INNISFAIL – Immediately after a fire devastated Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church on the morning of Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018 there was a call to action by members of a quiet and humble group of men who too often go unrecognized in the community.
“When we heard the news of the fire, we all accepted reality and resolved to immediately commence fundraising, believing our prayers would be answered,” parishioner Art Gordon told an online media outlet in 2022. “Our parish quickly resolved to set a goal to replace our church.”
Sixteen months later in April of 2020 a new church opened at the site of the old institution that served Innisfail’s Catholic community since 1962.
“This project brought us together in faith and fellowship within our church community,” said Gordon. “I am proud of our parish community coming together to build our church.”
His comments, and the deserved recognition to him and others, were published in an online newsletter published by the Knights of Columbus, a global Catholic fraternal service order founded by Michael J. McGivney on March 29, 1882, and now flourishing across the globe with more than two million members.
Gordon and 34 other local and area men are devoted members of Innisfail Council 7203 of the Knights of Columbus, which has quietly served the needs of the Innisfail community at large, and the church community at Innisfail’s Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, since it was established in 1978.
During that tumultuous time without their beloved institution Innisfail Council 7203 members helped raise $150,000 for the construction of the community’s new Catholic church.
They volunteered more than 3,600 hours working on the church replacement project, which saved $20,000. The local Council also donated $5,000 for hall renovations.
As well, Council members have participated in several other community fundraising efforts, including garage sales, raffles, and firewood sales. The group has also made donations to the Innisfail and District Food Bank, Christmas Bureau, and St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Catholic School.
With the new church and its congregation now thriving at 4304- 49 Ave., it was time last month to give a heartfelt salute to 13 long-time members of Innisfail Council 7203 who have served 25 years or more.
Collectively, the 13 special men have served their families, churches, Knights of Columbus councils and their communities for a total of 499 years.
“We've dedicated so much of our time and energy for the last four years; dealing with replacing our church and fundraising that we just sat back and took a breath and said, ‘ok, what do we need to do? One of the things was to let people know that these gentlemen have served their community for all these years, and don't often get recognized,” said Gordon, who has been a Knights of Columbus member for 18 years and is currently the treasurer of Innisfail Council 7203. “We're proud of these guys and we think it was worthwhile letting the public know.”
After masses on March 25 and 26, Father Curtis Berube presented certificates to each member while gratefully acknowledging their long, loyal and faithful service.
Included among the recipients was 92-year-old Alfred Hagel who has served with the Knights of Columbus for an astounding 71 years.
“Over the years I have held all council positions available except for the position of chaplain, which can only be held by a priest,” said Hagel.
Following the service, Father Berube told the Albertan he was honoured to present the certificates of appreciation on behalf of the parish to the Council’s long serving members.
“These members of the Knights of Columbus do serve the parish in many different ways,” said Berube. “I believe that the service they do is because they love their community; they want to serve the parish, serve the people.
“It’s not about being recognized for what they do, but just to serve and to give of themselves, and to give life to the parish and the community.”
