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Cardinal
Gibbons Council #2521 |
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4301 Klosterman Avenue |
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Baltimore, MD 21236 |
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410-256-2737 |
Singing
Knights
THE HISTORY
OF THE SINGING KNIGHTS:
Over Fifty Years and Counting
Way back in 1960, or
was it 1961 or 1962, the current members of the
Singing Knights aren't absolutely sure, several
members of Notre Dame Council #2901 began to sing
popular songs after meetings. Some of those original
singers were, "Buzz" Stallings, Bill Clayton, Leo
Stallings, Bill Becker, George Berkey, and Gordon
Polhler.
Don Straw was hired to arrange the music and with
brother Bill Clayton as the first musical director the
Singing Knights presented elaborate productions
including scenery and costumes. During the early
years, The Singing Knights hired a piano player, Vince
Stevens. Vince enjoyed the music, the men and the
money so he was surprised when after joining the
Knight of Columbus, The Singing Knights stopped paying
him. But Vince continued to play and was active until
his death in 2010. Although the musical shows at the
Council were important, these Knights extended the
scope of their activities outside the Council walls
and performed for the Veterans Administration Hospital
and many assisted living facilities in the area.
Especially gratifying was being privileged to be able
to visit and sing for the religious sisters at The
Villa and at Villa Assumpta. They also participated
during the installation of officers.
In 1985 the Singing Knights were able to perform at
the 103rd Supreme Convention in Washington D.C. Again,
in 1989 they performed at the Supreme Convention when
it was held in Baltimore MD.
In 2009 The Singing Knights were looking for singers
to swell their ranks. One of the Councils they asked
to help was Cardinal Gibbons Council #2521. They were
welcomed, and that same year began practicing at
Cardinal Gibbons Council Home. They have continued
their participation in masses, installations, and
other activities in the Council. They regularly
entertain at the assisted living and retirement
facilities. They were honored to be asked to entertain
approximately 400 Daughters of Charity and other
clergy from around the world at the 2011 consolidation
of the provinces. This was an historic event.
Now, along with the new members from Cardinal Gibbons
Council #2521, the Singing Knights expect to continue
singing for another 50 or is it 51 or 52 years.
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