The Order of the Knights of Columbus (founded in 1882 by Venerable Father Michael J. McGivney) is a Catholic family, fraternal, and service organization. The Knights of Columbus have four Degrees which exemplify the Catholic virtues of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism.

      Wappingers Council #1646, which was chartered in 1912, is aligned with is St. Mary's Parish, Wappingers Falls.  It has provided charitable services for St. Mary's Church and school and other local organizations since its beginning, more than a hundred years ago. Some of our activities include providing scholarships for St Mary's students, donating food baskets for local families, sponsoring a Children's Christmas Party, maintaining the Monument for the Unborn in St Mary's Cemetery, providing financial assistance to seminarians, and supporting the St. Mary's Respect for Life Committee.  Wappingers Council #1646 teams up with other councils in the Hudson Valley Chapter to do charitable work which is too big for one council. For example, we support Special Olympics, and have sent ill children to the Marian Shrine in Lourdes, France.

      Wappingers Assembly #0770, which consists of 4th Degree Knights, is known for the Color Corps - the most visible Knights of Columbus.  In addition to participating in the monthly Mass for the deceased members of our council, they represent the Knights of Columbus at numerous civic  functions such as parades and memorial services.  They assisted Popes when they visited the United Stated, and Color Corps from our Assembly stood guard over Mother Theresa's relics at St. Patrick's Cathedral. Locally, they stand guard at the wakes of deceased members, and annually serve a barbecue for veterans at Castle Point Veterans' Hospital.

   More information about the Wappingers Council of the K of C, including contact numbers, can be found on the website,  http://www.kofc1646.org; click "Newsletter" at the top of the screen. You can also call the council hall at  845-297-9049 for a membership application.  New members are always welcome.