On Sunday, Nov. 12, the Bristol Council Knights of Columbus will get together at the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel John W. Lolio Parish Center to celebrate its 125th anniversary.

“The event will begin with a Mass at 1 p.m. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, followed by dinner at 3:15,” said Past Grand Knight and committee chairman Warren Rensehausen. “We are all very excited about this event.”

Assisting with preparations among others are Past Grand Knights Philip Beaulieu Jr.(30-year member) and Trustee Walter Smith (10-plus year member), along with Edward P. Stuart Jr., a 3rd Degree Knight and former member of the Bristol Town Council.

For those unfamiliar with its roots, the Bristol K of C is a fraternal organization of Catholic men, 18 years of age and older, “who are committed to making their community a better place, while supporting their church.”

Founded in 1898 in this town, Bristol Council #379 is one of the oldest councils in the Knights of Columbus “and has been an effective advocate and defender of civil and religious rights for all and has contributed billions of dollars and millions of hours of volunteer service to charity.”

According to Rensehausen, who also serves the town as director of parks and recreation, there are currently 202 members in the Bristol Council K of C, each of who plays an important role in enhancing and protecting family life.

“We handed out 36 scholarships last year,” he said. “That’s been important for us. We do a great deal all year long. We also handed out 192 coats for kids this year all through fund-raising. And, we raised $10,000 for Ukraine families.”

Walter Smith did an extensive history of the Bristol Council and came up with this fascinating bit of information.

“The Bristol 4th of July committee recognized the Knights of Columbus Parade float as ‘The Most Patriotic, Non-commercial’,” he said. “The Bristol 4th of July Parade is always an important event in the council calendar. The Bristol council hosts State Knights of Columbus officers and others who march the parade route with coffee and pastry before the parade and a delicious lunch afterwards.”

“Being a Knight over these past 30 years has brought many rewards and joy,” said Philip Beaulieu. “Being chosen as Grand Knight in 2011 to 2013 was a great experience leading our council and supporting other councils, also supporting The Mother of Life Center for understanding pregnant and unwed mothers and collecting funds through our Rose weekend. And, supporting our Christian beliefs and protecting the unborn, while supporting our churches and Catholic schools and our community with whatever they need.”

Ed Stuart said it best in summation, “We’re all about faith, hope, and charity.”