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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) |
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
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
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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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| Introduction on Flagholder Section | Warning on Sale of Cemetery Memorabilia | Obtaining Present Day Flagholders |
Published On Tri-Counties Site On 06/05/2003 By Joyce M. Tice Email: JoyceTice@aol.com You are the visitor since the counter was installed on 05 JUNE 2003 |
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