Who We Are
In 1882, Blessed Michael McGivney, a young parish priest in New Haven, Connecticut, founded the Knights of Columbus to serve the needs of a largely immigrant Catholic community. What began as a small fraternal benefit society has since grown into the world’s premier lay Catholic men’s organization, with more than 2 million members in over 16,600 local councils. Based on its principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism, the Knights of Columbus is committed to strengthening Catholic families and parishes, and to practicing faith in action through service to all in need.
Council 1101 was established in Jackson in 1906, and has served the parish and community ever since.
"The Knights of Columbus stand forth as a shining example of the role of the laity in the life of the Church."
- Pope St. John Paul II
Our 4 Core Principles
Charity
Members of the Knights of Columbus show love for their neighbors by caring for those in need. Knights recognize that our mission, and our faith in God, compels us to action. There is no better way to experience love and compassion than by helping others, a call we answer every day.
Unity
Members of the Knights of Columbus all know that – together – we can accomplish far more than any of us could apart. As a Knight of Columbus, you can count on the support and encouragement of your brother Knights as you work to make life better in your parish and community.
Fraternity
The Knights of Columbus was founded to provide assistance to the widows and children left behind when the family breadwinner died – often prematurely. The Order’s top-rated insurance program continues to do this today, as do the good works of individual Knights, who gave 75.6 million service hours in 2017.
Patriotism
Members of the Knights of Columbus, be they Americans, Canadians, Mexicans, Cubans, Filipinos, Poles, or Dominicans, are patriotic citizens. We are proud of our devotion to God and country and believe in standing up for both. The Knights remind the world that Catholics support their nations and are amongst the greatest citizens.
Our 4 Promises
The Knights of Columbus of the State of Tennessee makes four promises to its members:
1. We will help all men grow closer in their relationship with Jesus Christ.
2. We will provide opportunities for all Catholic men to serve Christ in His Church.
3. We will provide opportunities for all Catholic men to serve those most in need in their community in the name of Christ.
4. We will help ensure no Catholic family experiences unnecessary financial hardship due to the loss of a primary breadwinner or an underfunded retirement plan.