The Knights of Columbus was founded by Blessed Father Michael J. McGivney and six members of St. Mary's Church, New Haven, Connecticut. He saw the need for an organization to serve the Church and the Parish Community. The Bemidji Knights of Columbus Council #1544 was chartered in 1911. The basic principles set forth by the Knights of Columbus are:  Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism.

 Men today need a band of brothers- other Catholic men - to share the call to live with purpose and meaning, a call to lead and to protect, to serve and defend. The Bemidji Council consists of approximately 240 members donating time and treasure to our families, our parish and diocese, and the community. You are invited to see the charities impacted by the work of the Knights – visit our website for complete information.

Major benefactors are Seminarians, St Philip’s School, NW Pregnancy Care Center, Bemidji Food Shelf, FOCUS missionaries, and Global Wheelchair initiative. Through the Knights of Columbus Walleye Classic (Previously the Kraus Anderson Walleye Classic) the premier one-day fishing tournament on Lake Bemidji, the KC’s and this tournament has raised over $1,250,000 for our charities. See the kcwalleyeclassic.com for more information.

Our council meets at 6PM the 3rd Thursday of each month, excluding July and August. Our meetings usually are preceded by Mass and a meal. Meetings are held at St. Philip's Social Hall. For more information about membership or the Knights of Columbus in general, you are encouraged to click this link https://info.kofc.org/us.html or call Financial Secretary, Joe Bofferding (218) 556-0651.
 
John Marcum
 Grand Knight
 (320) 293-4515