Knights of Columbus, Fraternity

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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.

On February 2, 1882 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 29, 1882. 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.

In 1885 Fraternity was added as the third principle and in 1900 Patriotism was added as the fourth and final principle of our order. Today we are the largest Catholic Fraternal Family Organization in the world with over 1.7 million members in 12,000+ Councils throughout the United States, Canada, Philippines, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, Bahamas, Virgin Islands, Guatemala, Guam, Saipan and Poland.

To join the order, as an associate member, a man must be a practicing Catholic and at least 18 years of age. Associate members, if qualified, may become an insurance member. We focus our activities in five program areas: Church, Community, Council, Family, and Youth