Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson

The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic family fraternal service organization with 1.6 million members. It provides members and their families with volunteer opportunities in service to the Catholic Church, their communities, families and young people.

As a member of the Knights of Columbus, you and your family enjoy many benefits, including 12 free issues annually of the Columbia magazine, the world's largest Catholic family magazine.

Members are eligible to join the Knights of Columbus top-ranked life insurance program, and many more family and personal benefits.

The major benefit for those members of the Glenmary Council is the sharing and intertwining with the parishioners of the six area churches that covers three southwest Virginia counties. We visit the elderly at retirement facilities, we have knights that visit prisons, and we are very active with the Special Olympics along with major church activities.

Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to practicing Catholic men in union with the Holy See, who are at least 18 years old. A practicing Catholic is one who lives up to the Commandments of God and the precepts of the Church. Application blanks are available from any member of the Knights of Columbus or Contact Anthony Willis (Membership Director, Past Grand Knight, Former District Deputy) for details or send e-mail to the Membership Director

Any Third Degree member in good standing, one year after the anniversary of his First Degree, is eligible for membership in the Fourth Degree. The primary purpose of the Fourth Degree is to foster the spirit of patriotism by promoting responsible citizenship and a love of and loyalty to the Knights' respective countries through active membership in local Fourth Degree groups (called "assemblies"). Certain members of the 4th Degree serve as honor guards at civic and religious functions.

Christian Brother Barnabas McDonald (1865-1929), established the first Circle of Columbian Squires in 1925. Membership in the Squires is for Catholic boys ages 12 to 17. Squires' activities are many, varying from spiritual to active service for the Church and community. Each circle elects officer members from their own rank, teaching skills of leadership and responsibility.