Fourth Degree Emblem

The Fourth Degree emblem consists of three overlaid objects representing the Trinity.

The Globe represents God the Father, Creator of Heaven and Earth. The Crusader's Cross, similar to the cross which knights use to wear into battle during the Holy Crusades, represents God the Son, Jesus Christ. The Dove represents the God the Holy Spirit, Paraclete.

The colors, Red, White, and Blue are the colors of the American Flag representative of the principle of the 4th Degree, Patriotism.

Watch The video To Be a Patriot which discusses the Fourth Degree

Fourth Degree History

The history of the creation of the Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus of is directly linked to the social and political climate in the United States at the turn of the last century. It is in that light that the connection between the Fourth Degree and its Color Corps, that has grown to be the most visible aspect of the Knights, must be seen.

The idea of adding new degrees to the Order's original three, (Charity, Unity, Fraternity) first came to light in 1886. Supreme Knight James T. Mullen appointed a committee to look into forming two new "commander" degrees. That same year the Connecticut Catholic, a local newspaper, carried an advertisement calling members of local Knights of Columbus councils to meet to form a "Uniformed Legion." The idea for this new unit arose from a growing nation wide sense of Nationalism, or what we would call today Patriotism. The unknown author in Connecticut was not alone in wanting a visible organization.

Little happened at this time because there was not enough wide spread interest in creating additional new degrees. The Order's leaders balked at the idea of a Uniformed Legion for the simple reason that the cost for the "Uniform" was well over $100.00. They feared the "Legion" would cause an economical class split between wealthy and poorer members of the Order.

Following the Spanish American War, it was decided that there should be one new Degree added based on the principle of Patriotism. In 1899, Edward L. Hearn was elected Supreme Knight and he immediately appointed a committee to establish and format the new Degree to be given the following year.

In order to qualify for this Degree each candidate had to be a Third Degree member of the Knights of Columbus in good standing for three years, and show evidence of distinctive service to the Order, church, and community. Finally the candidate had to have a letter from his priest stipulating that he had received communion within the past two weeks.

The first Exemplification of the new Degree was scheduled to be held in the Astor Hotel in New York City on February 22, 1900. However, there were so many candidates, the Exemplification had to be moved to a larger venue. Therefore the site was moved to the Lenox Lyceum. At this first Exemplification of the Fourth Degree 1,100 members of the Knights of Columbus, being in good standing "took their fourth." The second Exemplification, held in Boston on May 8, 1900 saw another 750 Third Degree knights join the ranks of Sir Knights.

In the early years of the Fourth Degree, members met as part of their councils, mostly after meetings. In 1910, during a reorganization of the Order's leadership, the first Assemblies were created. Additionally the position of Supreme Master was established to lead the Fourth Degree internationally. Vice Supreme Masters lead Provinces and Masters head Districts. This system has spread and flourished as Sir Knights not only serve their local Church through their service to local councils but also their joint efforts in these Assemblies.

In the year 2000, the Fourth degree celebrated its 100th anniversary with approximately 252,000 member Sir Knights.

Fourth Degree Color Corps 

The Honor Guard, first called for in 1886 was officially formed in 1902, for ceremonial purposes. Since that time, the uniforms of the Color Corps have varied, however all have shared the similar theme of mariners. Most noticeable in today's current uniform is the chapeau worn with ostrich feathers.

The Color Corps of the Knights of Columbus are the uniformed members of the Fourth Degree. They are the ones that are most noticeable at church and public functions, parades, etc. They actually consist of two parts: 

The Color Guard and the Honor Guard Honor Guardsmen are those members who have mastered the Manual of the Sword. All others are Color Guard. 

The primary responsibility of the Honor Guard is to participate in recital of the rosary, wake, and burial of deceased members. This, of course, is at the request of the deceased Sir Knight's family. 

The Color Corps has the responsibility of participating in any public event were the colors (flags) of America, State, Papal, and KC are displayed in honor and reverence. 

The Corps basically follows a Naval theme with ranks and insignia. Note that the chapeaux, which are never called hats, are similar to the old naval uniforms. 

Cape colors are an indication of rank. 

Vice Supreme Masters wear blue capes and chapeaux. 
Masters wear gold capes and chapeaux. 
District Marshals (District level Color Corps Commanders) wear green capes and chapeaux. 
Faithful navigators (whether a member of the corps or not) wear white capes and chapeaux. 
Commanders wear purple capes and chapeaux. 
Other Color Corps Members wear red capes and chapeaux. 
Former Vice Supreme Masters, Former District Marshals, and Past Faithful Navigators are all permitted to wear their respective capes and chapeaux when they finish their term of office.

Watch The video Fourth Degree: The Visible Arm of the Order which discusses the Fourth Degree Color Corp and how it functions as a unit.

WHY SHOULD I JOIN THE FOURTH DEGREE?

Another degree open to members of the Knights of Columbus is that of the Fourth (or Patriotic) Degree. On February 22, 1900, the first exemplification of that degree was held in New York City. The ritual added patriotism to the three original principles of the Order: charity, unity and fraternity. Any Third Degree member in good standing, one year after the anniversary of his First Degree, is eligible for membership in the Fourth Degree. The primary purpose of the Fourth Degree is to foster the spirit of patriotism by promoting responsible citizenship and a love of and loyalty to the Knights' respective countries through active membership in local Fourth Degree groups called assemblies. Fourth Degree members must retain their membership as Third Degree members in the local council to remain in good standing. The Fourth Degree was first considered in 1886 when the Order was in it's infancy. Several factors contributed to the development of this additional Degree. The rapid expansion of the Order across Canada and the U.S. and the enthusiasm created by the ceremonials and; activities of the first three Degrees generated a great interest for the establishment of the; fourth Degree. It was said, however, that a greater impetus to this development was the then prevalent spirit of anti-Catholicism which questioned our loyalty and patriotism as well as falsely charged us with owing our allegiance to the Pope in Rome and being less loyal and devoted to our country. The establishment of the Fourth Degree, dedicated to the principle of Patriotism, was a resounding rebuttal of such charges.

The ceremonials of the Fourth Degree are based on a theme of Catholic Citizenship and detail the contributions made by the Catholic Church to North America, from its discovery, exploration and development to its present greatness. Our members are challenged to be always ready to sacrifice everything for our Faith and our Country. The response of our Order to the needs of our Country in times of war attests to the fact that we are true to our commitment. From its foundation, the Fourth Degree has provided Honor Guards for religious and civic ceremonies. Marching in our regalia, with the flag of our Country before us, we are clearly identified as individuals who are not afraid to publicly display our devotion to our Country and our Church.

For a while, many people seem to have shied away from giving expression to their feelings for their country, as if such displays of emotion were to be avoided as old fashioned sentimentality. That is now changing. There is an awakening of Patriotism across the land. More and more people are flying the flag and singing their national anthem. This expression of Patriotism has never been more evident in the member nations where our order exists.

Patriotism is, of course, more than waving the flag. It goes beyond expressing love of country and support of its values and institutions. In its best sense, Patriotism involves commitment and action. It requires us to live our lives in such a way that it will strengthen our society, and actively involve ourselves in whatever action may be necessary to remedy our weaknesses.

WHY DO SOME KNIGHTS WEAR FEATHERS?

Not all Knights wear plumes, capes and swords, only those Knights who belong to the fourth or Patriotic Degree; These Knights are called Sir Knights; They volunteer at public functions to add color and dignity to the occasion, and to demonstrate publicly their loyalty to the church, or to their country. Preferably, they will function at occasions where the Bishop presides, but will also demonstrate their regard for other members of the clergy and religious life by presenting a Guard of Honor at Jubilees and special church ceremonies.

There is a tendency today to dress; casually; as much as possible, slacks, no tie, old clothes, shirt open, etc. It takes pain, it takes nerve, it takes discomfort to be dressed up in black clothes, with white collar, lined cape and carrying a sword, wearing a chapeau with feathers. Why do it??

To demonstrate in a positive way that Church, Law, Queen and country are concepts that deserve our esteem and high regard, especially during times when authority, law and decency are being trampled upon and disrespected by so many; It is by one's example that most preaching is done!!

SHOULD I JOIN THE FOURTH DEGREE?

Fourth Degree Knights are dedicated to promote Patriotism. From community work to parades, fourth degree members participate in many patriotic endeavors.

Fourth Degree Knights support religious, civic and charitable causes that are consistent with Knights of Columbus high ideals, i.e. Financially support and encourage vocations; support financially and actively pro-life activities; are actively and financially involved in movements to eliminate pornography, violence, abuse.
- Fourth Degree Knights work for the application of Christian principles at all levels of government.
- Fourth Degree Knights oppose the institution and development of any forces that would undermine good government.
- Fourth Degree Knights educate their membership to be defenders of democratic institutions.
- Fourth Degree Knights provide a greater knowledge and appreciation of our Catholic heritage.
- Fourth Degree Knights play important roles in charitable and religious activities.
- Fourth Degree Knights often make public appearances as Honor Guards at religious and civic functions.

The Color Corps is an important part of each Assembly. The colorful capes and plumed headgear add dignity and pride of church and country to any event. If you love freedom you should belong to the fourth Degree. It is a rewarding and responsible way to exemplify your love of God, Country, Fellowman and the Knights of Columbus. It is a great way to determine PATRIOTISM.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO BECOME A FOURTH DEGREE KNIGHT?

An eligible candidate is a member of the third Degree in good standing in a Council, and must have been a Knight in good standing for at least one year.

HOW DO I JOIN THE FOURTH DEGREE?

Contact your Council's Fourth Degree Chairman. A membership application must be completed and signed. A fee of must accompany the application. This fee covers one banquet ticket, social baldric, and Supreme assessment.

The dress for Exemplification is: Black tuxedo, formal or white dress shirt, black bow tie, black shoes and socks. The full regalia is not a requirement of the Exemplification, it is for those Sir Knights who serve in their Assembly's Honor Guard.

Click on Fourth Degree Symbol to visit the Supreme Fourth Degree Web Page
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