Late-19th century Connecticut was marked by the growing prevalence of fraternal benefit societies, hostility toward Catholic immigrants and dangerous working conditions in factories that left many families fatherless. Recognizing a vital, practical need in his community, Father Michael J. McGivney, the 29-year-old assistant pastor of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Conn., gathered a group of men at his parish on Oct. 2, 1881.
He proposed establishing a lay organization, the goal of which would be to prevent Catholic men from entering secret societies whose membership was antithetical to Church teaching, to unite men of Catholic faith and to provide for the families of deceased members.
As a symbol that allegiance to their country did not conflict with allegiance to their faith, the organization’s members took as their patron Christopher Columbus — recognized as a Catholic and celebrated as the discoverer of America. Thanks to Father McGivney’s persistence, the Knights of Columbus elected officers in February 1882 and officially assumed corporate status on March 29.
Since that time the Knights of Columbus has grown to an organization of more than 2 million members throughout the world who support the four key principles of the order: Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism.
The Knights of Columbus council in Two Rivers was chartered in 1919 as the Mother of Hope Council. Since our founding 100 years ago, the members of the council has demonstrated service to the community, to our faith, and to our country. Additionally, many member of the council serve in vital roles throughout the organization and through other roles in the community.
Our council continues to seek Catholic men interested in becoming part of something more than themselves, those that seek to live their Catholic faith through their interactions in the community. If your are interested please contact us through the Contact tab on the home page.
Mother of Good Hope Council 1957 Knights of Columbus 