Michigan Knights of the Highway

By CHERIE ILG HAAS

More than 330 member families make up this chapter, which is still going strong after 40 years. A rally in Hastings, Michigan, September 9, 10, and 11, 2005, will celebrate the big anniversary. During this festive weekend, attendees will visit a farmer’s market, a Heritage Days festival, and the Gilmore Car Museum in nearby Middleville.

But looking back to how it all started, one may wonder about this chapter’s name, and how it came to be. When first chartered in April 1965, it was called the Michigan FMCA chapter. According to the Michigan Knights of the Highway Web site, www.michiganknights.com, a minister who was giving a scripture reading at one of the group's rallies “was aware of how the club members would often stop to help folks in trouble along the highway. In his message of being helpful along the highways of life, the words of reference ‘Knights of the Highway’ arose.” Before long, the chapter adopted its current name.

Chapter president Calvin Courtney, F158229, said the chapter’s purpose is “to promote good fellowship and cooperation among all members of the Michigan Knights of the Highway.” And this is accomplished at each chapter rally through fun activities and plenty of socializing. Chapter rallies are held monthly in Michigan from April through October.

One activity Michigan Knights members enjoy is square dancing to the calls of fellow chapter member Howard Cowles, L18517. Howard has been entertaining attendees of FMCA's international conventions for many years, and shares his talent at Michigan Knights of the Highway rallies as well.

The GLASS Rally (Great Lakes Area Spring Spree) has been hosted by the Michigan Knights of the Highway for 28 years — as long as it’s been held. And the rally proves to be a success each year. Several of the Michigan Knights members dress up as clowns and carry balloons, entertaining children and adults alike. Flakey the Magic Clown, alias Henry Gartner, F197563, usually makes an appearance as well. For grown-ups only, a golf "putt-off" is held, with a $10,000 prize offered for an in-the-hole.

According to Great Lakes Area vice president Ginny McGrath, F87335, the GLASS Rally is “just a lot of fun,” and includes excellent meals. Of course, there also are vendors, crafts, seminars, side trips, and 50/50 drawings. On the Sunday morning of the rally, attendees gather for a "Singspiration" service to sing and pray together.

GLASS rally masters have a serious job cut out for them, which is why they serve as apprentices prior to taking charge of a rally. They are then ready to fill the shoes of rally master for two years, after which the position changes hands.

The chapter's female population is known as the “Ladies of the Knights.” They formed their own chapter of the Red Hat Society and gather at rallies for teas or luncheons.

Chapter dues are $15 for the first year, then $10 annually. Members receive monthly copies of "The Knightletter" newsletter from March to October.

For more information about the Michigan Knights of the Highway, contact FMCA’s Chapter Services Department at (800) 543-3622.

Michigan Knights of the Highway chapter
www.michiganknights.com