The History of the Knights

The Knights of Columbus was founded by Father Michael J. McGivney in New Haven, Connecticut in 1882, and named in honor of the explorer Christopher Columbus. As of September, 2018 there are more than 15,000 councils and approximately 2 million members in the United States, and throughout the world. The good works of the organization are centered on the core principals of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism.

Father McGivney’s Vision

In the winter of 1882, in the basement of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Connecticut, Father McGivney gathered the men of his parish to solve an all too common problem. Many Catholics were working and living in unfavorable conditions, and were tragically dying young, leaving behind little money for their families. By establishing the Knights of Columbus, Father McGivney started a “pass-the-hat” insurance program to protect these parish families. Over time, this system evolved into our multi-billion dollar, top-rated insurance program. Members in the United States and Canada have exclusive access to our life insurance, retirement annuities, long-term care insurance, and disability income insurance.