KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS EMBLEM
The emblem of the Order dates from the second Supreme
Council meeting May 12, 1883, when it was designed by James
T. Mullen, who was then Supreme Knight.
A quick glance at the emblem indicates a shield mounted upon
the Formée Cross. The shield is that associated with a medieval
Knight. The Formée Cross is the representation of a traditionally
artistic design of the Cross of Christ through which all graces
of redemption were procurred for mankind. This then represents
the Catholic spirit of the Order.
Mounted on the shield are three objects: a fasces standing vertically,
and, crossed behind it, an anchor and a dagger or short sword.
The fasces from Roman days is symbolic of authority which must
exist in any tightly-bonded and efficiently operating organization.
The anchor is the mariner’s symbol for Columbus, patron of the
Order, while the short sword or dagger was the weapon of the
Knight when engaged upon an errand of mercy. Thus, the shield
expresses Catholic Knighthood in organized merciful action, and
with the letters, K. of C., it proclaims this specific form of activity.
The red, white and blue in the background of the shield and the
foreground of the Cross of Malta are the colors of our country. As
such, red is the symbol of stout-hearted courage, of pulsing activity
and a full measure of devotion. Blue is the symbol of hope, of
calm tranquility under God and of confidence in the protection of
our country. White is the symbol of nobility of purpose, of purity
of aim and of crucible — tried ideals to be carried out.
But there is another symbolism of color in red, white and blue.
This is the ecclesiastical symbolism in which red becomes
the reflection of the drips of Christ’s redemptive blood shed
upon Calvary, and of the martyr’s blood shed in defense of
the faith.
Red then is the symbol of Faith, of belief in Christ, in the
Redemption and in the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ.
White is the color of the Eucharistic Host, pledge of God’s
Eucharistic presence among men, of the infinite love God has
for man and the overwhelming affection which the
God-man has for each individual. White then is the symbol of
Christ-like Charity. Blue is the color of Our Lady’s mantle, in
which she wrapped her beloved Son, through Whom came
salvation to a sinful world. Blue is then the symbol of Hope.
GRAND KNIGHT — The Anchor, indicative of
Columbus, the Mariner. The anchor has also been a
variant form of the Cross for centuries.
CHAPLAIN — Isabella Cross in silver and blue. Self
explanatory.
DEPUTY GRAND KNIGHT — The Compass.
Also used by Columbus, the Mariner. (The Knights
of Columbus Compass is known as the Compass of
Virtue, its 32 flame-like rays representing the 32
virtues which may be possessed by men.)
CHANCELLOR — The Isabella Cross, with Skull
and Crossbones. The cross is self-explanatory while
the skull and crossbones are symbolic of man’s mortality.
RECORDER — Crossed quills. Symbolic of his
responsibilities for letter and document (records)
writing and preservation.
FINANCIAL SECRETARY — Crossed key and quill.
The key has always been associated with an officer
concerned with money, safe-keeping and secrecy. The
quill is the symbol of a “scribe” — a record-keeper —
one who writes letters, documents, etc.
TREASURER — Crossed Keys. Symbolic of his
complete authority over funds (money), particularly
responsible for its safekeeping.
LECTURER — Lyre and Scroll. These are traditionally
symbolic of music and literature and the arts. Hence
the lecturer is in charge of entertainment.
ADVOCATE — The Scroll (legal literature and
law) with sword (the power to defend and enforce
the law).
WARDEN — An axe bound with rods, known as
a fasces, traditionally carried by the guards or protectors
of Roman magistrates as a symbol of authority.
The warden, ideally, has and exercises that authority.
INSIDE GUARD — Crossed Axes and Key. Key is
symbolic of a guardian, secrecy and responsibility for
safekeeping and admission. Axe is indicative of
authority even to the point of punishment to maintain
it. Originally, the axe was symbolic of power
over life and death.
OUTSIDE GUARD — Crossed Axes and Key. Key is
symbolic of a guardian, secrecy and responsibility for
safekeeping and admission. Axe is indicative of
authority even to the point of punishment to maintain
it. Originally, the axe was symbolic of power
over life and death.
TRUSTEE — An anchor mounted on an axe bound
with rods (fasces) over crossed swords. Symbolizes
Columbus, authority and the power to defend and
enforce the law.
The emblem of the Order dates from the second Supreme
Council meeting May 12, 1883, when it was designed by James
T. Mullen, who was then Supreme Knight.
A quick glance at the emblem indicates a shield mounted upon
the Formée Cross. The shield is that associated with a medieval
Knight. The Formée Cross is the representation of a traditionally
artistic design of the Cross of Christ through which all graces
of redemption were procurred for mankind. This then represents
the Catholic spirit of the Order.
Mounted on the shield are three objects: a fasces standing vertically,
and, crossed behind it, an anchor and a dagger or short sword.
The fasces from Roman days is symbolic of authority which must
exist in any tightly-bonded and efficiently operating organization.
The anchor is the mariner’s symbol for Columbus, patron of the
Order, while the short sword or dagger was the weapon of the
Knight when engaged upon an errand of mercy. Thus, the shield
expresses Catholic Knighthood in organized merciful action, and
with the letters, K. of C., it proclaims this specific form of activity.
The red, white and blue in the background of the shield and the
foreground of the Cross of Malta are the colors of our country. As
such, red is the symbol of stout-hearted courage, of pulsing activity
and a full measure of devotion. Blue is the symbol of hope, of
calm tranquility under God and of confidence in the protection of
our country. White is the symbol of nobility of purpose, of purity
of aim and of crucible — tried ideals to be carried out.
But there is another symbolism of color in red, white and blue.
This is the ecclesiastical symbolism in which red becomes
the reflection of the drips of Christ’s redemptive blood shed
upon Calvary, and of the martyr’s blood shed in defense of
the faith.
Red then is the symbol of Faith, of belief in Christ, in the
Redemption and in the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ.
White is the color of the Eucharistic Host, pledge of God’s
Eucharistic presence among men, of the infinite love God has
for man and the overwhelming affection which the
God-man has for each individual. White then is the symbol of
Christ-like Charity. Blue is the color of Our Lady’s mantle, in
which she wrapped her beloved Son, through Whom came
salvation to a sinful world. Blue is then the symbol of Hope.
GRAND KNIGHT — The Anchor, indicative of
Columbus, the Mariner. The anchor has also been a
variant form of the Cross for centuries.
CHAPLAIN — Isabella Cross in silver and blue. Self
explanatory.
DEPUTY GRAND KNIGHT — The Compass.
Also used by Columbus, the Mariner. (The Knights
of Columbus Compass is known as the Compass of
Virtue, its 32 flame-like rays representing the 32
virtues which may be possessed by men.)
CHANCELLOR — The Isabella Cross, with Skull
and Crossbones. The cross is self-explanatory while
the skull and crossbones are symbolic of man’s mortality.
RECORDER — Crossed quills. Symbolic of his
responsibilities for letter and document (records)
writing and preservation.
FINANCIAL SECRETARY — Crossed key and quill.
The key has always been associated with an officer
concerned with money, safe-keeping and secrecy. The
quill is the symbol of a “scribe” — a record-keeper —
one who writes letters, documents, etc.
TREASURER — Crossed Keys. Symbolic of his
complete authority over funds (money), particularly
responsible for its safekeeping.
LECTURER — Lyre and Scroll. These are traditionally
symbolic of music and literature and the arts. Hence
the lecturer is in charge of entertainment.
ADVOCATE — The Scroll (legal literature and
law) with sword (the power to defend and enforce
the law).
WARDEN — An axe bound with rods, known as
a fasces, traditionally carried by the guards or protectors
of Roman magistrates as a symbol of authority.
The warden, ideally, has and exercises that authority.
INSIDE GUARD — Crossed Axes and Key. Key is
symbolic of a guardian, secrecy and responsibility for
safekeeping and admission. Axe is indicative of
authority even to the point of punishment to maintain
it. Originally, the axe was symbolic of power
over life and death.
OUTSIDE GUARD — Crossed Axes and Key. Key is
symbolic of a guardian, secrecy and responsibility for
safekeeping and admission. Axe is indicative of
authority even to the point of punishment to maintain
it. Originally, the axe was symbolic of power
over life and death.
TRUSTEE — An anchor mounted on an axe bound
with rods (fasces) over crossed swords. Symbolizes
Columbus, authority and the power to defend and
enforce the law.