Knights on the Air

Today, Knights tweet, post, share and update. Through the 1930s and 1940s communicating could include soaps and dramas and radio was king.

In 1941, the Knights’ Service Department provided councils with the cutting-edge technology to communicate with members and the public in marking of the Order’s founding.

“Founding of the Knights of Columbus” was the 1941 radio play celebrating Founder’s Day. The audio drama was scripted and directed by Columbia contributor Courtenay Savage. Brother Knight David Healy composed original music for the program, "Ecce Quam Bonum" — Healy was also director of New Haven’s Knights of Columbus Glee Club. Noted radio actors from the Cathedral Guild of Catholic Actors of Chicago were hired for the recorded performance.

The Knights announced the recorded drama to the members, encouraging councils to purchase a copy for radio broadcast at their local station. At the time of Columbia’s press deadline, more than 100 councils had purchased the 16” disc for broadcasting.

In celebration of Founders Day we’re making this broadcast available. Accompanying the 1941 15-minute radio drama are images of past Founders Day celebrations and council activities – and the Knights’ using this technology.

Click here to listen to the radio play; click here to see some period photos.