On 29 March 1882, in the state of Connecticut, Reverend Michael J. McGivney, James T. Mullen, Cornelius T. Driscoll, Dr. M.C. O’Connor, Daniel Colwell, William M. Geary, and John T. Kerrigan were officially incorporated and chartered as the Knights of Columbus. Begun for the purpose of promoting the Catholic faith and providing financial aid and charity to families of deceased members, the Knights would quickly spread to other states.

These men chose the name Knights of Columbus to emphasize the Catholic connection to the history of the America’s from the time of Columbus to today and to emphasize that as Knights the men would exemplify the ideals of service to faith, country, and humanity.

Today there are more than 1.7 million members in 13,000 councils in more than thirteen countries. There are nearly 200 councils on college campuses. The Knights have given over one billion dollars to charity over the last ten years and over 68 million hours of service.

More information on the Knights.