The Council name was selected in memory of Fr. Jeremiah Murphy, who was the Pastor of St. Columbkille in Byrnesville, MO and St. Philomenas in House Springs, MO, from World War I through his retirement in 1955. The two parishes merged in 1960 into the current church, Our Lady Queen of Peace.
 

Through the effort of Past State Deputy Robert Karsznie, his son Ron and former District Deputy William Seyfarth, our current council was formed in House Springs, MO. On January 7, 1973, twenty-nine new members took their First Degree with Fourteen transfers from other Councils. On January 21st of the same year, another degree was held with Eight new and Six transfers make a total of Fifty-Seven members.
 

The first officers of the Council were as follows:

Chaplain	Fr. Robert Roedig
Grand Knight	Christopher Byrne
Deputy Grand Knight	Hilary Hilgert
Chancellor	Syl Nahlik
Recorder	Charles Eschenbrenner
Financial Secretary	Charles Naggi
Treasurer	Anton Duda
Warden	Gail Traiteur
Advocate	John B. Nahlik
Inside Guard	Al Graff
Outside Guard	Mike Hayes
Trustees	James Schroeder
	Fred Hirtz
	John J. Nahlik

Grand Knight Christopher Byrne accepted the job until the June election at which time Fred Hirtz replaced him. Charles Sheehan filed office Trustee that Fred vacated.
 

After placing the first set of officers, the newly found Knights of Columbus was ready to begin. Turkey Shoots, BBQ’s, Dances, Christmas Parties, Tootsie Roll Drive, Free Throw Contest, Youth Essay Contest, Christmas Baskets for the needy, visiting the sick, and numerous other activities began to fill the yearly schedule.
 

In 1981, Grand Knight Frank Baker was instrumental in forming a Ladies Auxiliary with Joan Wieschhaus as its first president. Subsequent presidents were Jean Duda, Lorene Geerdes and Gert Schwent.
 

In 1987, St. Columbkille Building Association came alive with a gift of 4 ½ acres of ground in Scotsdale, MO. Many hours of work went into cleaning up the lot and getting it ready to provide a home for our Council. A pavilion with an attached building was built in 1988 and fundraisers were held for the main building, at which time approximately $50,000.00 dollars was raised. The money raised by fundraisers and donations from the members was enough to construct the current, 8,000 square foot building. The philosophy of the Building Association has always been not to spend money we do not have.
 

On June 4, 1989, a dedication ceremony was held for the Fr. Jeremiah Murphy, Knights of Columbus Council #6435 building. Numerous attendees including the State Chaplain Rev. Eugene Sinz and the St. Louis Archbishop John L. May attended the event. As always, the Ladies Auxiliary was on hand to provide refreshments for everyone that attended.
 

Over the years, many awards have been received from the State and Supreme Councils, which are on display today.
 

We are 100% Pro-Life and have sent thousands of roses to our Senators and Representatives in protest of the January 23, 1973 decision. We have funded numerous projects over the past 29 years and look forward to serving our parish and community for many years to come.

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