The Knights of Columbus were organized in 1882 by Fr. Michael McGivney in New Haven, Connecticut to help Catholic men remain steadfast in their faith, provide assistance to the families of his parish that were discriminated against because of their ancestry and their religion, and to help families whose husbands and fathers had died.

In 1903, Leo Council #727 was chartered in Emporia, Kansas. Leo Council was the 727th council chartered in the United States. Today there are over 15,000 councils worldwide. The Emporia council has approximately 250 members.

In the 1920's Fr. Juan Padilla Assembly of the 4th Degree was chartered in Emporia. Later deactivated, it was reactivated in 2007. The 4th degree has over 50 members, the Assembly includes Emporia, Pilsen, Olpe and Burlington.

The Knights of Columbus are founded on four principles: Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism. Charity is the first principle. Through our works we give back to many needy people: the Disaster Relief Fund, the Tootsie Roll Drive for the mentally challenged and Birthright. We provide the funds for the Papal Mass satellite uplink at Christmas.

Unity is the second principle. We unite to help our priests, adopt seminarians and provide monetary assistance and prayers for their success. In the early 2000's , when scandals rocked the Church, the Knights stood united behind our priests by taking out ads in every major newspaper to show our dedication. We unite to tell everyone that abortion is wrong and that marriage is between a man and a woman. We promote the teachings of our Holy Father.

Fraternity is the third principle. As Fr. Michael McGivney explained to a small group of men at a groundwork meeting in the basement of St. Mary's Church in October 1881, his purpose in calling them together was manifold: to help Catholic men remain steadfast in their faith through mutual encouragement; to promote closer ties of fraternity among them; and to set up an elementary system of insurance so that the widows and children of members in the group who might die would not find themselves in dire financial straits. Today the Knights of Columbus Insurance is second to none in providing for our families. K of C Insurance has a five-star rating.

Patriotism is the fourth principle. Under our nation's flag, it is the symbol of our freedom to worship. The fourth Degree provides honor guards for special occasions in the church and membership and helps show dignity and respect to the bishop when he is in a parish. Most recently our honor guards were in Pilsen for Bishop Jackels of Wichita, Archbishop Rogue of the Archdiocese for the Military, St. Mark's at Marion for the rededication of the church, and in Scipio for their church's 150th birthday.

The Knights welcome any male over the age of 18 who is a practicing Catholic to join us. Meetings are on the 4th Monday of the month at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 121 Sylvan, Emporia unless in conflict with holidays. Meetings begin at 6:30 pm with the reciting of the rosary. If you are interested in joining the Knights of Columbus, please use our Contact Us page.