About Us
Founded in Lawrence, Massachusetts in 1913, the Knights of Lithuania originally brought the Lithuanian-American youth across the United States together to help carry on their Lithuanian language, culture, traditions, and religion. Councils were started in cities where there were a high concentration of Lithuanians, and where there was a Lithuanian Catholic community who decided to build a Catholic church. The Pastor, usually Lithuanian, called the Spiritual Advisor, headed up the Council.
After Lithuania’s independence from Russia in 1991, the K of L has evolved into more of a family organization. Non-Lithuanian spouses of members were accepted for membership as an Associate. Auxiliary members, those that were non-Lithuanian and not Catholic, were then welcomed into the organization. With Lithuanian churches closing and the clustering of churches in many Dioceses around the country, a Spiritual Advisor is now often non-Lithuanian. But the Catholic tradition, as well as the Lithuanian traditions, language, customs and culture are still practiced in the organization.
Council 7
Originally, Council 7 was centered around St. Joseph’s Church, in the Brooklyn section of Waterbury, Connecticut. That area was home to many immigrants in the late 1800’s, many of whom were from Lithuania. That community established the first Lithuanian church in New England, with an associated school, at 46 Congress Avenue, Waterbury.
More recently, due to a decline in the number of parishioners, Council 7 has joined with Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Roman Catholic Church, 785 Highland Ave, Waterbury. Our regular meetings are held in the church basement. A meeting schedule can be found on our Events page.
Current Officers
President Linas Balsys
Vice President Frances Stiklus
Treasurer Vita Ciullo
Financial Secretary Linas Venclauskas
Recording Secretary Linda Zukauskas
Cultural Chairman Jonas Zemaitits