Shriners is a Freemason organization. Knights of Columbus is the Catholic "version" of masonry, since the Catholic church doesn't allow its member to join a masonic lodge.
Add me to the list of being in Rainbow. I too served a state office, as a "Grand Representative." Rainbow was a very important part of my life, and I still try to do stuff with the assembly today.
FWIW, that's what I said. Most of the Europeans that were Masons in the 18th century were Catholic. It was the Church that didn't like it - not the fraternity that didn't allow Catholics.
I know my sister in law's father was from Ireland (Catholic) and is probably rolling in his grave (per sister in law) knowing that his son is now a FreeMason. I guess (according to sil) in Ireland the Catholics were K of C and the Protestants were FreeMasons..... that might be some of the strife that was there.