KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS. The Knights of Columbus is a fraternal beneficiary society organized under a special charter granted by the State of Connecticut, 29 March 1882. It is open only to male Catholics, whose pastors testify that they practice their religion, and receives insurance members from age 18 to 50; associate or non-insured members are re ceived from age 21 and upward. Its system of insurance is based upon the Fraternal-American Table of Mortality and was prepared by David Parks Fackler, ex-president and one of the founders of the Actuarial Society of America.
The insurance is based on a combination step rate — level rate plan, with very moderate advances every five years from entry to age 55, thereafter on a 15-year level rate with fully paid-up at age 70, with optional selection from age 55 of either Level Whole Life Plan with full insurance in force, or Economic Plan with reducing insurance after age 60; with paid-up and extended insurance and credits allowable toward payment of assessments after payment for specified time on level rates, all based on competent actuarial computation of the highest order. The Order has in force 1 April 1918 insurance certificates of $132,344,151.33. Its reserve fund amounts to $8,532,967.89. Ratio of assets to liabilities (calculation made as of 31 Dec. 1917) 132.35 per cent. Mortality rate for the year 1917, 7.7 members per thousand. Insurance certificates issued for one, two and three thousand dollars. The order has now been established in every State and territory of Continental United States, every province of the Dominion of Canada, in Newfoundland, Alaska, the Philippines, Cuba, Porto Rico, Mexico, the Canal Zone and Panama.
In addition to the insurance features it is devoted to the promotion and protection of Catholic interests and the interest of Catholic men and women. Has the commendation of
the entire Catholic Hierarchy, and special commendation from several popes. Endowed at $50,000 a chair of American History at the Catholic University of America. Later en dowed at $500,000 fifty perpetual free scholar ships at same institution. Aims to propagate Catholic doctrine from platform and by liter ature; publishes monthly a 24-page magazine known as The Columbiad; has issued special editions of
Has no oath, only obligation of secrecy. Four degrees of ceremonial teaching charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism. Has con ducted propaganda by lecturers throughout the United States and Canada against Socialism for three years. Organized a Commission on Reli gious Prejudices to combat the spirit of bigotry through platform and publications, by setting forth, in answer, the Catholic position and endeavoring to promote a spirit of fraternity among citizens of all races and creeds. Sub ordinate body known ascouncil; governing body, supreme council. Chief officers known as supreme. Representative form of government. Laws forbid activity in politics and excludes from membership those in liquor business. No affiliation with any other society.