Atlanta Council 660 Knights of Columbus have opened a Catholic Center located at 2620 Buford Highway, which is U.S. Highway 23, between Lenox Road and North Druid Hills Road in Northside Atlanta.

The grounds and the new structure, designed by Albert O. Ordway, Atlanta architect, are valued at $125,000. The tree-studded acreage of the grounds lies upon a beautiful knoll overlooking the Northeast Expressway and Lenox Road, and to the rear of the property flows famous Peachtree Creek.

It is significant that the structure was started and completed in the 60^th anniversary year of the council. Chartered in 1902, the history and activities of 660 have entwined the history and activities of other Catholic organizations. It is from this fact that the idea of service to other Catholic organizations arose.

Member knights of the council, for example, participated in the formation of other organizations such as the Christopher Toastmasters and The Serra Club of Metropolitan Atlanta, and these organizations, without their own facilities, conduct their meetings in various locations about the city. To these and other organizations the facilities of the new Knights of Columbus Catholic Center can be made available.

The ballroom of the new center will be available for large meetings, dances, banquets, and large luncheon meetings. A stage is part of this facility and the dance floor is beautifully inlaid hardwood. The ballroom can accommodate up to 300 couples for dances, and upwards from this number for meetings and banquets. There are smaller meeting rooms and two lounges. Right off the ballroom is a prayer room- an oratory- and in the future plans there will be a Blessed Mother Grotto on the grounds. Future plans, too, include a swimming pool.

Last fall, as part of Columbus Day activities, Msgr. Michael J. Regan, chaplain of the council, blessed the grounds and the rising structure in dedication to the purposes of new home and center.

It has been under the guidance of Grand Knight George A. Andrews, that the new home came into existence. A job well done has been that of Knight Leo Coletti, as building chairman, and his aides, Knights William M. Sherwood and James J. Cronin. It is a case of a job beginning, however, for William T. Jordon, Jr., past state deputy, who is the improvement chairman charged with the furnishing and landscaping of the grounds of the home. Jordan’s aides will be John M. Lengyel and B. Franklin Clark.

An open house program is being planned and an announcement will be made at a later date.