Knights of Columbus
De la Salle Council #3411
New Orleans, LA
Grand Knight
David W Mendrek
The Grand Knight is the top ranking officer of the Council. He oversees all Council's activities and is elected by the members of the Council. Some of his duties include presiding over meetings, countersigning orders and checks, reading vouchers and notices relative to the Fourth Degree. His jewel is an Anchor which is suspended from a purple ribbon. The Anchor is indicative of Admiral Christopher Columbus and has also been a variant form of the Cross for centuries.
Deputy Grand Knight
Douglas Kariker
The Deputy Grand Knight is second ranking officer of the Council and is elected by the members of the Council. He shall preside in the absence or inability of the Grand Knight. His jewel is the Compass, also known as the Compass of Virtue, suspended from a purple ribbon, with the four main points representing Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism. The 32 points around the outside of the compass represent the virtues which a man can possess. The compass is an important tool in navigation.
Chaplain
Fr. Fred Kaddu
The Chaplain provides spiritual guidance to the Council. He is appointed by Supreme Knight with the Grand Knights recommendation. His emblem is the Cross, worn on a black ribbon.
Chancellor
Dennis J Campbell
The Chancellor is the third highest ranking officer and is elected by the Council. The Chancellor shall assist the Grand Knight and Deputy Grand Knight in the performance of their duties and shall take charge during the incapacity or extended absence of both. He shall exercise a special interest in new members and members who are sick or in distress. His jewel is the Skull and Crossed Bones on the Isabella Cross, suspended from a black over white ribbon. The Crossed Bones remind us of our immortality.
Financial Secretary
Kenneth Hamrick
The Financial Secretary handles of the financial transaction record keeping. This includes issuing and collecting bills, issuing membership cards, etc. The Financial Secretary is appointed by the Supreme Knight and is compensated in a manner approved by the Board of Directors. His jewel is the Quill Pen (record-keeper) and the Key (money, safe-keeping, and secrecy) crossed and is suspended from a white over yellow ribbon. This symbolizes his record keeping functions of the financial matters of the Council.
Recorder
Robert D Hall
The Recorder keeps the minutes of the meeting and the historical records for the Council. He is elected by the Council members. In the absence of the Grand Knight, Deputy Grand Knight, and Chancellor the Recorder will run the meeting. Also, he is responsible for the correspondence of the Council as directed by the Grand Knight. The Recorder's jewel is Crossed Quill Pens suspended from a white over yellow ribbon. The Quill pens are symbolic of his record keeping functions of the Scribe.
Warden
Jerry Thomas
The Warden assures that all members at meetings possess the current membership card and is elected by the members of the council. He is custodian of all Council property except funds and is in charge of properly setting up the Council Chamber. He directs the activities of the Inside and Outside Guards. His jewel consists of Axe bound by Fasces and is suspended from a red over black ribbon. Guards or protectors of Roman Magistrates generally carried the Axe and Fasces as a sign of Authority.
Treasurer
Gary R Vincent
The Treasurer is responsible for the funds of the Council as is elected by the members of the Council. His duties include such functions as maintaining bank accounts and issuing checks based on receipts turned in by the Financial Secretary. His jewel is Crossed Keys, which represents responsibility for the safe keeping of the funds, suspended from a blue ribbon.
Lecturer
Daniel A Le Blanc
The Lecturer is responsible for the entertainment at the Knights of Columbus meetings and functions. He is selected by the Grand Knight on an annual basis. His jewel consists of the Scroll over the Lyre suspended from a white over blue ribbon. The Scroll and Lyre represent Literature and Music.
Advocate
Daniel A Le Blanc
The Advocate is the Chief Legal Officer for the Council as is elected by the members of the Council. His jewel consists of a Scroll and Sword suspended from a yellow ribbon. The Scroll represents the legal literature and law and the Sword represents his authority to enforce those Laws.
Trustees
Robert L Vaughn
Two Year Trustee
Trustees oversee the financial transactions of the Council, review all bills and financial reports and audit the Council's financial records semi-annually. Only one Trustee is elected each year by the members of the Council for a 3 year term. Their jewel is the Crossed Key and Sword, which represents their financial authority, is suspended from a green ribbon.
Patrick J Guise
One Year Trustee
Henry R F Jobin
Three Year Trustee
Guards
James R Brady Jr
Inside Guard
The Inside and Outside Guards are elected by the members of the Council, each have the same symbol for their jewel. They are in charge of security at the meetings and are to assist the Warden as needed. The jewel for the Guards consists of an Crossed Axes and Key, representing their authority as sentries at the door, is suspended from a white ribbon.
Alphonso F Parra
Outside Guard