James Terrance Mullen (August 30, 1843 – July 6, 1891) was the first Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus from February 2, 1882 to May 17, 1886. He also served in the New Haven, Connecticut police and Fire Departments, and as an alderman. With his service in the Union Army and in several fraternal orders, he has been described as "veteran of fraternity." Personal life Mullen was born in New Haven, Connecticut, U.S. on August 30, 1843, and attended the public schools there. He married Anne Elizabeth Pigott, the sister of Congressman James P. Pigott. They had one son. His nephew, William P. Cronan, served as the 19th Naval Governor of Guam. Early career Knights of Columbus Mullen was one of the original members of the Knights of Columbus. He joined on February 2, 1882. When Father Michael McGivney first conceived of creating the Order, he proposed the name the Sons of Columbus. Mullen instead suggested using Knights instead of Sons to better exemplify the ritualistic nature of the nascent organization. Mullen credited McGivney's "indomitable will" for the success of the Order. As Supreme Knight, he installed the officers of other councils, including Silver City Council No. 2 on May 16, 1883, in Meriden, Connecticut. On the train ride to Meriden, Mullen assigned Daniel Colwell the responsibility of devising the installation ceremony. As Supreme Knight, Mullen supported the expansion of the Order outside of Connecticut, a contentious issue at the time. Colwell and Mullen joined McGivney in presenting the ceremonials of the Order to Bishop Lawrence McMahon of the Diocese of Hartford to ensure they were acceptable for a Catholic organization. Enthusiasm for the degree work led to calls to create a fourth degree, and Mullen supported creating a fifth. With two councils established, Mullen presided over the Supreme Convention on June 15, 1883. At this convention he was appointed to a committee of one to design an emblem for the Order. At a later convention, he was appointed to a committee to draft a resolution honoring Fr. McGivney. In 1886, Mullen was re-elected Supreme Knight, but declined the appointment on May 17, 1886. He did, however, accept the newly created position of Director General of Ceremonies, a position he held until his death in 1891. Other fraternal activities In 1874, Mullen suggested the creation of a social organization that came to be known as the Red Knights. He