The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic fraternal service organization. Founded in the United States in 1882, it is named in honor of Christopher Columbus and dedicated to the principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism. There are more than 1.7 million members in 14,000 councils.

The story of the Father Joseph O'Connell Council #3481, Knights of Columbus of Oceanside, is a story of many successes of good people working together. In 1951, a number of members of St. Agnes Council, Rockville Centre, who resided in Oceanside, realized the need of a Knights of Columbus Council in a fast growing community such as Oceanside. At an annual Ushers Dinner at St. Anthony's Parish it was declared by these few brothers that steps to be taken to gather information to form a Council in Oceanside.