Council History

Father Edward W. Johnston council 9488 | home

Council History

Past Grand Knights Dates

Paul Sullivan 1987 1988; Charles Painter 1988 1989; Dave Pascarella 1989 1990; Tim Kenny 1990 1991; John Klinger 1991 1992 John Traber 1992 1993: Dick Reardon 1993 1994 : Steve Turner 1994 1995; Rex Moyers * 1995 1997; Jack Nicholson 1997 1998 Richard Pariseault 1998 1999 ; Joseph Pocius 1999 2000 ; Douglas White 2000 2001; Angelo Nicosia 2001 2002; David Laurenz 2002 2003; Rick Jackson 2003 2004; Larry Meyer 2004 2005; Keith Holser 2005 2006; Frank Viscomi 2006 2007 Louis Ziegler 2007 2008: James DeStefani 2008 2009 Francis Baker 2009-2010

* Indicates Two, (2) years Service.

Father Edward W. Johnston:

"In 1958 Father Edward Johnston became pastor of Blessed Sacrament, and during the next decade the parish grew in size more rapidly than in any previous time. Just before the rapid increase, Blessed Sacrament served as the church for approximately 100 Catholic cadets at Augusta Military Academy for three years. Industries began to move into the community and Madison College mushroomed in growth with the admission of male students and then a name change to James Madison University. Rapid growth meant that the old rectory and parish hall had to be demolished. A new rectory, parish offices and multi-purpose building were constructed on the site. This new building, composed of a community room, classrooms and a kitchen, were appropriately named Johnston Hall. Father Johnston became pastor-emeritus in 1968 when Father Robert Hickman was assigned as pastor. When JMU formed a council of the Knights of Columbus, it was almost ordained that Blessed Sacrament would not be far behind. On February 11, 1987, the first Blessed Sacrament council, number 9488, named in honor of Father Edward Johnston was formed and Paul Sullivan was elected as the first Grand Knight. The Knights have been on hand to help whenever they were asked.

History item written by Robert J. Sullivan Jr.