By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
K of C Father Heslin Council celebrates centennial
Knights of Columbus
For nearly 75 years, Turlock’s Knights of Columbus have been doling out scholarships to students in Stanislaus and Merced counties. Knights of Columbus members posed for a photo at the TUSD Board of Trustees meeting in May. Pictured left to right are: John Borges, Grand Knight Ron Giannone, Richard Fantazia, Don Grishaw, Joe Ottman, Joe Ballas, Paul Delgado and Gene Gomes (Journal file photo).

On Dec. 14, 1924 — exactly 100 years ago today — the local chapter of the Knights of Columbus came into existence.

Tonight, the K of C Father Heslin Council celebrates that milestone with a special Mass followed by a dinner/dance at Pentecost Hall — with an optional 1920s theme.

Rev. Myron Cotta, bishop of the Stockton Diocese, will celebrate Mass at 5 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 1200 Lyons Ave., which will be followed by a social hour at the Pentecost Hall, 525 N. Golden State Blvd.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Following the social hour, a steak and shrimp dinner will be served. That will be followed by music from DJ Duane. In addition, there will be raffle items and a door prize.

The Knights remain a vital part of Turlock, whether it’s operating their linguica sandwich booth at the Stanislaus County Fair, chicken drive-throughs, or their renowned Tootsie Roll drive, (which goes to support the Turlock Continuum College), the Father Heslin Council is frequently visible in the community.

“Sure, we’re do to things for church and a lot of projects for the church,” said past Grand Knight Mark Crivelli. “But we’re more than a church-based organization. We’re a community-based organization.”

Additionally, the local chapter raises funds for the Turlock Pregnancy Center, conducts a Coats for Kids program, and supplies free wheelchairs to those who may not be able to afford one. For nearly 75 years, Turlock’s Knights of Columbus have been doling out scholarships to students in Stanislaus and Merced counties. In spring 2024, the group gave out $13,000 in scholarships to 14 students in the area.

The Father Heslin Council also works with the Special Olympics, Habitat for Humanity, and sponsors basketball and soccer challenges. The Knights even hold poster contests, where kids get the chance to create posters for the “Keep Christ in Christmas” and “Say No to Drugs” campaigns.

“Personally, I got away from religion for many years,” said Gil Esquer. “I still had my faith, but I turned away from organized religion. A few years back, though, when I got involved with these guys, it not only reaffirmed my faith, but it allowed me to do some stuff that I wanted to do.

"And little by little, we’ve been expanding the horizons and trying to get involved in more community activities, which I think has really been good for us. Anything we do we get a lot of support, and not just from Catholics. To me, that’s pretty relevant. We’re able to help more people that need help.”

The Knights of Columbus were founded on Feb. 6, 1882, by Rev. Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Conn., with three principles uniting its members: charity, unity and fraternity.

Knights of Columbus meetings for the Father Heslin Council are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Heslin Hall, with a Rosary being recited at 6:15 before each meeting.