These events mark a few of the milestones achieved by the Knights of Columbus Butler Council 866:

• 1904 — Council 866 is formed with 59 members, evolving from a group of Catholic men known as the Young Men's Institute.

• 1910 — Group decides to save money to build a clubhouse.

• 1912 — Down payment is made on the 60- by 180-foot lot at 234 E. North St.

• 1913 — The group purchases the lot for $6,500, begins construction of a three-story hall.

• 1914 — Construction is completed in time to house the group's 10th anniversary celebration.

• 1916 — Butler hosts the Knights of Columbus annual state convention, which spans four days. In the midst of World War I, civic groups utilize the hall in their efforts to support the armed forces. Group membership grows to 350.

• 1920 — Membership exceeds 500.

• 1927 — The group begins sponsorship of a Boy Scout troop.

• 1929 — The state convention returns to Butler.

• 1930 — The council observes its Silver Jubilee.

• 1944 — The group pays off the property, building and equipment, which cost $33,500 combined. A building expansion project is planned.

• 1952 — An enlarged ballroom, dining hall and kitchen are ready for use.

• 1953 — Six duckpin bowling lanes are installed in the hall basement.

• 1957 — The group begins to support St. Fidelis Seminary in Herman by establishing three $10,000 scholarships and helping to fund construction projects.

• 1961 — A club license is acquired, and the hall's lounge and reading room are converted to a bar.

• 1970 — A fire guts the hall, leaving only the shell of the first and second floors. The bowling lanes downstairs are spared damage.

• 1970s and later — The group is active in charity work and community events, raising funds by leasing out the hall and by hosting fish fries, dances and other socials. Eventually, taxes and utility costs rise, and council-hosted events decline as club demographics change.

• 2003 — Membership is at 430.

• 2010 — After an emerging struggle to pay utilities and taxes for the hall, the group sells the property to First United Methodist Church for $300,000. Membership is hovering around 400.