Founding of the Order

The Knights of Columbus was founded by Fr. Michael J. McGivney in 1882 at St. Mary's Parish in New Haven, Connecticut. As he explained to the small group of men assembled in the basement of the church in October 1881, his purpose in calling them together was manifold: to help Catholic men remain steadfast in their faith through mutual encouragement; to promote closer ties of fraternity among them; and to set up an elementary system of insurance so that the widows and children of the members of the group who might die would not find themselves in dire financial straits.

The founder and the first officers chose the name because they felt that as a Catholic group the organization should be named after Christopher Columbus, the Catholic discoverer of America. "Knights" was selected to signify that the membership embodied knightly ideals of spirituality and service to Church, country and fellowman.

From these humble beginnings, the Knights of Columbus has blossomed into an organization of 1.7 million Catholic men in over 12,000 councils who have dedicated themselves to the ideals of Columbianism: Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism.

Our council at St. James the Apostle Catholic Church in McDonough, Georgia was founded in June 1980 by local parishioners. This council has flourished and now has over 200 members, yet they still pursue the same ideals of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism.

As can be seen, this wide variety of activities makes Knighthood a good way to make a real difference in yourself, your family, your fellow Knights, your community and your church.

Sound Interesting?

Today we are looking for the next generation of Knights. We need men of character and conviction who are driven by both faith and conscience to do truly meaningful works. The tangible rewards for members are numerous, from scholarships for your sons and daughters to being able to participate in one of the leading insurance programs in the country.

To be considered for membership, you must be eighteen years of age and a practical Catholic in union with the Holy See.


If you would like to join now, please click on the "Join Now" link below.

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If you would need more information, please click on "More Info" link below.

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