The Knights of Columbus was founded by Father Michael J. McGivney as a mutual aid society to help Catholics who could not get help from social service agencies due to discrimination against Catholics during that time. Initially meeting in 1881 it was incorporated in New Haven, Connecticut in 1882. Father McGivney named the organization "Sons of Columbus" which was later changed to Knights of Columbus to reflect the ritualistic nature of the new organization and which drew from positive historical associations. In taking Columbus as their patron, the founders expressed their belief that not only could Catholics be full members of American society, they were instrumental in its foundation. Since it founding in 1882, the initiation ceremonies for the first three degrees of Knights membership focused on the principles of charity, unity and fraternity. They are separate and open to members only.
In 1899 the Fourth Degree was added with its own symbolic dress as a means to create a form of hierarchy and recognition for senior members. The Color Guard is the most distinctive feature of the 4th degree and is present in ceremonies and church events. In 1900 the 4th Degree uniform consisted of white ties, top hats and tails. In 1940 the plumed chapeau, tuxedo, cape and sword were adopted. The Blue Blazer and Beret were adopted in 2017.
St. Thomas More Church was started in June 1981. Thomas More was chosen because, since he was a lawyer, his name would reflect the large number of Kansas State University professionals associated with the parish at that time. On July 1, 1981, Father Loren Werth was appointed pastor and Sister Paulette Hake was appointed as the pastoral associate. The parish serves the Northwest part of Manhattan and is located on Kimball Avenue. Ground breaking for the Parish Hall was April 1982 followed by ground breaking for the Sanctuary and education wing in April 1989. The parish has grown from 190 families to approximately 900 families. The community center was added in April 2006, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the parish.
The Knights of Columbus council was chartered in 1983 and has been active in serving the needs of the parish through acts of charity. Monthly breakfasts, Honor Guard, highway cleanup and a myriad of other charitable and social activities have made the Knights an integral part of the parish and community.
Father Michael J. McGivney was Beatified on October 31, 2020 in New Haven, Connecticut. This is the step before sainthood and he will be referred to as Blessed Michael J. McGivney. His Beatification can be viewed at the following link: https://catholicreview.org/watch-livestream-of-the-beatification-of-father-michael-mcgivney/.