Daughters of Isabella Lillis Circle celebrates 100th anniversary

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Sunday, April 23, was a day of celebration in Boonville.

Members, family and guests of the Daughters of Isabella Lillis Circle #250 gathered at Ss. Peter & Paul Church to celebrate the circle’s 100th anniversary.

They began by attending 10:30 a.m. Mass together, followed by a wonderful meal and program in the parish hall.

More than 100 attendees were present to recognize the history and accomplishments of the Lillis Circle over the past 100 years.

The Daughters of Isabella is a charitable organization of Catholic women founded on the principle of its motto: Unity, Friendship & Charity.

The organization was established with Queen Isabella, Queen of Castille, Spain, as its Patroness.

Queen Isabella assisted Christopher Columbus in undertaking the greatest voyages of history and is known for her sponsorship of new discoveries in places where Christianity was yet unknown.

Lillis Circle #250 was organized by Mrs. William Schmidt of Our Lady’s Circle #222 from Tipton. This Circle number was awarded because it was the next number available through the International organization.

The initiation of the Lillis Circle was held April 22, 1923, in the Knights of Columbus Hall with 73 charter members. Our Lady’s Circle from Tipton gave the Degree work to the members.

The Charter for Lillis Circle #250 was signed by Mrs. Mary Booth, who was then the National Regent, and Mrs. Mary Kay, National Secretary.

The selection of the Circle name, Lillis Circle, was in honor of the late Bishop Thomas Lillis, who led what was then the Diocese of Kansas City from 1913-1938.

The circle’s first regent was Mary Garthoffner; 46 more elected regents have succeeded her.

The first chaplain for the Lillis Circle #250 was Father M.F.X. Jennings.

The current 96 members of the Circle are comprised of ladies from parishes in Jefferson City, Pilot Grove, Boonville, and Glasgow, with Mrs. Patty Kueckelhan as the current Regent.

The afternoon program began with a group picture, followed by a catered dinner.

Recognition and appreciation awards were presented.

Father Kevin Gormley and Father Paulinus Aneke offered prayers and blessing over the meal and attendees.

Guests included members from Daughters of Isabella Circles from Sedalia, Marshall and House Springs.

The special event included many current members who have multiple years of service.

Adrienne Fairley, a 56-year member, attended with members of her family. She has served as Regent for the circle on two different occasions.

Mrs. Kueckelhan thanked everyone for taking part in the celebration.

“One hundred years! What an accomplishment!” she said. “I believe there are over 60 sisters from our Circle and Circles around around the state that have joined us today.”

She pointed out the presence of members whose ancestors were part of the original Charter.

“That’s says a lot about this community and our sisterhood,” she stated. “We grow in Unity, Friendship and Charity.”

The afternoon concluded with music entertainment provided by Kristina Hahn.

The fellowship shared on this day was a true example of the unity and friendship that is known within the Daughters of Isabella Circles.