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History of the Order
1874 |
1890 |
1900 |
1910 |
1920 |
1930 |
1940 |
1950 |
1960 |
1970 |
1980 |
1990 |
2000
- 1874-1881
- There are lots of rumors as to the organization that the Knights of Columbus were modeled after, Masons, Knights of Templar, Massachusetts Catholic Order of Foresters (M.C.O.F.), etc. The fact is that all of the incorporators of the Knights of Columbus belonged to the "Red Knights" except for Fr. McGivney and Fr. Patrick Lawlor. Another interesting fact is that James T. Mullen the first Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus was a former Supreme Knight of the Red Knights.
- The Red Knights emblem consisted of a Shield with the letter R.K. in the center. A Maltese like cross at each of its three corners. "Semper Fidelis" (Always Faithful) was along the bottom and the letters C, F, and U (Charity, Friendship, and Unity) were on a crown at the top.
- Fr. Michael J. McGivney's vision was to create a Fraternal Society of Catholic men in the state of Connecticut that would pay $5 per week for members who were sick and $1,000 dollar death benefit once the order reached 1,000 members.
- On October 2, 1881 the first meeting held at St. Mary's in New Haven, Connecticut led by Fr. Michael J. McGivney with about 80 men in attendance. The First Headquarters were at the Law Offices of Driscol and Asher.
- 1882
 On February 2nd the name, "Knights of Columbus", was adopted by the Supreme Council. The first Supreme Knight was James T. Mullen and the first Supreme Chaplain was Rev. Patrick Lawlor. Fr. Michael J. Mcgivney served as the first Supreme Corresponding Secretary.
- The Knights of Columbus is granted legal status as a corporation in the state of Connecticut on March 29th. Membership requirements were a Catholic Man between the age of 18 and 50. Motto was Charity and Unity.
- Council #1, named San Salvador, is formed in New Haven Connecticut on May 15th.
- 1883
- Council #2, Silver City, is formed in Meriden Connecticut -- May 16th.
- Council #3, Forest City, is formed in Middletown, Connecticut -- October 19th.
- 1884
- Council #4, Washington, is formed in Meriden Connecticut -- February 28th.
- On March 20th Pope Leo XIII issued the encyclical Humanum Genus on Freemasonary.
- On April 29th Fr. Michael J. McGivney becomes the 2nd Supreme Chaplain. He would serve in this capacity until his death in 1890.
- Council #6, Desoto, is formed in Cromwell, Connecticut -- May 30th
- Council #7, Freestone, is formed in Portland, Connecticut -- May 30th.
- Council #8, Santa Maria, is formed in New Haven, Connecticut -- June 23rd.
- Council #9, Genoa, is formed in Silver City, Connecticut -- June 30th.
- Council #10, El Dorado, is formed in Branford, Connecticut -- August 10th.
- Council #11, Green Cross, is formed in Hartford, Connecticut -- October 9th.
- Council #12, Ferdinand, is formed in New Britan, Connecticut -- December 29th.
- 1885
- Fraternity is added as the Third Principle of the Order.
- On May 3rd the Third Supreme Council meeting was held. The maximum age to join is dropped from 50 to 45.
- 1886
- John J. Phelan is elected the 2nd Supreme Knight on May 3rd and would serve until 1897.
- The Supreme Council meets on May 17th and changes the structure of the order from a Supreme Council and Supreme Committee to Board of Government and Board of Directors.
- 1888
- The Tyler Council is formed in Providence, Rhode Island on July 11th. This is the first council outside the state of Connecticut.
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