The Knights of Co/1'-mbus Historical Ctmmiission
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diocese, assisted by one or more of the laity, acting independently of the Commission, but securing its assistance whenever necessary. The speaker expressed his willingness to take charge of the Central Bureau and the diocesan councils, however, only in an unofficial capacity. Dr. Guilday furthermore argued that the priest chosen to write the history of the diocese should be especially trained at the Catholic University. The final suggestion contained in the survey was worded as follows by Dr. Guilday: "Unless those who are interested in promoting the project of a History of the Catholic Clu,rc/1, in Texas are profoundly cognizant of the necessity of scholarly authorship and of the imperative duty of composing the work according to the best modem scientific standards, it would be better not to attempt the History. The Commission should leave to others the writing of popular historical papers or papers that are not above the sphere of journalism. To be done at all, the History should be done in a way to command the respect and admiration of the best his- torical scholars of the country." Dr. Guilday's survey was heartily endorsed when it was read to the assembled delegates at the Victoria Convention. The Commission now felt fully empowered to proceed to develop its work and as its first impor- tant action, in accord with the recommendation of Dr. Guilday, Father Paul J. Foik, C.S.C., of St. Edward's University, Austin, was appointed • the Permanent Chairman of the organization. It was also decided that permanent headquarters would be established at St. Edward's where the materials for the writing of the history could be housed under the personal supervision of Father Foik. If there were disappointments along the way, and there had been many, in getting the work of the Commission under way, the Texas Knights of Columbus could now congratulate themselves on the great fortune which had come their way in the selection of Father Foik as the Permanent Chairman. Well fitted for the task through experience and training, Father Foik dedicated the rest of his life to the work of the Historical Commission. No one ever gave himself more completely and more enthusiastically to the task he had accepted; and those who knew him were impressed with his priestly character, his scholarly accomplish- ments, and his devotion to the work of the Commission. Zealously, tire- lessly, and proudly he looked upon the accummulation of historical ma- terial which day by day enriched the archives, in which he lived both in body and in spirit. A reorganization of the Commission was now undertaken, and priest
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