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Mr. Arnoult began his administration on July 1, 1938,
under conditions that were improved, although he confronted many
difficulties. Hammond Council forfeited its charter in March, 1939. Sacred
Heart Council at Washington, La., held no election, nor did Patterson
Council, Mr. Arnoult reported, and he expected at the time that these two
would have to be merged with adjoining Councils. |
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The formation of one new Council, Istrouma No.
2807, at Baton Rouge, was an encouraging sign of revival for the order in
the state. Membership had begun to show an increase in 1936, and this
continued into 1937, but after a decrease in 1938, because of the
necessity to clear rolls of members not in good standing, membership
increased from 6040 in 1938, to 6246 in 1939.
With his induction into office in July, 1938, Mr.
Arnoult put into effect the Supreme Council's "State Forward Movement
in Action," appointing five chairmen for the five statewide
committees required by the program. This sparked activity in the
subordinate Councils and enthusiasm began to revive noticeably. Mr.
Arnoult upon directions of the Supreme Knight conducted 11 regional
meetings in September and October, 1938, one in each district, and at
these gatherings the "State Forward Movement" was launched.
Greater interest was manifested in the honorary degree, the State Deputy
reporting 10 Councils conferring it upon 20 members. The increase in
membership noted was due to another membership campaign inaugurated at
this time"Enlist for Christian Justice." Just as State Deputy
Mouton had sought persistently to prevent lapsations and suspensions in
order to insure progress in membership instead of mere "holding the
line," so State Deputy Arnoult pressed for greater net gains and
curtailment of suspensions.
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