Rebuilding the membership has started simply with rebuilding.

Monday, March 05, 2001

Rebuilding the membership has started simply with rebuilding.

The Ironton Watterson Council No. 1405 Knight of Columbus is working to rebuild its membership base and a new building currently under construction at the corner of South Third and Kemp streets has become the cornerstone of the project.

The K of C building was lost in the huge downtown fire in November of 1996 that wiped out half the city block that included Anderson’s Pizza and Party Center.

"We’re looking for the new building to help revitalize the K of C membership," said Jim Colegrove, financial secretary and membership director.

The organization, which is part of the Ironton Catholic community, had 96 active members. Colegrove said the group has added 23 new men since the membership drive began in January.

"The building has helped. We expect to gain even more members when the building is finished," Colegrove said.

Building completion is expected sometime in the middle of May.

The new building will include a large banquet hall that will be available for people to rent for such events as weddings, reunions and parties.

"The nice thing about this building is it is all on ground level. There aren’t any stairs to climb," Colegrove said.

Besides the banquet room, the building will have a club room, a kitchen, conference room and men’s and women’s restrooms.

Men interested in joining the organization can contact Colegrove, John Schwab, grand knight, J. C. Medinger, P. J. Whaley, Ben Young, or any other member.