Throughout the year 2000, the Fourth Degree celebrated its 100th
Anniversary. This degree is based on the principle of Patriotism. Fourth
Degree Knights, in addition to being members of their own councils, also belong to assemblies, which conduct their own ceremonies, hold their own
offices (some Knights hold offices at both the council and the assembly
level!), and conduct their own activities in the interest of Patriotism.
In 1886, Supreme Knight James T. Mullen recommended that the Knights
of Columbus establish two additional degrees, which would be a fourth and a
fifth degree. The Order was still in the fledgling stage and still going
through growing pains (such as establishing a governing structure, insurance
reforms, and electing a Supreme Knight), so that talk was shelved for the
time being . . .. . . . until the late 1890s, when U.S. involvement in the
Spanish-American War spurred an interest in a degree based on Patriotism
(and many Catholics of the day criticized U.S. involvement in the war).
After his election in 1899, Supreme Knight Edward L. Hearn formed a
committee to design such a degree immediately. The degree would be:
"patriotism enlightened by religion" To qualify for this degree, you had to
be a member if the Knights of Columbus for three years, and serve the
Order, the church, and the community with distinction. Since most of the
interest in the new degree centered in the New York City area, the Lenox
Lyceum in
Manhattan was chosen for the First Exemplification of the Fourth Degree,
and 1,100 members became the Order's first Sir Knights on February 22nd,
1900. An additional 750 members "took their Fourth" on May 8, 1900 in
Boston. The uniform of the day was: Top Hat, Prince Albert coat, a red,
white, and blue
baldric, on which was pinned an emblem depicting the U.S. Constitution. Sir
Knights also wore a sword with a cross-handled grip.
In 1902, the Honor Guard began. Their initial uniform was the
Marine Corps cap, the Navy coat, and Army trimmings and insignia.
From 1900 to 1910, assemblies as we now know them didn't exist. No
Supreme Masters, either, and Fourth Degree members met entirely within local
councils. In 1910 John H. Redden became the first Supreme Master. He
established provinces for Fourth Degree, each headed by a Vice Supreme
Master.
On July 14, 1907, Montreal Quebec was the site of Canada's first
Fourth Degree Exemplification.
In 1917 Supreme Assembly telegraphed President Woodrow Wilson,
offering the services of the Fourth Degree within days of America's entry
into World War I. The Order appropriated funds for entertainment for
soldiers, distributed Catholic Encyclopedias, staged patriotic celebrations
on Washington's birthday in 1918.
In 1921, 50,000 Knights marched in Chicago to honor Ferdinand Foch,
Marshal of France, who was an honorary member. In 1924, Supreme began
awarding cash prizes to schoolchildren for essays on topics connected with
U.S. history and government. The Fourth Degree held its Silver Jubilee in
1925. In 1927 the Board of Directors deemed the Uniform of the Fourth
Degree should be sword, baldric, and military or naval uniform apropos to
its respective host country.
By 1939, the Board of Directors deemed the headdress of Fourth Degree
members who appeared in parades, civic patriotic functions, shall be the
Navy Chapeau with the Fourth Degree emblem or, if no sword is worn, the Silk
Top Hat. The directors added, "it is hoped the Navy headdress would
eventually come into general use"
In 1949 the Philippines hosted its first Fourth Degree Exemplification.
160 men became Sir Knights. One year later, the Fourth Degree celebrated its
Golden Jubilee.
By 1970, the official Regalia of the Honor Guard consisted of its
present uniform of Navy-type Chapeau, cape, service baldric, and silver
sword. By 1981, robe colors indicated office held (example, a present or
Past Faithful Navigator would have a white cape, a Master would have a gold
cape, a Marshal would have a green cape, a Commodore-who heads the Honor
Guard for the assemblies-would have a purple cape)
In 1983 the Fourth Degree began to give funds for an Episcopal vicar to
minister to chaplains and military personnel in Europe. This would spread to
Asia in 1984. A similar program was established for Canadians, also in 1984.
In 1985, "to be a Patriot" awards were given for top patriotic programs.
Also in that year, assemblies promoted voter awareness, displaying the flag,
vocations support, and pro-life activities.
And so it goes, on and on, thru today where an estimated 252,000 men
proudly serve as Sir Knights in 2,200 assemblies Orderwide.
100 years young and still going strong, we're the Fourth Degree!!