Council 7613 reached a significant milestone by celebrating its silver anniversary on June 11, 2005, exactly 25 years after its activation. Featured as the center piece of this celebration is the beautiful building we have come to know as Christopher Hall. A lot of hard work and planning has gone into what has been the dream of many members of our Council for over twenty years.

A topic on the agenda at a general membership meeting in 1985 was how to go about planning for construction of a new building. The amount of money available then was $20,000 and consideration was being given to forming an association to purchase a facility or to build on land that would be located off Church premises. The $20,000 available at that time is today's price of the elevator installed in Christopher Hall!!

Membership in the Council stood at around 120 during the mid 1980's and as time passed it was realized that in order to build a facility, it would be necessary to raise a significant amount of money. Coffers began to grow mostly as the result of a Bingo operation that was started at Randy's on Bandera Road in the very early 1990's. Several members of our Council invested personal funds in this operation to get it underway.

After initially struggling, the operation became financially successful. Funds were repaid to member investors and soon the Bingo Hall known as "Jackpot Bingo" more conveniently located in the vicinity of Bitters Road and Highway 281 became available. Our Bingo operation was moved to this location in about 1994 where it continues to operate today. In addition to contributing to a multitude of charitable works on a regular annual basis, funds were also being set aside by the Council for future construction or purchase of a suitable facility. Over a period of several years several facilities and locations were considered but none were suitable. Then, in 2001 Father (now Monsignor) Ryan gave the Council an option to build on Church property.

That option was quickly accepted and plans were begun on how to go about preparing for construction. Coordination involved not only St. Mark Parish and Council 7613, but also the Archdiocesan Chancery.

After several months of negotiation, led by John Thabet and others, a document was signed by Archbishop Patrick Flores, GK Ambrose Szalwinski and Father Kevin Ryan. This document provides for a 99 year lease of a 10,000 square foot building constructed at two levels to be donated to St. Mark the Evangelist parish with the first floor dedicated to Knights of Columbus usage and the second floor dedicated to St Mark Parish usage.

When construction started, the balance in the Council treasury was sufficient to cover less than one-half of the cost. After approaching several financial institutions, the best loan offer was found at Broadway Bank where a loan of $500,000 was made.

Through a bidding process, Tollette Construction Company was selected from among three bidders. Ground was broken by Bishop Thomas Flanagan and others on August 1, 2004 and construction got underway in October of that year.

A "name the building" contest was held and "Christopher Hall", submitted by Charles Knapik, was selected. Charles immediately contributed the $500 prize money to construction of a Parish sponsored Habitat for Humanity house.

In just a little over 8 months construction was completed and ready for dedication on June 11, 2005, the exact date of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of Council 7613!!!

The evening of June 11th began with the celebration of the Eucharist offered by Archbishop Jose Gomez and concelebrated by Monsignor Kevin Ryan and Father Effendy Liwang. A turnout of Fourth Degree members added to the beauty of the ceremony.

After Mass, dignitaries, members of the Knights of Columbus, their families and invited guests joined at Christopher Hall for its dedication and blessing. The dedication ceremony was led by Bishop Thomas Flanagan, assisted by Monsignor Ryan and Father Liwang. Bishop Flanagan's dedication to the Knights of Columbus is clearly demonstrated as he will soon celebrate 50 years of membership! Archbishop Gomez was an observer at this part of the festivity and then, after the dedication, Archbishop Gomez blessed each of the several rooms upstairs. Then the fun began. A meal catered by Bill Miller Bar-B-Que was served.

Numerous members of our Council and their ladies were recognized. Monsignor Ryan was the recipient of a product known only as Guinness. Some of this product was specially decorated in honor of his very recent elevation to Monsignor. Several speeches were made-some were prepared and some seemed to be "spur of the moment". Past State Deputies Ray Neumann and Ken Otte were in attendance along with numerous other dignitaries.

Throughout the entire evening it was most gratifying to observe the joy of the occasion in the faces of all who were present. Especially gratifying were the continuous smiles that often broke into laughter by both, Archbishop Gomez and Bishop Flanagan.

We are now in a very enviable position. We are going not where the path may lead but instead we are going where there is no path and we are leaving a trail. We are in a position to set an example for other Councils and for those who will follow us. It is up to all of us to accept the challenge that lies ahead and to make the next 25 years as successful as those of the past.