The Alleghany Highlands Council 8689 Knights of Columbus which has members from Monroe, Greenbrier, Pocahontas, Alleghany and Bath counties, received two state and two international awards for the organization year 2014-15, according to Perk Berry of White Sulphur Springs, grand knight.
On the state level, Thomas Soper of Lewisburg was selected as the WV Knight of the Year for his outstanding work in the Alleghany Highlands Council and with the Father T.L. Kerrigan Fourth Degree Assembly of Beckley as well as his work with the parishes of St. Charles Borromeo in White Sulphur Springs and St. Catherine of Siena in Ronceverte and the missions, Catholic Church of Mary Immaculate in Williamsburg and St. John, the Evangelist, in Sweet Springs. Soper is also noted for his volunteer work helping individuals in need in the Valley.
The Council was honored with the State Church Service award for its work in utilizing the oldest Catholic Church in West Virginia, St. John, the Evangelist, in Sweet Springs, Monroe County. The Council in the year 2014-15 hosted the recitation of the Rosary on Wednesdays in June and July and coordinated the Mass on the Feast of the Assumption and ice cream social which followed on the grounds. The Aug. 15 Mass in 2014 attracted over 100 from five states, including six priests from four dioceses who con-celebrated the Mass.
On an international level, the Alleghany Highlands Council received the Columbian Award for its service projects for community, youth, church, council, and life areas. The council held at least five projects and programs in each of those areas of service.
The Council was also honor with the Father McGinnity award for membership increase during the Knights year. With most of the members living in the five county area along the West Virginia/Virginia border, the Council also has members in North Carolina, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Florida.
A fraternal service organization, the Alleghany Highlands Council meets the second and fourth Sundays in the Council Room at St. Charles Borromeo church in White Sulphur Springs and includes the Pocahontas County K of C Roundtable which meets every six weeks at St. John Neuman Church in Marlinton and is considered one of the most active roundtables in West Virginia.
For information on membership in the Alleghany Highlands Council, telephone 304-645-1373 or e-mail cwilliams1948@frontier.com or write to Box 237, Maxwelton, WV, 24957.
The Alleghany Highlands Council is also sponsors a ladies auxiliary which meets with the Council on the fourth Sunday of every month and includes the wives of the Knights, but also any active Catholic women who wish to help with the projects of the Knights and the auxiliary.
