The History of the Knights of Columbus
For nearly 125 years, the Knights of Columbus in Lynchburg has stayed on mission to bring Catholic men together in brotherhood and help our Catholic Parishes and Communities.
For decades, Knights of Columbus Council 595 has been an integral part of the Lynchburg community, uniting Catholic men in brotherhood and charity. Located in Forest, VA, this council has been dedicated to serving local parishes such as Holy Cross, St. Thomas More, Holy Name of Mary, and Resurrection Catholic Church. Their efforts reflect the Knights of Columbus principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism, and continue to make a profound impact supporting families, veterans, and those in need. Knights of Columbus Lynchburg VA has become a cornerstone of faith and service for over 125 years.
Since 1901, the Knights of Columbus in Lynchburg, Council 595, has faithfully carried forward this mission. For over 125 years, the council has remained dedicated to bringing Catholic men together in brotherhood while serving our parishes and local community.
Grounded in the same founding principles, Council 595 actively supports local Catholic parishes, including Holy Cross, St. Thomas More, Holy Name of Mary, and Resurrection Catholic Church, through spiritual outreach, parish events, and direct service. The council also partners with numerous charitable and pro-life organizations, providing vital assistance to those in need. Grounded in the same founding principles, Council 595 actively supports local Catholic parishes, including Holy Cross, St. Thomas More, Holy Name of Mary, and Resurrection Catholic Church, through spiritual outreach, parish events, and direct service. The council also partners with numerous charitable and pro-life organizations, providing vital assistance to those in need.
From feeding the hungry and supporting veterans, to assisting seminarians and families facing hardship, Council 595 continues to live out its mission: to serve Christ by serving others.
Through its unwavering commitment to faith and service, Council 595 remains a strong and faithful presence, making a lasting difference in the lives of individuals, families, and the broader community it is honored to serve.
From this humble beginning, the Knights of Columbus was formed and built upon the principles of Charity and Unity, with Fraternity and Patriotism added in the years that followed. The Order was officially incorporated on March 29, 1882, a date now celebrated as Founder’s Day. What began as a small parish initiative has grown into one of the largest Catholic fraternal organizations in the world.
March 1882
Our Initiatives & Fundraising
KOVAR
KOVAR is a Virginia Knights of Columbus 501(c) (3) tax exempt charity established in 1971 to empower nonprofit organizations with financial support to improve access to affordable housing, job training, sports participation, and personal care for Virginians with Intellectual Disabilities.
KOVAR’s Values:
Our Catholic faith provides the foundations for our actions. We strive to put Respect for Life and support to the intellectually disabled in Virginia into tangible works. We endeavor to implement the Knights of Columbus core values of integrity, professionalism, excellence, and compassion into all our efforts. We aim to become a trusted and collaborative partner with all stakeholders invested in improving the quality of life for Virginians with Intellectual Disabilities. We respect all regardless of creed, intellectual abilities, race, or ethnic origin.
Pro-Life
Building a Culture of Life
Knights around the world stand for the dignity of all human life, from conception to natural death.
Defending the Most Vulnerable
Knights protect. Whether standing up for the voiceless at a March for Life, supporting those with special needs or giving mothers and babies practical assistance after birth, we affirm human dignity and lend our volunteer hours, donations and other resources to building a culture of life.
More than 2,000 ultrasound machines donated. $17M+ in practical aid to mothers and babies after pregnancy.
Proud partner of the National March for Life in the U.S. and Canada
$5 million donated to Special Olympics in the past year.
Aid given to more than 2,000 pregnancy resource centers and maternity homes.
