DOVER (WJER) - The Dover Knights Of Columbus council has survived for a century thanks in part to one member who has been with the group for nearly half of its existence. 

Knights Of Columbus Council 1973 at Saint Joseph Catholic Church celebrated its 100th anniversary recently by giving a lifetime achievement award to longtime member James Meese. Grand Knight Tony Nasuta says Meese has been with the Catholic fraternal organization for five decades.

“He is the main reason we are still around as an organization in Dover. He is there and does everything,” he says. “I think about 30 years ago this council only had about three active members, and he was one of those members that recruited new members, brought new activities in and was able to make it so we are still in existence.”

Nasuta says the knights, recognizable at public events by their black capes, swords and colorful chapeau hats, volunteer at soup kitchens, food banks, and many other area charities.

“I think that’s the reason we have so many members and so many active members is because we are in it for volunteerism,” he says.

In addition, the knights marked their anniversary by awarding a $1,000 scholarship to 2019 Dover grad Anthony Giammo.

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