The Knights of Columbus was founded in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1882 in the basement of St. Mary's Catholic Church by Father Michael J. McGivney and a handful of Catholic laymen who made their living off the unforgiving sea. The aim of the founder and those first members was to set up a parish-based lay organization that offered a means of support for the families of fishermen should the husband perish at sea. Today every member of the society can benefit from the variety of policy and savings plans available to members and their families if they avail themselves to these benefits. Both A. M.Best Co. and Standard & Poor's rate K of C insurance "Superior" A++ and AAA, respectively - their highest designations.
"Protecting Families for Generations" is a motto that captures the Knights' adherence to the legacy of its founder and fidelity to his vision
From one council we have grown to nearly 11,000 councils in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Panama, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Guatemala, Guam and Saipan.
Membership is nearly 1.6 million dues-paying members plus their families -approximately 4.5 million people total.
A member is considered a Knight after receiving the First Degree. Once a member becomes a Third degree Knight he can run for an office in the local council. He also becomes eligable to join the Fourth Degree. The degree ceremonials exemplify, in turn, the Order's lessons of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism.
The Knights of Columbus gave well over 50 million hours in volunteer personal service to the Catholic Church, community projects and youth programs in 1999, while contributing more than $106 million to such causes.
Since their early days the Knights of Columbus have been actively concerned for the welfare of youth. The organization stands second to none in its commitment to and involvement with youths individually or collectively though organizations. In addition to sponsoring the Columbian Squires,"Partnership with Youth" is the theme that motivates ongoing programs in local and state councils. Boy Scout units, C.Y.O. sponsorship, C.C.D. training, Little Leagues, Big Brothers, 4-H Clubs and many others have been assisted financially and by manpower donated by the Knights
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