Replica of Santa Maria Ship Refurbished by Knights of Columbus

In 1992 the St. Mary Star of the Sea 4^th Degree Assembly in Brazoria County, Texas decided to celebrate the 500^th year anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s discover of America (1492) by building a replica of one of his three ships, the Santa Maria.

A Quincentennial Committee made of members of Knights of Columbus Councils in Bay City and Brazoria was formed to develop this project. Councils in Angleton, Danbury, Freeport and Lake Jackson joined in helping to fund its construction. The Santa Maria replica was used in parades throughout the area.

In early 2000, the Santa Maria was acquired by Past Grand Knight and District Deputy Tom Stariha for the Msgr. Jerome J. Tydlacka Assembly in Fort Bend County. Over the years it has continue to be used in events throughout the Galveston/Houston Diocese. This past winter, the Assembly decided to refurbish it to its original condition. The Joe Kovar Family (Mark/Joey), Stan Hruska, Bernie Brezina and other members of the 4^th Degree Assembly (Rosenberg, Richmond and Needville) pitched in to complete the work in time for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 11 in Houston.

Since that time is has been present at the Needville KC Polka Fest and Needville Youth Fair Parade. Storage of the Santa Maria has been donated by Calvin Fojtik’s Mini Storage in Needville.

Tom Stavinoha 832-363-7373

For more information call Mark Kovar @ 979-429-0955 or Stan Hruska @713-385-0365