In 1952 the Catholic community in Tuscaloosa centered around St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, St. Francis Chapel, St. Mary's Church, and St. John's School. Most of the Catholics in Tuscaloosa attended church at St. John's, the oldest church in the Northern Diocese of Alabama. The South was segregated during this period of history and St. Mary's Church was largely attended by African American Catholics. The pastor at the church was Father Henry Haley. The St. Francis Chapel served the needs of the Catholic students at the University and it was headed by Father Michael Mulvoy. The only functioning club for catholic men was the Catholic Men's Club, which met in the basement cafeteria of the school located across the street from St. John's.
In 1954 a handful of Tuscaloosa Catholic men met before dawn at St. John's church, said a prayer, proceeded to Birmingham and underwent the initiation for the third degree of the Knights of Columbus. Other candidates at the exemplification included a few Birmingham men who became well known; a Rumore, and the then owners of a few grocery stores, the Brunos.
After commuting to Birmingham for several meetings, these Knights decided to join together to form a Knights of Columbus council here in Tuscaloosa. Over the objections of the pastor of St. John's the group formed the Council and a charter was granted in June, 1955. Alvin Dupont was the first Grand Knight. Presently he is Mayor of Tuscaloosa. The new council did not have a home and the meetings were held at the three churches, the VFW hall, the American Legion buildings and at various homes and offices of the members.
Father Henry Haley offered the use of St. Mary's church and convent to the Knights. St. Mary's was at one time a convent and school but was no longer in use except as a church and rectory for Father Haley who took the Knights under his wing and gave the Knights a home in the school building facing Convent Street. The building was cleaned and upgraded. The Knights had several social functions in the building.
Occupying this home had some exciting moments. One Saturday night in February, 1956, the Knights were having a dance in the old school building. Riots and demonstrations had taken place when Autherine Lucy was admitted as a student in the University of Alabama. Tuscaloosa had become a hot bed of racial demonstrations, turmoil and was seething with potential violence. During the dance, about 10 or 11 o'clock, some of the members went out on the balcony of the school overlooking Convent Street, a narrow lane. Two or three cars roared through the street. Some thought the cars with loud mufflers had backfired. Upon inspection the next day some of the Knights found what appeared to be holes in the eaves of the second story where the dance was being held.
Prior to 1965, the members of the Knights formed a corporation, the Philapatrons, named by Father Haley, and purchased a lot for $1,500 on the Mimosa Park Road in Tuscaloosa. Now having a place on which to build, the members of the council got together constructed a Hall. Meetings were held here for several years. This building was sold and another building was acquired on Kauloosa Road. This building was sold and the Knights met at Holy Spirit Parish Hall until 1991 when their present hall was completed. It was build as an addition to the parish hall.
Some of the Knights made a few private patrols when Holy Spirit admitted the first black student. The Knights have been active in the religious activity of the Parish. They sponsored well attended retreats in Cullman. Many of the members who have transferred were very active and contributed much to the Knights and parish. There are more activities now than ever before. The younger generation has taken hold.