Late-19th century Connecticut was marked by anti-Catholic prejudice and dangerous factory conditions that left many families fatherless. Recognizing a need, 29-year-old Father Michael McGivney gathered a group of men at his parish on Oct. 2, 1881. 

His vision: a lay-led group to unite Catholic men and help families of deceased members. 

To demonstrate their patriotism as well as their faith, the first Knights took Christopher Columbus — regarded as an American hero, despite his Catholicism — as their namesake. Their founding principles were charity and unity (fraternity and patriotism would be added later). 

The Knights of Columbus assumed corporate status on March 29, 1882, an anniversary our Order recognizes as Founder’s Day. 

1919-1960

Bold Service at Home and Abroad

The years after World War I and through the Great Depression saw the Knights continuing to make a name for themselves with charitable work, as well anti-defamation education in the face of rising Ku Klux Klan and nativist campaigns. 

In the early 1930s, the Knights also responded to the growing threat of atheistic communism in Europe by organizing anti-communism rallies and sponsoring educational programs to combat the ideology. 

In the post-war era, the Knights of Columbus initiated a campaign for the public adoption of the phrase “under God” in the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance. Their efforts came to fruition in 1954 under President Dwight D. Eisenhower.  

1961-1999

Meeting the Needs of a Modern World

The early 1960s marked a period of transformation and upheaval for the Church and society.  

At the 1966 Supreme Convention, Supreme Knight John W. McDevitt said it was time to see the Order as more than just “a fortress” for its members in a world hostile to the Catholic faith. In revising its admission policies and supporting several social justice initiatives, the Order took positive steps to eliminate racial discrimination.  

During this time, the Order’s insurance program began a period of dramatic growth, tripling the amount of insurance in force from $1 billion to $3 billion from 1960 to 1975. 

Finally, with the Knights’ support, the Archdiocese of Hartford officially opened the cause for Father McGivney’s canonization in 1997.  

2000-Present

First in Faith and Charity

The Knights of Columbus stepped into the new millennium with resolve to continue living out its mission of faith and charity. 

From delivering supplies in the wake of wildfires and hurricanes, to serving victims of war in Ukraine, the Order has become adept at responding to natural and humanitarian disasters. Other charitable work includes advocating for persecuted Christians in the Middle East, providing over 2,000 ultrasound machines to pregnancy centers and much more. 

2020 brought both challenges and rejoicing, with Father McGivney’s beatification on Oct. 31 of that year. The Knights of Columbus emerged from the pandemic era fully committed to bringing Blessed Michael McGivney’s mission to life in a changing world.