KofC 4th Degree

The 4th Degree

Father Julius A. Nieuwland Assembly #242

As reflected on our History of the 4th Degree page, 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.

Any Third Degree member in good standing, one year after the anniversary of his First Degree, is eligible for membership in the Fourth Degree. 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"). Certain members of the Fourth Degree serve as members of the Color Corps and/or Honor Guard at civic and religious functions, an activity that has brought worldwide recognition to the Knights of Columbus.

The local assembly of the Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus is the Fr. Julius A. Nieuwland Assembly #242. Assembly #242 was chartered in 1946. Sir Knight Elmer Danch was the First Faithful Navigator of Assembly #242. Sir Knight Danch is a member, and Past Grand Knight, of Council #553. Council #553 has served as our host council since 1946. The current Faithful Navigator is Rick Alexander. The 4th Degree business meetings are held at the Council #553 hall at 553 East Washington Street, South Bend, Indiana.

Fourth Degree business meetings are held once a month on the first Thursday of the month. There is an officer’s meeting at 7:00 pm and a business meeting at 7:30 pm. The 4th Degree hosts a social meeting for its members that includes a dinner and a speaker every month on the third Thursday of the month in the evening. The location of the social meeting changes every month, rotating around to different councils in the South Bend and Mishawaka area.

The location of the upcoming social meetings is published once a year in the calendar and notice is given in the monthly Fourth Degree newsletter. If you have a question about the Fourth Degree in terms of membership or activities, feel free to leave a message at (574) 302-6034 or e-mail us at info@kofc553.com and your message will be relayed to the appropriate Fourth Degree member. For additional information, please view Assembly #242’s website at www.plymouthknights.org/4th/.