The very first meeting for the Knights of Columbus was advertised in a New Haven newspaper back in 1882.
“The first meeting of those interested in the Catholic organization known as the Knights of Columbus was held in St. Mary’s church Monday evening, and was presided over by James T. Mullen, T. J. Coffee acting as secretary. About sixty were present. A discussion occurred relative to the by-laws of the organization, and it was left to a committee of five to settle and report at the next meeting. Persons will be admitted to membership between eighteen and forty-five years. Another meeting takes place in two weeks.”
The Knights of Columbus is born on Feb. 6, 1882, when the first members choose Columbus as their patron. Immediately after the Order’s March 29 incorporation, Father McGivney sends the first diocesan-wide appeal for new members to his fellow priests.
