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The Knights of Columbus was founded October 2, 1881 when the Parish [[Priest]] of the St. Mary's Catholic Church, Father Michael J. McGivney and several other Catholics from [[New Haven]], [[Connecticut]] met together to discus the current state of Catholics. At this time, Catholics were a minority and often treated as second-class citizens. Most Catholics were given menial jobs and did not have much money. When something happened to the man of the household, often the rest of the family would fall into destitution because of the loss of money and support. The idea of support for the survivors and a kind of insurance to help the widow came together as the Knights were formed.  

The Knights of Columbus was founded October 2, 1881 when the Parish [[Priest]] of the St. Mary's Catholic Church, Father Michael J. McGivney and several other Catholics from [[New Haven]], [[Connecticut]] met together to discus the current state of Catholics. At this time, Catholics were a minority and often treated as second-class citizens. Most Catholics were given menial jobs and did not have much money. When something happened to the man of the household, often the rest of the family would fall into destitution because of the loss of money and support. The idea of support for the survivors and a kind of insurance to help the widow came together as the Knights were formed.  

Initially, when a member died, each of the other members would contribute one dollar toward the "beneficiary" up to $1,000 (a large sum of money for the time). On  March 29, 1882, the Knights of Columbus officially came to pass when the fraternity became officially incorporated. The formation of the Knights of Columbus also had a beneficial side effect for the members. Because it was forbidden in Can. 1374 of the Code of Canon Law<ref>http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P53.HTM</ref> for Catholics to part of other fraternities (e.g., the [[Freemasons]]. note: Freemasons did not object to Catholics joining their ranks), it provided a viable alternative.<ref>http://www.kofc.org/un/eb/en/about/history/index.html</ref>

Initially, when a member died, each of the other members would contribute one dollar toward the "beneficiary" up to $1,000 (a large sum of money for the time). On  March 29, 1882, the Knights of Columbus officially came to pass when the fraternity became officially incorporated. The formation of the Knights of Columbus also had a beneficial side effect for the members. Because it was forbidden in Can. 1374 of the Code of Canon Law<ref>http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P53.HTM</ref> for Catholics to join other fraternities <ref>Such as the [[Freemasons]]; it should be noted that the Freemasons had no prohibition against Catholics joining their ranks.</ref>, it provided a viable alternative.<ref>http://www.kofc.org/un/eb/en/about/history/index.html</ref>

In recent history, the Knights of Columbus has supported the victims of [[Hurricane Katrina]] and has donated over $10 million USD to the reconstruction/support cause. In November 2007, the order donated over $1 million USD worth of wheelchairs to veterans at four [[Veterans Affairs]] hospitals.<ref>http://www.forbes.com/prnewswire/feeds/prnewswire/2007/11/09/prnewswire200711091200PR_NEWS_USPR_____DC07021.html</ref>

In recent history, the Knights of Columbus has supported the victims of [[Hurricane Katrina]] and has donated over $10 million USD to the reconstruction/support cause. In November 2007, the order donated over $1 million USD worth of wheelchairs to veterans at four [[Veterans Affairs]] hospitals.<ref>http://www.forbes.com/prnewswire/feeds/prnewswire/2007/11/09/prnewswire200711091200PR_NEWS_USPR_____DC07021.html</ref>