The Chicago Citizen

The Knights of the Red Branch.

On last Sunday Commandery 11 of the above oldest organization in Christendom held its regular monthly meeting with its popular chief, Owen McKelvey, in the chair. As usual, new members were added to the roll, and each and every new knight received from Owen McKelvey good words and cheer on their embarking on their mission of true brotherly love. This order of "The Red Branch Knights" is undoubtedly the oldest in the world. It bears honorable mention in history previous to the Christian era. King Malachy was its last chief. In olden times when the order was in its primitive splendor its membership was composed of military heroes, and princes came from all nations of Europe to gain the honor of membership. Therefore, as the true descendants of those noble ancestors and citizens of the most glorious and liberal of modern nations, the United States of America, on the 26th day of October, 1896, five men banded themselves together for the purpose of rescuing from oblivion one of the noblest orders that ever existed. They claimed that although they were not princes or military chiefs, they were gentlemen and true Christians and invited all nationalities to join them under the standard of Fraternity, Benevolence and Christian Charity. Since then 25 commanderies have been organized in this city, each numbering about 100. John Ryan, one of the five who organized this society in Philadelphia, lies at rest in the Holy Cross Cemetery, and for taking care of his grave the order pays annually $35 in this "sanctified sod." The Knights of the Red Branch own a lot, 16x19, where members of the order who may require it may be buried.

Following are the supreme officers of this organization, viz:
Honorary Supreme Chaplain—Rev. T. J. Whelan, Beach Haven, N. J.
Supreme Chaplain—Rev. J. D. Nevin, Philadelphia, Pa.
Supreme Chief—John J. Bradley, Philadelphia, Pa.
Supreme Vice Chief—C. M. Dorsey, Troy, N. Y.
Supreme Chief of Records—Andrew T. Burke, Brooklyn, N. Y.
Supreme Chief of Finance—M. T. Kilderry, Philadelphia, Pa.
Supreme Chief of Exchequer—Owen McKelvey, Philadelphia.
Supreme Marshal—Michael Guilfoyle, Philadelphia.

The following are the supreme captains of council: John J. Healy, Troy, N. Y.; B. H. Boyle, Philadelphia; P. J. Conway, Philadelphia; D. J. McCarthy, Philadelphia, and P. J. Meehan, Philadelphia.