Knights Building Seniors’ Futures

Knights Building Seniors’ Futures is a great memory from Don Miller – PGK, FDD for the Father Burns Council, Regina!

In 1964, with the Saskatchewan Centennial year approaching in 1967, the Officers and Members of Regina Council #1247 were discussing the possibility of initiating a Major Project.  At a regular meeting on Monday, July 13, 1964, with Grand Knight Del Ottenbreit presiding and minutes taken by – Recorder Brother David Hartnell, Brother Al Poirier made the motion which was seconded by Brother Joe Hogan, that a committee of three or four be established to investigate the possibility of building a Catholic ‘Old Folks Home’.

Regina’s four Councils, with approximatey 1,000 members began their efforts in 1964, with Msgr. Jannsen Council #4959 and Holy Rosary Council #4704 actively participating in the effort.

Initially proposed as a 60 bed unit, this was expanded to include nursing care and plan for 90 beds in consultation with Archbishop M. C. O’Neill.  During the planning and building process over 40 Knights from the three participating councils served on various committees.

An Ambitious Undertaking:

The Knights would have to raise $65,000.00, which included money from The Archdiocesan Diamond Jubilee Financial Campaign.  For perspective, an average car in 1964 was $1,500 and sells for over $50,000 today…

The objective was to have each knight contribute an average of $65.00.  However, it was realized that not every knight would or could contribute $65.00, but others that were able to, could potentially contribute more.  Many funds were collected from the membership by way of 13 post-dated cheques of $5.00 per month. 

Archbishop M.C. O’Neill recruited the Sisters of St. Joseph to operate the home, and ‘SANTA MARIA’ was chosen as the name of the home, in honour of Christopher Columbus’s flagship.

The official sod turning ceremony was conducted by Cy, McDonald, Minister of Welfare, Archbishop M. C. O’Neill and Brother Al Poirier, General Committee Chairman on April 11, 1967.  The official opening of ‘SANTA MARIA’ Senior Citizen Home was held on COLUMBUS DAY, October 12, 1968.

To find out more about the SANTA MARIA’ Senior Citizen Home contact them at: (639) 625-7100

4215 Regina Avenue
Regina, Saskatchewan
S4S 0J5

Another incredible effort that shows what good Catholic Men can accomplish when they band together!