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ABOUT THE K. OF C.
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History of the Knights of Columbus
"On March 29, 1882, the General Assembly of the State of Connecticut granted the charter to the Knights of Columbus "for the purpose of rendering material aid and assistance to its members and their families." For Fr. Michael McGivney, curate of the St. Mary's Church in New Have, it marked the fulfillment of his vision to unite Catholic men in a society through which they might advance the ideals of their faith.
On January 9, 1882, Fr. McGivney assembled a group of men from his parish and described his vision of his fraternal society. His objectives were to provide a system of fraternal insurance that will provide for the widows and children of its members, to provide fellowship among its members, to perform charitable, educational, and patriotic works for the benefit of all in their community and their nation.
On February 6, 1882, the name "Knights of Columbus" was chosen and the application sent to the state of Connecticut for a charter. The founders of the Order felt that the name of the new organization should relate to the Catholic discover of America to emphasize that Catholics helped discover, explore and colonize the North American continent and that they should embody knightly ideals of service to Church, country and fellow citizens. The title "Knights of Columbus" was adopted over the original proposed "Sons of Columbus".
As the new fraternal organization began to grow, other councils were granted charters throughout the New England states. By the end of the century, new councils were being formed all across the United States and "columbianism" was flourishing."
(from the Knights of Columbus website)
History of the Knights of Columbus 
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