IKCC Knanaya Community Center, Stony Point, NY
Website: http://www.ikccny.com/our-centers

The Idea of obtaining a community center was discussed first by the executive committee of the IKCC in the year 1983. In its meeting Held on February 27, 1983 the members discussed the possibilities of establishing a Knanaya Cultural Center. The executive nominated Lukose Alancheril as the Chairman of the Registration committee to register the association as a charitable organization aiming the benefits for the future Knanaya Center, Old Age home etc. But as often happens it takes time to get things started. In 1990 a building committee was formed headed by Cyriac Thottam to explore the possibilities for getting a facility for the IKCC. IKCC was not able to take a huge financial burden at that time and postponed the building project proposed by Cyriac Thottam. In the year 1997 the leaders of the Knanaya Community of Rockland area learnt about the proposed sale of a 7.5 acers of land with a building (Church) which can accommodate 1200 people. This property is located at 370 Willow Grove rd., Letch worth, New York 10984, in the town of Haverstraw, Rockland County of New York which was leased by the Arch diocese of New York and was on the process of returning it to the State Government. The office bearers of the IKCC and Fr. Thomas Kottoor the then spiritual Director requested the Archdiocese to use their good offices to purchase the property for the Knanaya Community. The Archdiocese agreed to their request and helped them to purchase this prestigious property from the State Government for $300,000. The long cherished dream of the Knanaya Community to have a facility of their own has become a reality. Thanks to the Hard work and regular follow up of the IKCC Executive Committee led by Baby Uralil, C.T. Thomas Maliakal, Jose Chummar Korakudilil, Raju Mathai Pachikara and Chackochan Thayil Puthenpura. IKCC spiritual directors Fr. Micheal Nedumthuruthil and Fr. Abraham Kalarickal also took keen interest and helped to raise funds from the community members for the purchase of the center. It was decided to collect $2000 from each Family. The inauguration of the Knanaya Catholic Center was held on August 4th, 2001 along with the Silver Jubilee Celebration of IKCC. The purchase of this facility is a great boost and achievement for the IKCC. The center servers as visible symbol of Knanaya Community in this country. It will provide a better community spirit and unity by conducting programs for the children which will make them proud of their culture and heritage.