Knights of Columbus

By Deane Barker

This is Catholic men’s order devoted to community service. It was founded in 1882. It donates and provides services to people and organizations in alignment with Catholic principles.

In addition to providing membership, the Knights is a life insurance company, available to members of the order and their families. It also provides a money management service. (Much like Thrivent does for Lutherans).

Unlike the Jesuits, membership in the Knights simply requires someone to be a male of at least 18 years who is a practicing Catholic. A prospective member applies to a local chapter (there at 16,000 of them around the world; there are 80 in South Dakota alone, including four in Sioux Falls), and the application is voted on.

Why I Looked It Up

Someone brought it up in a meeting, in reference to a meeting location.

I remember a couple times in the past going to events at a Knights of Columbus facility in Sioux Falls (I can’t remember which one – honestly, I didn’t know there was more than one).

I went to a wedding once at a KoC hall, and I have a vague memory of there being a bar in or near one where I got a beer on my 18th birthday (by telling them it was by 21st).

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