Nine men were recently inducted into the Springfield Diocese Knights of Columbus Hall of Fame and will be special guests at an upcoming quarterly meeting of all council officers and other interested members, said Jack Ray, president of the Springfield Chapter Knights of Columbus.

The members of the Hall of Fame Class of 2008 are: Msgr. Carl A. Kemme, vicar general of the Springfield diocese; H. Gene Mitchell, Council 364, Springfield; Joseph C. Pyatt, Council 460, Alton; William H. Rosso, Council 665, Effingham; Deacon Ray Roth, Council 9640, Rochester; James M. Rosenthal, Council 4179, Chatham; Don Schmidt, Council 2874, Teutopolis; Earl Schroder, Council 4175, Springfield; and Thomas Whalen, Council 11707, Greenville.

"These nine men were inducted very recently and we really want to honor them and introduce them to our members," Ray said. "Their achievements are outstanding and we want to recognize them for their work for their churches, communities and councils."

Additionally, chapter officers for 2008/2009 are Jack Ray, president; Joe Buscher, vice president; John Szerletich, treasurer; Nick Wente, secretary; Joe Schmidt, warden; and Randy Bauser, Bernie Mennemeyer and Gerry Glaus, trustees.

The quarterly meeting will be held on Nov. 30 at 2 p.m. at the Holy Family Church Parish Center, 211 E. Columbia in Litchfield. Lunch will be served at 1:15 p.m. by members of the Litchfield Knights of Columbus Council 699 and a freewill offering will be taken.

Besides recognizing the new Hall of Fame members, the Knights will discuss information on 2009 dues increases and the financial support of seminarians. "All Grand Knights and financial secretaries are urged to attend this year-end meeting or send a representative with the authority to vote for the council on all proposals to be presented," said Ray.

To RSVP for the meeting or to ask questions, contact Jack Ray at (217) 483-4465 or (217) 652-7877.