Teaneck / Bogota Knights of Columbus
John F. Kennedy Council
Council 2586
Our History
The Teaneck / Bogota Knights of Columbus Council was founded as the Chief Justice White Council and was chartered in 1925. Our roots come from a men's club who met in the basement of the old St. Joseph's School building in Bogota. After meeting there for four years, the men were asked to leave because the school needed the space. The 20 or so members decided to form a Knights of Columbus Council.
Through a few difficult obstacles the Charter was granted, and a name was selected. Chief Justice Edward Douglas White of Louisiana was selected as our namesake. his family was contacted, and their consent was given, and our council was born.
We began as a council with 84 members, 71 of whom were insurance members. The location of the council has changed a few times. Up until 1963, the council hall was located at 375 Palisade Ave in Bogota. After that, we moved into our current location at 829 Windsor Rd Teaneck.
Our Council has sponsored many events thru the years. In our early years, our council participated in bowling, baseball, and basketball. Also, Chief Justice White Council was the first to introduce amateur boxing bouts in Bergen County in the 1920s. The Council has had ups and downs through its more the 80 years of existence. It has survived its members fighting in many wars, it survived the depression, it has seen our country grow and flourish. All the while standing tall as a strong Catholic fraternal organization.
In our last year, we have seen a new resurgence under our current leadership. New vigor and interest in our Council has been established. At present we have over 200 members and our numbers are steadily increasing. We have entered the digital age with our own website, Twitter (X), and Facebook accounts. We still sponsor fundraisers and events such as dances and trips to baseball games. We are active in our community doing charity work with veterans and the homeless in our area.
The dream of this council is one that is ever-growing, from our humble beginnings 86 years ago we still strive to be good catholic gentlemen in all facets of our lives.
