Our Meetings
Our Assembly meets on the 3rd Tuesday of most months in the Upper Room of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church - Richardson, TX starting at 7:30 PM. Dinner served 7:00 PM.
Months with social events typically have no business meeting. See the calendar on the website for upcoming events and meetings.
History of the Fourth Degree
Fourth Degree History and Purpose
- Formed February 22, 1900
- Purpose is to demonstrate patriotism
- Represents the VISIBLE arm of the Knights of Columbus via the Color Corps. Appears at parades, attends Funerals, escorts the Bishop, appears at special events.
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 20th 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 a new degree 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 nationwide 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 widespread 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 to split between wealthier 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, coincidentally where the 1892 Columbian Celebration was held just 8 years prior. 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.
The Color Corps, comprised of the Honor Guard and Color 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 beret and baldric holding the ceremonial sword which has remained a part of the uniform since its first iteration.
In the year 2000, the Fourth degree celebrated its 100th anniversary with approximately 252,000 active members during that year.
In the upcoming year of 2025, the Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus will celebrate 125 years of service to country, Church, and community since that first exemplification in New York in 1900. In commemoration of this quasquicentennial year, a celebration shall be held in New York City near where the first exemplification was conducted. The Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus now exceeds 300,000 active members.
|
