knight Lito Reyes, led a delegation to meet the newly installed Archbishop  to let him know the previous request we made to Arch. Collins. about  the new church becoming the Nazareno Council’s home once built.  Bro. Vince Reyes and Bro. Gem Mella became part of the church construction committee under Fr. Martin O'Carroll. The Nazareno Council is now heavily involved at this fund drive. Both immediate past Grand Knight Bro. Ding Maingat and our current Grand Knight Bro. Manuel Ibasco have demonstrated gargantuan effort to make this project a reality.

 5. Through the leaderships of Bro. Ding Maingat, Bro. Rolly Marcos, and Bro. Joey Ylagan, the work for the Ehphatha Way of the Cross project was started. Sir Knight Lito facilitated the application of $10,000 dollars from AGLC to fund the project. By the time it was approved and the money released, the cold weather had already set in. The actual work began the following year under  Bro. Ding Maingat  as Grand Knight. Beautification Project, a continuation of the previous year's work at Ehphatha was done by the Nazareno Council under our current Grand Knight Bro. Manuel Ibasco.   

Due to my election (by acclamation) as School Board Trustee for the Catholic Separate School District #7 of Edmonton, I decided to choose my option of serving one year instead of two as Grand Knight of the Nazareno Council.

During my  watch as your Grand Knight, you gave me every support that I needed. Thank you to all of you and thanks to all brother knights most specially to all of the 2008 service directors. Whatever success I had was due to the reciprocal support you afforded me all throughout my term. Thank you again.

1. Service Progarm Director…. Bro.Ferdinand Mainagt …Deputy Grand Knight
2. Church Director…………… Bro. Gem Mella
3. Council Director…………… Bro. Joey Ylagan
4. Community Director……….. Bro. Rob Victoria
5. Family Director……………. Bro. Art Casapao
6. Youth Director………………Bro. Joseph Duenas *

* Through the leadership of Bro. Joseph, the Squires and Squirettes concentrated on Social Justice Programs. The youth group raised food for the food banks, helped in the distribution of  Christmas Hampers, went to BC to attend a youth retreat.

It was a phenomenal growth and achievements for the council in its first few years of existence.  The success could not be attributed to one, two or three reasons but to a conglomeration of many things associated with the Knights of Columbus: its principles, respect for the chain of command & the church hierarchy, adherence to laws, constitution, bylaws and protocol, and other.   I am very confident that with continued exceptional leadership from Grand Knights to council officers, directors and chairmen down to the members, this council’s presence will continue to make its tremendous influence in the Edmonton community in general and to our members and families in particular.

I believe some of these quotations are very appropriate in the first five years of the existence of the Nazareno Council No. 12904. They are where they are today because they strongly  follow and adhere to the Principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism, Protocol, Ceremonials, Charter, Constitution and  Laws, and the Surge Program Activities of the Knights of Columbus.

1. “Each one of us has a mission to fulfill, a mission of love. At the hour of death when we come face to face with God, we are going to be judged on love, not how much we have done, but how much love we have put in the doing.” … Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
2. Football is like life – it requires perseverance, self-denial, hard work, sacrifice, dedication and respect for authority.” … Vince Lombardi
3. “A man who does not plan long ahead will find trouble right at his door.” … Confucius
4. “What you have in your mind, your talents, your native abilities, no one can take them from you. When you die, you take them with you. Use them diligently while you are here.” … Alfred A. Montapert