In the early part of the 1900s, Lithuanians were fleeing their homeland to escape:

• Russian Communist oppression

• service into Russia’s Red Army

• exile to Siberian work camps

• even death itself.

The majority were in their late teens and early twenties, and their parents told them to flee wanting a better life for them. Many came to America.

Founded in Lawrence, Massachusetts in 1913, the Knights of Lithuania originally brought the Lithuanian-American youth across the United States together to help carry on their Lithuanian language, culture, traditions, and religion.  Councils were started in cities where there were a high concentration of Lithuanians, and where there was a Lithuanian Catholic community who decided to build a Catholic church. The Pastor, usually Lithuanian, called the Spiritual Advisor, headed up the Council.

After Lithuania’s independence from Russia in 1991, the K of L has evolved into more of a family organization. Non-Lithuanian spouses of members were accepted for membership as an Associate. Auxiliary members, those that were non-Lithuanian and not Catholic, were then welcomed into the organization. With Lithuanian churches closing and the clustering of churches in many Dioceses around the country, a Spiritual Advisor is now often non-Lithuanian. But the Catholic tradition, as well as the Lithuanian traditions, language, customs and culture are still practiced in the organization.