History

On Oct. 2, 1881, a group of men met in the basement of St. Mary’s  Church on Hillhouse Avenue in New Haven. Called together by their  29-year-old parish priest, Father Michael J. McGivney,  these men formed a fraternal society that would one day become the  world’s largest Catholic family fraternal service organization.

They sought strength in solidarity, and security through unity of  purpose and devotion to a holy cause: they vowed to be defenders of  their country, their families and their faith.

These men were bound together by the ideal of Christopher  Columbus, the discoverer of the Americas, the one whose hand brought  Christianity to the New World. Their efforts came to fruition with the  incorporation of the Knights of Columbus on March 29, 1882.

They were Knights of Columbus.

The Order has been called "the strong right arm of the Church,"  and has been praised by popes, presidents and other world leaders, for  support of the Church, programs of evangelization and Catholic  education, civic involvement and aid to those in need.

Father McGivney’s founding vision for the Order also included a  life insurance program to provide for the widows and orphans of deceased  members. The Order’s insurance program has expanded substantially to  serve more effectively the Knights’ growing membership.

Year after year, the Knights of Columbus has earned the highest  possible quality ratings for financial soundness from outside ratings  agencies. The Order provides the highest quality insurance, annuity and  long-term care products to its members, along with many other fraternal  benefits.

The Supreme Council is the governing body of the Knights of  Columbus and is responsible for the development of the organization as a  whole. Supreme Council duties include establishing the Order in new  regions and setting up regional authorities, defining and advancing its  values and goals, undertaking organization-wide initiatives, promoting  awareness of the Knights’ mission worldwide, and protecting the families  of members through its extensive insurance program. Members working in  local, or subordinate councils, however, carry on the majority of the  Knights’ beneficial work.