El Paso Council 638, Mother Council of Texas 120th Anniversary

Rev. Fathers Marquez and Salas

After the founding of the Knights of Columbus in 1882 in Connecticut by Father Michael J. McGivney, local and state councils soon appeared throughout the American West. In 1901, Michael F. Burke, who was a member of the Knights in Indiana, arrived in El Paso to supervise the laying of the first tracks of the city’s electric streetcars.

Under his encouragement, several local Catholic men formed Council No. 638 at Immaculate Conception Church in April 1902 with 39 members. As the first council in Texas, Council No. 638 in El Paso, Texas is still considered the Mother Council of Texas.

Through the years, the Knights of Columbus have continued to serve the Diocese of El Paso with emphasis on fraternity and mutual assistance, Catholic charity toward the needy, education and scholarships, and preservation of the Catholic heritage.

On Saturday, May 21, 2022, members, family, and friends of El Paso Council 638, Mother Council of Texas, gathered to celebrate the 120^th Anniversary of the council. Brother Knights from the El Paso Diocese attended Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church celebrated by Rev. Father Fabian Marquez, Chaplain of Council 638 and Rev. Father Mark N.P. Salas, previous Associate Texas State Chaplain.

After Mass members of El Paso Council 638 hosted a thanksgiving meal for members, family, and friends at the auditorium of St. Joseph School. Even was coordinated by GK Frank Ortiz and Assistant Diocesan Deputy, Richard Gilliland.

El Paso Council 638 officers