A fraternal benefit society for Catholic men founded by Venerable Michael James McGivney, and incorporated in New Haven, Connecticut in 1882, for the purpose of developing a practical Catholicity among its members, of promoting Catholic education and clarity, and of furnishing at least temporary financial aid to the families of deceased members, by means of its insurance department. The order grew rapidly and is established in every one of the United States, in Mexico, Cuba, Panama, the Philippines, Newfoundland, and Canada. Subordinate and State councils are governed by the Supreme Council, the legislative body of the order, and by the Board of Directors, the executive body. The society publishes Columbia, a monthly magazine of general interest, and many of the councils have their individual publications. The charitable accomplishments of the Knights of Columbus include beds endowed in Catholic hospitals, seholarships provided in Catholic colleges, the maintenance of free employment bureaus, distinguished services during the World War, the foundation of a chair in American History at the Catholic University of America, etc. For more information, see their web site.