<P> The Knights of Columbus is the world 's largest Catholic fraternal service organization . Founded by Father Michael J. McGivney in New Haven , Connecticut , in 1882 , it was named in honor of the explorer Christopher Columbus . Originally serving as a mutual benefit society to working class and immigrant Catholics in the United States , it developed into a fraternal benefit society dedicated to providing charitable services , including war and disaster relief , actively defending Catholicism in various nations , and promoting Catholic education . The Knights also support the Catholic Church 's positions on public policy issues . They have been active in resisting efforts at same - sex marriage and adoption . </P>
<P> The Knights of Columbus is the world 's largest Catholic fraternal service organization . Founded by Father Michael J. McGivney in New Haven , Connecticut , in 1882 , it was named in honor of the explorer Christopher Columbus . Originally serving as a mutual benefit society to working class and immigrant Catholics in the United States , it developed into a fraternal benefit society dedicated to providing charitable services , including war and disaster relief , actively defending Catholicism in various nations , and promoting Catholic education . The Knights also support the Catholic Church 's positions on public policy issues . They have been active in resisting efforts at same - sex marriage and adoption . </P>
where did the knights of columbus get their name
where did the knights of columbus get their name
explorer Christopher Columbus
explorer Christopher Columbus