Richland Council 3307

Council 3307 has a unique history, which is associated with the Hanford Atomic Project and the residential community of Richland. In the early 1940's a top secret project, the Hanford Project, was undertaken by the U S Government to produce plutonium for "atom bombs". At that time Richland, a small farming community,  was taken over and enlarged by the government  Most of the people came to Richland for a temporary period. But the Hanford Project became a permanent facility in the late 1950's. The city reverted back to private ownership and suddenly this became home.

Richland Council 3307 was instituted April 16,1950 by District Deputy Charles Allessio with 64 members. Though not listed as a charter member, Monsignor William J. Sweeney was the Charter Chaplain.  For a short time the council met in the basement of Christ the King Church and then for a year in the old American Legion Hall. Its first meeting and club facility was an old farm house with a Quonset hut addition. It was located in the middle of what is now the I-182 and George Washington Way interchange. The council's current home was once the Richland Post Office. It was moved from its downtown location to its present site on Chester Road. Long hours of design and modification of the structure were unselfishly given on a spare time basis by the membership to convert the building from a post office to the fine facility it is today.

To raise funds, the council purchased the old Lutheran Church and the o brick walls of the old Camp Hanford Hospital.  The members salvaged the materials which were sold for cash.

Our council has always been a strong community and church supporting organization.  Donations include the cross on St. Patrick’s Church in Pasco; The flag pole and sign for St. Joseph’s school in Kennewick; 10,000 for the construction of Christ the King Church; $1,000 for the   construction of Holy Spirit Church in Kennewick; office equipment for St. Francis X Cabrini church in Benton City and annual contributions to the diocesan Catholic Charities.  In addition this as one of the strongest Right To-Life programs in the state.

Council 3307 has provided support and many services for the Church, community and the Order including CCD teachers; community Santa Claus; Religious Information Bureau; ushers; One State Deputy; One State Warden; 7 District Deputies; a meeting place for many organizations ranging from the Moose Lodge to a kennel club, scholarships to over 50 needy students totaling $10,000 and a 3ed Degree team.

Council 3307 currently sponsors, or has sponsored, a Boy Scout Troop; a Squires Circle; a Little League baseball team; Boy’s State delegates; a Church League Basketball team; CPR training sessions; a Blood Bank with one member giving over 30 gallons of blood (a state record); a Summer Reading program in cooperation with the City Library which has involved about 20,000 children over the last 30 years.

The council put in the lawn, shrubbery and sprinkler services for Christ the King School and the sprinkler system at the rectory.  Painting of the church, school, convent and rectory have been standard continuing projects.

All is not work however, as the council has its own softball and bowling teams.  It has twice sponsored the State K of C Bowling Tournament.  The council has hosted the State Convention in 1971 and Several State Council meetings.  Our council is an example of the old adage ‘When you want something done, call on the Knights’.