Fourth Degree Knights
The following statement is taken from the Supreme Council:
"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 1.6 million member
Knights of Columbus. Local units, called assemblies, draw their members
from Knights of Columbus councils.
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."