For nearly 130 years this building has been the cultural center of the Denver community. From resisting violence from the KKK to supporting our WWII troops.
Where will your story fit into history?
On October 27, 1923, Patrick Walker, a member of the Knights of Columbus was kidnapped by five Klansmen, taken to a remote place, and clubbed with the butts of revolvers. The Klan in Colorado peaked in 1925 infiltrating all levels of state government. Violently anti-Catholic, the Klan threatened to burn Regis Jesuit high-school. Using this center as a safe-haven, the Knights of Columbus banded together with students to form a human barrier to save the school.
- Three Klan members burn a cross in Denver, 1920s
As World War II raged, an ever increasing number of army personnel were stationed in Denver. In need of recreation facilities and accommodations, the Knights offered their home to the USO-NCCS. By 1944 over 600 volunteer workers accommodated 4,000 servicemen per month and entertained over 500,000 guests in our grand hall.
- USO guests enjoy a ball in the Grand Hall, 1940s
Still celebrated today, the 45th Communion Mass was one of the most outstanding public demonstrations of faith. Approximately 1,500 men would parade from Mass at the Cathedral Basilica to a post-Communion breakfast. In these walls, over 500 Knights and their families communed with a warm meal and were given instruction on Catholic Action.
- Knights march to the Cathedral Basilica, 1977
Now branded the Denver Catholic Center, we have proudly supported countless ministries, fundraisers, wedding receptions, etc. The Knights still use the space to perform charitable activities and recently celebrated their 101st annual St. Patrick’s Day festival.
- Bagpipe band at annual St. Patrick festival, 2019
References
Martelon, Andrew ( 9 May 1963) Knights of Columbus Council 539, Colorado's Oldest Council On the Dedication of Its New Home. Denver Catholic Register, pp 1-18
Dunn, Meg. “When the Klan Came to Colorado Part 2 – Rise to Power.” Northern Colorado History, 4 Oct. 2019, northerncoloradohistory.com/when-the-klan-came-to-colorado_rise-to-power.
Lehman, Charles (1944, February 3) USO-NCCS to Entertain 500,000th Solider. Denver Catholic Register, pp 1.
Myers, David (1993, August 18) Knights of Columbus Host French-Canadians. Denver Catholic Register, pp 65.