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 last 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 new degrees 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 nation wide 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 wide
spread 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 split
between wealthy 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. 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 Honor 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 chapeau worn with ostrich feathers.
In the year 2000, the Fourth degree celebrated its 100th
anniversary with approximately 252,000 member Sir Knights!!!
