Knights of Columbus Exemplification of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity

The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic fraternal service organization. Founded by Michael J. McGivney in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1882, it was named in honor of the explorer Christopher Columbus. Originally serving as a mutual benefit society to working-class and immigrant Catholics in the United States, it developed into a fraternal benefit society dedicated to providing charitable services, including war and disaster relief, actively defending Catholicism in various nations, and promoting Catholic education. The Knights also support the Catholic Church's positions on public policy issues, including various political causes, and are participants in the New Evangelization.

The order is dedicated to the principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. An exemplification ceremony, by which a man joins the order, explicates the virtues of charity, unity, and fraternity. He is said to be a Third Degree, a full member, upon completion of the Exemplification.

KofC Father Patrick J. Ryan Council 610 has been serving the Chattanooga area for over a century. We regularly volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics, Catholic Charities, and wherever else we can assist in the community. We host our business meetings the second Monday of each month and have regular members socials.

To join, one must be a practical Catholic male over the age of 18 in union with the Holy See. Fees and dues for the first year are $40 and an optional $10 for a Camp Columbus keycard. Subsequent annual dues are $30 and the optional $10 Camp Columbus keycard.
Benefits include your own keycard and unlimited access to Father Patrick J. Ryan Clubhouse, your own keycard and unlimited access to Camp Columbus, discounted facility rental at Father Patrick J. Ryan Hall, and access to our award-winning insurance.

Candidates should arrive at 12:30PM and gather in the vestibule. The Exemplification will begin at 1PM followed by a reception at Father Patrick J. Ryan Hall located at 313 Sylvan St.

All are welcome to attend both the Exemplification and the reception.