The venerable history of the Knights of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus was officially chartered on March 29, 1882, as a fraternal benefit society. The Order upholds its founding principles of Charity, Unity and Fraternity. The Knights of Columbus renders financial aid and other assistance to sick, disabled and needy members and their families. The organization promotes social and intellectual fellowship through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief, and public relief works.

Great Growth, Great Success

The Knights of Columbus has grown from just a few members in one council to 15,342 councils and 1.9 million members in the United States and throughout the world. Its charitable activities encompass an almost infinite variety of local, national and international projects. These include partnerships with Special Olympics, the Global Wheelchair Mission, Habitat for Humanity, Food for Families, Coats for Kids, and more.  In 2016, the Knights of Columbus made charitable donations of $177.5 million, and its members volunteered more than 75 million hours of service.

Fourth Degree Knights of columbus

They are the Knights on Main Street, the men you probably envision when someone says Knights of Columbus to you. They’re present in their distinct regalia at civic and Church events, acting as honor guards and color corps, or standing in respect at the funerals of members or during adoration of the Eucharist. But there is more to being a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus than a uniform. They are the men who have chosen to embrace the Order’s fourth principle of patriotism, the men who lead the efforts to reach out to veterans and active military and to embody the fact that one can be a faithful Catholic and also be a faithful citizen.

When the Knights of Columbus was founded in 1882, three principles united its members: charity, unity and fraternity. At that time people feared that members of the Catholic faith owed their entire allegiance to the Church and could not be trusted as citizens of their country. Patriotism was added to the Order’s principles in 1900, based on the idea that Knights are loyal to both God and country. Members who wish to live out patriotism together can join “the Fourth Degree.” Members of this degree have the special honor of holding the title “Sir Knight,” participating in color and honor guards and organizing programs that promote Catholic citizenship. They also become part of a Fourth Degree Assembly in their area. There are more than 3,500 Fourth Degree assemblies around the world. If you are interested in joining our Assembly, please contact Ken Birch (Faithful Navigator) at 318-426-2886  or kenbirch@comcast.net.

Affordable Protection for Catholic Families

The Knights of Columbus offers a complete portfolio of top-quality insurance products to its members and their eligible family members. This includes permanent life insurance, term life insurance, retirement annuities, long-term care insurance, and disability income insurance. In addition, the Knights of Columbus provides many other services to members and their families, including survivor benefits, fraternal benefits, personalized financial analysis service, and end-of-life planning.