HOISINGTON — The building formerly known as the Knights of Columbus Hall in Hoisington has undergone some updating. One change is a new sign above the iconic mural on the front facade that reads “Columbus Club.”

John Moshier, host of this week’s Hoisington Chamber Coffee, explained why the change was made.  

The Knights of Columbus, nationally, began in 1882 in Connecticut as a service organization to help deceased members’ families and to provide insurance to members. Council Homes, such as in Hoisington, built halls for their own use but also something to rent to the community for fundraising. The Knights, as the hall is commonly called, has hosted many events from funeral dinners to proms. At the national level, the Supreme Council became concerned that the various activities taking place in halls everywhere did not always align with Catholic values and principles. In the last decade, Council Homes have been asked to separate the halls from the Knights of Columbus. 

The Hoisington Council faced a decision last year to change the name or maybe even sell the hall. Moshier stepped up to lead as Grand Knight and to make the changes to the Hall, including a name change.

According the Moshier, the Home Council decided “to move forward and to move forward the right way. So just prior to Lent we launched a ‘40 days and the Knights’ campaign to raise money in part to pay for the new signage out front and to replace the old heavy wooden tables and chairs.”

He is thankful to the Knights and to the community for their support during the campaign and for its success.

“We are still the Knights of Columbus but our Council Home is the Columbus Club,” said Moshier.  The Columbus Club Hall is still available for use by the community for the widely variety of events.