Knights of Malta Records

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: OGLMC-1214

Scope and Contents

The Knights of Malta Records include general information about the order and assorted materials pertaining to local commanderies in Grand Forks and Thief River Falls. Many of the materials were collected by local Knights of Malta member E.O. Lovell.

Dates

created: 1897-1901
Other: Date acquired: 08/15/1990

Conditions Governing Access

Open for inspection under the rules and regulations of the Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections.

Biographical or Historical Information

The order known as the Knights of Malta was established in Jerusalem in 1048. The Order's original duties were to care for sick and wounded Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land, and to assist the poor. It was chartered in the United States in 1889 with headquarters in Philadelphia. A commandery was organized in Grand Forks in 1899 under the leadership of Judge William H. Becker. He held the title of Supreme Organizer. Becker helped to organize other commanderies in North Dakota and northwest Minnesota soon after.

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