The Patriotic Degree

The principle virtue of the Fourth Degree is "Patriotism." This Patriotic Degree of the Knights of Columbs was first established in New York on February 22,1900. Fourteen hundred members were chosen to witness this ceremony. It was expected that they would recruit from their local councils other Knights worthy of receiving the Orders highest degree. For this purpose, one year after becoming a Knight, a Third Degree member who is an exemplary Catholic and possessed of good, sound citizenship of his country, is eligible to join the Fourth Degree.

The Fourth Degree is frequently regarded as an honorary title with its regalia of tuxedos, capes, chapeaux, and swords, and should rather be thought of in terms of service to church and country.

Since its establishment in 1900, the primary objective of the Fourth Degree is to promote the ideals of Catholicism and Patriotism side by side.

The Fourth Degree Emblem

To the right is pictured the Fourth Degree Emblem. Bearers of this emblem are committed to conduct themselves honorably as Christian gentlemen in their private and public lives, as well as acting patriotically for the good of their nations. Likewise, the Fourth Degree sword represents the bearer's reverence for the Eucharist and the Pope, bishops and hierarchy of the Church, and displays publicly his willingness to protect his Church and Priests.

Considered under a religious aspect, we have the honor and privilege of wearing on our swords and our lapels the sacred symbol of the Most Blessed Trinity. This should always remind us to live a good Christian life, and that we should never bring dishonor on the emblem we have been privileged to wear. By this, others may see our good works, through which we will glorify our Holy Religion, our Honored Order and our Beloved Country.

The Color Corps

Since the establishment of the Patriotic Degree in 1900, the Color Corps have provided honor guards for religious and civic functions, an activity that has brought worldwide recognition to the Knights of Columbus. They are distinguishable by their official regalia of tuxedos, capes, chapeaux, and swords.

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.

The Color Corps consist of two parts;

• Honor Guard
• Color Guard

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

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.

Within the local assemblies, the Master more or less sets the rules. In the Assembly, the highest ranking Color Corps member is called Commander; some areas call him by other ranks such as Commodore. Former Vice Supreme Masters, Former District Marshalls, and Past Faithful Navigators are all permitted to wear their respective capes and chapeaux when they finish their term of office.

For questions about the Knights of Columbus, please contact the Nevada State Council.
Address: 1726 Duarte Dr., Henderson, NV 89014

For web page comments, questions, or updates, please contact the web page editor, Pat Sullivan.