John E. Swift
Encyclopedia
John E. Swift was an American
judge and the ninth Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus
from October 24, 1945 to August 31, 1953.
Swift was born in Massachusetts and served as judge in Boston
for many years. After being elected the ninth Supreme Knight in 1945 Swift began a nationwide crusade against a perceived Communist threat to the United States
. President Harry Truman reportedly endorsed the effort and mentioned in a letter to Swift, that he hoped the entire membership "will join the crusade with zeal and enthusiasm".
President Truman further stated that "[O]ur goal must be to drive out of our American life every movement which aims to promote within our borders any form of totalitarianism or any subversive movement.".
A Manual for Discussion Groups was prepared by the Knights. Boston Auxiliary Bishop John J. Wright lauded that the manual was "an amazing production, profoundly thought-provoking and admirably condensed".
on November 9, 1947 from a coronary thrombosis
following a long illness. It is not clear if they had any children.
In 1950, after a Special Audience with Pope Pius XII
, Swift instituted a fund for the purchase and construction of the last playground in Rome. Primavalle, a newly populated district, was chosen for the site. This playground was named Pius XII and dedicated and blessed by Cardinal Francis Spellman, Archbishop of New York, on June 7, 1952.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
judge and the ninth Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus
Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic fraternal service organization. Founded in the United States in 1882, it is named in honor of Christopher Columbus....
from October 24, 1945 to August 31, 1953.
Swift was born in Massachusetts and served as judge in Boston
Boston
Boston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. The city proper had...
for many years. After being elected the ninth Supreme Knight in 1945 Swift began a nationwide crusade against a perceived Communist threat to the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. President Harry Truman reportedly endorsed the effort and mentioned in a letter to Swift, that he hoped the entire membership "will join the crusade with zeal and enthusiasm".
President Truman further stated that "[O]ur goal must be to drive out of our American life every movement which aims to promote within our borders any form of totalitarianism or any subversive movement.".
A Manual for Discussion Groups was prepared by the Knights. Boston Auxiliary Bishop John J. Wright lauded that the manual was "an amazing production, profoundly thought-provoking and admirably condensed".
Personal life
Swift was named a Massachusetts Superior Court Justice in 1947. His wife Emily died at the age of fifty-nine at their home in MilfordMilford, Massachusetts
Milford is a town in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. It had a population of 27,999 at the 2010 census.For geographic and demographic information on the census-designated place Milford, constituting the center of the town, please see the article Milford ,...
on November 9, 1947 from a coronary thrombosis
Coronary thrombosis
Coronary thrombosis is a form of thrombosis affecting the coronary circulation. It is associated with stenosis subsequent to clotting. The condition is considered as a type of ischaemic heart disease.It can lead to a myocardial infarction...
following a long illness. It is not clear if they had any children.
In 1950, after a Special Audience with Pope Pius XII
Pope Pius XII
The Venerable Pope Pius XII , born Eugenio Maria Giuseppe Giovanni Pacelli , reigned as Pope, head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City State, from 2 March 1939 until his death in 1958....
, Swift instituted a fund for the purchase and construction of the last playground in Rome. Primavalle, a newly populated district, was chosen for the site. This playground was named Pius XII and dedicated and blessed by Cardinal Francis Spellman, Archbishop of New York, on June 7, 1952.
Reference
External links and sources
- The Americanist Vision Since 1932
- Website of the Knights of Columbus
- New York Times, Mrs. John E. Swift Obituary, November 10, 1947, page 29.