Knights of Columbus

A fraternal benefit society of Roman Catholic men, founded by Michael J. McGivney of New Haven, Connecticut, and chartered by the state of Connecticut in 1882. The organization is represented in every state of the USA and in Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and the Canal Zone. With more than 1.5 million members, affiliated through 5,000 subordinate councils and sixty-one state councils with its supreme council, it seeks to further charity, brotherhood, and patriotism. It has promoted war relief, disaster relief, parochial education, veterans' benefits, parish assistance, and historical studies, and it has lobbied for aid to parochial schools. It is also notable for its provision of insurance to protect the wife and children of each of its members.