The emblem of the order dates from the second Supreme Council meeting of May 12, 1883, when it was designed by James T. Mullen, Supreme Knight.

This emblem is a shield mounted upon a cross of Malta. The shield is associated with medieval knights. The cross of Malta is a traditional artistic representation of the Cross of Christ through which all graces of redemption were procured for mankind. Our emblem represents the Catholic spirit of the Knights.

Mounted on the shield are three objects: a mace standing vertically, and, crossed behind it, an anchor and a dagger or short sword. The mace is symbolic of authority which must exist in any tightly-bounded and efficiently operating organization.

The anchor is the mariner’s symbol for Christopher Columbus, patron of the Order. The short sword or dagger was the weapon of the knight when engaged upon an errand of mercy. Our shield inscribed with "K. of C." and the three objects express Catholic Knighthood in organized merciful action.