Knights of Columbus

4th Degree

Degrees in the Knights of Columbus

Within our order, there are four "degrees" of Knighthood, each one meant to exemplify one of our four key principles.

These principles are: Charity (First Degree), Unity (Second Degree), Fraternity (Third Degree), Patriotism (Fourth Degree).

To become a full knight, each member is encouraged to attain the Third Degree level. After this, he may go on to the Fourth Degree, the one that embodies patriotism. The Fourth Degree is the most visible degree in our order.

Fourth Degree Knights

On February 22, 1900, the first Fourth Degree exemplification or degree ceremony was held in New York City. The Fourth Degree imparts a lesson on the virtue of patriotism. The primary purpose of this degree is to foster the spirit of patriotism in members and the community at large and encourage active Catholic citizenship. Today there are some 300,000 Fourth Degree Knights out of the total 1.6 million member Knights of Columbus.

Local units, called assemblies, draw their members from Knights of Columbus councils. The qualifications for membership in the Fourth Degree are: membership in the Knights for at least one year and being a Third Degree Knight.

A Fourth Degree Knight may become part of the assembly's color corps. These members are recognized widely by their distinctive attire of tuxedo, feathered hat (chapeau), cape and sword. These members regularly take part in civic events such as parades and wreath-laying ceremonies, and at ecclesial functions at Catholic churches. The various colored capes and chapeau feathers denote different officer positions within the Fourth Degree.

more... History of the Sword

Our 4th Degree Coordinator is Sir Knight Harold Offermann, PFN. He can be reached at (516) 791-2239 for more information.