History of the Knights of Columbus

Connecticut in the late 19th century saw the growth of fraternal benefit societies, anti-Catholic prejudice, and dangerous factory conditions that often left families without fathers. Father Michael J. McGivney, a young assistant pastor at St. Mary's Church in New Haven, saw a need in his community and gathered a group of men from his parish on October 2, 1881. He proposed establishing a lay organization to prevent Catholic men from entering secret societies contrary to Church teachings, uniting Catholic men, and helping families of deceased members.

To demonstrate their loyalty to their country as well as their faith, these men took Christopher Columbus, who was known for being Catholic and for discovering the America's, as their patron. The Knights of Columbus elected officers in February 1882 and assumed corporate status on March 29.

In addition to the Order’s benefits, Catholic men were drawn to the Knights because of its emphasis on serving one’s Church, community, and family with virtue. Fraternity and patriotism were added to the Knights’ founding principles of charity and unity in 1885 and 1900.