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 1.8 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.

The Fourth Degree was initially started at a National Council meeting in 1899, when it was determined that an additional ceremonial degree was needed that would represent patriotism.  The initial Exemplification, as the degree is called, was held on February 22, 1900.  It was scheduled to be in the Astor Hotel, however when the class reached in excess of 1,100 candidates, it was moved to the Lenox Lyceum, a temporary wooden structure.

Members were originally part of local councils.  In 1910 a restructuring of the order separated them and called the groups, Assemblies.  The Chain of Command is similar to that of the lower degrees, with different titles.  At the Supreme level, the top man is the Supreme Master.  Areas are divided into, Provinces, headed by a Vice Supreme Master. Provinces in turn are divided into Districts, with Masters in charge.

Assemblies are similar to the council, and many are named after patriots, war heroes, etc. The Chair Officers are: the presiding officer called a Navigator, then a Captain, the Pilot, which is the Warden on a council level, and the Admiral, a Past Faithful Navigator.

The other officers are:

The Friar (Council Chaplain)
The Purser (Council Treasurer)
The Comptroller (Council Financial Secretary)
The Sentinels (Council Guards)
The Trustees (same as the council)

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.

Certain members of the Fourth Degree serve as honor guards at civic and religious functions, an activity which has brought worldwide recognition to the Knights of Columbus organization. (To learn more about the Knights of Columbus visit the Supreme Council's home page. Knights of Columbus - Home)

Fourth Degree members dress in the recognizable regalia which includes sword and colorful capes and chapeaux.

Considered under a religious aspect, we have the honor and privilege of wearing on our sword and our lapels the sacred symbol of the Most Blessed Trinity. This is to always remind us live a good Christian life. By this, others may see our good works, through which we will glorify our Holy Religion, our Honored Order and our Beloved Country.

Fourth Degree Emblem

The triad emblem of the Fourth Degree features the Dove, the Cross, and the Globe.

The Dove - classic symbol of the Holy Spirit and Peace - is shown hovering over the orb of the earth (Globe). Both are mounted on a variation of the Crusader's Cross - that which was found on the tunics and capes of the Crusading Knights.

Our Honored Order cherishes as its patron Christopher Columbus.

Christopher - Christ Bearer
Columbus - Dove of Peace, symbolizing the Paraclete.

Spiritually, the sacred symbols on the emblem typify the Union of the Three Divine Persons in one Godhead the most Blessed Trinity.

The Globe - God the Father, Creator of the Universe
The Cross - God the Son, Redeemer of Mankind
The Dove - God the Holy Spirit, Sanctifier of Humanity

The colors of the symbols are:

A blue Globe with the lands of the Western Hemisphere in white.

A red Cross with gold borders, and gold knobs at the end of the points forming the ends of the arms of the Cross (also known as the Isabella Cross).

A white dove.