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of Military and Organizations as Photographed by Joyce M. Tice Knights of Columbus
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| This international, fraternal and benevolent organization is for Roman
Catholic men. It was founded in New Haven in 1882. Because of the consistent
opposition of the Popes against secret societies, Catholic men were unable to
join the fraternal organizations popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The
objective of this organization was originally to give "mutual aid and assistance
to its members and their families." Unlike many other of the fraternal
organizations, it has not declined in membership having 1,235,000 members in
1978. Membership is limited to males over eighteen. For those younger than that
the KC sponsors Columbian Squires. The K of C excludes women, but not
non-Caucasians as many other fraternal organizations do. There is no associated
women's group, but Daughters of Isabella has sometimes been considered one.
Following the example of Freemasonry, which set the example for most fraternal
orders, it has degree rituals, signs and passwords but no oath of secrecy.
Members are asked to keep the ritual secrets, but to conform to the opposition
of a long series of Popes to secret societies, no oath is required. The motto of
the K of C is "Charity, Unity, Fraternity, Patriotism." Of the symbols in its
insignia the anchor refers to Columbus sailing the seas, while the sword, axe
and armor refer to the elements of knighthood.
(Source: Greenwood Encyclopedia of .... Fraternal Organizations, Alvin J. Schmidt, Greenwood Press, 1980, pp 176-178) |
Note from a Guest:
Hi Joyce:
The letters TFMM are actually the initials of the Latin watchwords of the
Knights of Columbus. You'll find them on the backs of old K. of C. watch fobs.
I'd tell you what they are, but than I'd be violating my pledge of secrecy!
Sorry!
All kidding aside, I'm a fraternal orders historian and a frequent contributor to the Masonic Museum's site. Check it out at www.phoenixmasonry.org. They have an excellent selection of information on the different orders. I've contributed histories of the Catholic, Jewish, and temperance orders on the site.
Denis McGowan
Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus
Historian- Ancient Order of Hibernian
Subj: TFMM
Date: 9/4/2002 1:28:52 AM Eastern Daylight Time
From:
To: JoyceTice@aol.com
The Knights of Columbus letters Stand for TEMPUS FUGET MEMENTO MORI. Time Flies; Remember [that you] Will Die. I suppose It could br translated as "remember death".
Snarf
March 2007 -- The F.T.M.M. insignia you asked about on the Knights of Columbus Flag actually is T.F.M.M.
Tempus Fugit. Memento Mori
" Time Flies, Remember Death " ( That we all die )
Sincerely,
SK Jeff Rhodes
Deputy Grand Knight
Murrieta Mission Council # 11393
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for wear, but is included as I only found one |
The initials T. F. M. M. See above for explanation |
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Joyce M. Tice [March 2012]
GREAT SITE Helped me identify a few I have seen here in new England K of C has a nicer looking metal one from English Company in New York Sending a recent picture from 2012 I’m looking for a Ancient order of Hibernians marker Common in 1900 – 1930’s I HAVE HEARD IT’S A SHAMROCK SHAPE WITH A O H AND A Div # or name I have yet to find one but have a lead for one in a near by town Have you ever seen one ? Kevin carroll
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