History of Knights of St. John International
Faith, Hope, Charity — and Fraternity since 1886
The Knights of St. John International (KSJI) is a Roman Catholic fraternal organization standing for the virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity under a banner of Fraternity.
- 1886 Incorporated
- 9 Nations
- 1992 International
- Global Brotherhood
The Four Virtues of KSJI
Faith, Hope, Charity — and Fraternity under one international banner.
Faith
Unwavering trust in God and fidelity to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
Hope
Confidence in divine providence and the promise of eternal life that guides every knight and lady.
Charity
Love of neighbour expressed through parish service, welfare, and care for those in need.
Fraternity
Brotherhood and sisterhood that bind members across nations, parishes, and generations.
History of Knights of St. John International
Knights of St. John International
Born in America
1886Founded in the heart of America and rooted in Catholic tradition, the Knights of St. John was incorporated in New York State in 1886. For more than a century, commanderies multiplied across the United States — men united in drill, devotion, and parish service who carried the banner of Catholic knighthood into every community they served.
A Global Calling
1992The Order's global calling matured in 1992, when commanderies beyond American shores formally joined the fraternity. The name became Knights of St. John International — a recognition that Catholic knighthood belongs to every nation where the Church plants her flag and her sons and daughters answer the call to serve.
Nine Nations United
From North America to West Africa and across the Atlantic, KSJI today spans nine nations. Each jurisdiction preserves the same noble ideals — faith in God, hope in His promises, charity toward neighbour, and fraternity among brothers and sisters in the Order.
Accra West in KSJI
Accra West Grand Commandery stands proudly within this international brotherhood — Ghanaian knights and ladies who inherit a global legacy and live it daily in parish, drill, and charitable action across Greater Accra.
Faith, Hope, and Charity under a banner of Fraternity — the timeless charter of the Knights of St. John International.
Knights of St. John International
Nine Nations, One Brotherhood
The Knights of St. John International unites Catholic men and women across continents — one Order, one faith, one fraternity.
North America
United States
North America
Birthplace of the Order — incorporated in New York State, 1886.
Canada
North America
Canadian commanderies extend Catholic knighthood across the Commonwealth north.
West Africa
Ghana
West Africa
Home to seven Grand Commanderies including Accra West — our Grand family.
ExploreLiberia
West Africa
Pioneer of the Ladies Auxiliary in Africa — St. Philomena #306, 1954.
Nigeria
West Africa
A vibrant KSJI nation with commanderies serving parishes nationwide.
Sierra Leone
West Africa
Knights and ladies upholding drill, faith, and parish ministry.
Togo
West Africa
National Grand Commandery serving the Church in Togo.
Europe
Germany
Europe
European commanderies carrying the Order's ideals abroad.
England
Europe
KSJI presence in the United Kingdom within the international fraternity.
KSJI Through the Centuries
New York Incorporation
The Knights of St. John is formally incorporated in New York State — the founding chapter of a global story.
American Growth
Commanderies multiply across the United States, establishing drill, regalia, and parish ministry as hallmarks of the Order.
International
Commanderies outside the United States join formally — the Order becomes Knights of St. John International.
Africa Begins
St. John the Baptist Commandery No. 346 at Saltpond inaugurates KSJI in West Africa — see KSJI in Africa. Learn more
Global Brotherhood
Nine nations, countless commanderies and auxiliaries — united in Faith, Hope, Charity, and Fraternity.
Ghana Within the Global Order
Accra West Grand is part of a worldwide fraternity — from New York in 1886 to nine nations today.
Explore KSJI in Africa, our own AWG history, or contact the Grand Secretariat.