The second council was formed in O'Neill in April, 1903. This Council is known as Charles Carroll of Carrollton Council No. 701. In February, 1904, the third council instituted was the Fitzgearld Council No. 833 in Lincoln. The Columbus Council No. 938 was instituted in January of 1905 in Columbus, Nebraska.

Representatives of these first four councils met with Territorial Deputy Timothy J. Mahoney in Omaha on March 4, 1905 and formed the State Council of the Nebraska Knights of Columbus. The following officers were elected: T.J. Mahoney of Omaha the office of State Deputy; E. D. Fitzpatrick, Jr. of Columbus, Secretary; P. J. O'Donnell of O'Neill, Treasurer; A. V. Johnson of Lincoln, Advocate; and W. P. McDeavitt was elected the first State Warden.

The first Nebraska State Council Meeting was held in Lincoln in the Assembly hall of the Lindell Hotel on May 2, 1905. At this meeting, the Rev. Thomas Walsh of Norfolk was elected the first State Chaplain of the State Council.

These first leaders of the State Council, along with their associates, were the pioneer of the Knights of Columbus west of the Missouri River. By their zeal, their unselfishness, their wise administration, they built an enduring foundation for the Knights of Columbus. Because of them, today we are the proud home of over 151 councils and over 20,000 members.

By Past State Deputy Larry Reed.