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THE TENURE of Everett G. Collins of New Orleans as
State Deputy, 1954 - 56, was marked by continued growth of the Louisiana
Jurisdiction both in councils and in members and by events that gave
stability to the state program.
Knights of Columbus in Louisiana gained signal
recognition of their work when Bishop Charles P. Greco of Alexandria
accepted the position of State Chaplain in August, 1954. His Excellency,
who had been an active member of the order for more than 35 years, had
taken great interest in the KC program in a number of ways.
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Noted since ordination for his achievements in
youth work, he was associated with the Knights in the founding of Maryhill
Youth Camp near Alexandria and its development into one of the finest
youth camps in the nation.
Bishop Greco at a banquet meeting Sept. 9 announced
as his primary project as State Chaplain a program designed to make all KC
in the state "better evangelists." He planned a meeting with
council chaplains to complete plans for the project to have each council
set aside ten minutes of every meeting for instructions concerning the
Church and the Catholic faith. A monthly manual outlining a unified course
of instruction was prepared for distribution to all councils. The Bishop
pointed out that too few Catholics really know their faith and as a result
can neither reflect its real beauty nor lead others to appreciate it. If
all Knights became thoroughly conversant with their religion, he showed,
the possibilities of spreading the faith would be enormous.
Significant for internal stability of the order was
the decision by the State Council Advisory Board, announced in July, 1954,
to reactivate the office of Executive Secretary. In listing qualifications
for this post, it was announced that the applicant must be able to travel
freely throughout the state of Louisiana; have some experience in
promotional work; be capable of speaking before councils and groups; have
the ability to direct the State Council's programs; handle public
relations for the State Council; edit and prepare The Louisiana Knight for
publication; possess executive ability to direct the office; be willing to
locate in a central spot in the state; be well versed in Columbianism; and
possess a pleasing personality.
The requirements were so exacting that the original
deadline of Aug. 15 for applications was extended to Oct. 1. Chosen for
the post, effective Dec. 1, 1954, was Leo A. Cavell, past Grand Knight of
Council 3470, Lafayette, and State Conservation Chairman for the previous
two years. Mr. Cavell attended Catholic elementary schools in Baton Rouge,
Thibodaux, and New Orleans; was graduated from Catholic High School in
Baton Rouge in May, 1944; and attended Louisiana State University until
enlisting in the U.S. Navy in July, 1945. After an honorable discharge in
February, 1947, he returned to LSU to gain a B.S. degree. Among other
positions of honor at LSU, he was president of the Newman Club and of the
national committee of the Newman Club Federation. He was laboratory
director at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Lafayette, when named KC
Executive Secretary.
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