A History of the 4th Degree in California

During the first eighteen years of its existence, the Knights of Columbus had only the first three degrees representing Charity, Unity and Fraternity. At the close of the century it was decided to establish a degree representing patriotism, one which would be more selective in its appeal than the traditional or basic degrees. The new ritual was named the Fourth Degree and was first exemplified in New York on February 22nd, 1900.

Fourteen hundred members were chosen to witness this ceremony. It was expected that they would recruit from their councils other Knights worthy of receiving the highest degree. In the years that followed, the patriotic honor was exemplified in various cities and those who took it became a special group, or an assembly within their respective councils.

Formal organization came in 1910 when the Supreme Council provided a government for the degree and gave it a basic law.

The Patriotic Degree was exemplified for the first time in the state of California, in the City of Los Angeles on June 10th, 1905. This was in connection with the convention of the Supreme Council being held at that time in the City of Our Lady Queen of the Angels.

Three years later the Patriotic Degree again was conferred in California. This time in the City of San Francisco on May 10th, 1908. Those who took the degree then, along with those who previously had received it 1905, formed the nucleus of the Fourth Degree membership in the state and constituted the local assemblies of their respective councils. California was made a Fourth Degree District between 1910-1911. In 1912 the main District of California was divided into two Districts… Northern District and Southern District.

Because of the growth of the Fourth Degree in both the Northern and Southern California Districts, the Supreme Board of Directors in April of 1958 created the Central California District. Those are the three Districts that we have today.

Join the Patriotic Degree

If you are over 18 years of age; a citizen of the country in which you reside; a practical Catholic in union with the Holy See; and you are a Third Degree member in good standing, it’s time to consider joining the ranks of the Patriotic Degree. There is no longer a waiting period to join.

To learn more about the Patriotic Degree Contact John Mingus or Al Cordova.

Color Corps

When knighthood was in flower, knights carried the sword to defend their God, their Church, their country and their fellow man according to the code of chivalry. Today, Sir Knights wear regalia and carry the sword to honor Christ and His apostles, especially on religious and civic occasions specified in this manual. Hence, the primary purpose of the Fourth Degree is to encourage active Catholic citizenship and foster the spirit of patriotism in members and the community at large.

The Color Corps members exemplify all the principles of our Order:

Charity – by the gift of their time and energies necessary to practice, perfect and perform the ceremonials and sword drill;

Unity – by the united efforts of Sir Knights to practice & perfect a coordinated drill for the good of the Church and the Order;

Fraternity – by expressing an “Esprit de Corps,” sharing a common desire for drill excellence and camaraderie; and

Patriotism – by performing precision drill as a salute to God and to country and visually exhibiting a love for both.

The public appearance of the Patriotic Degree Knights as a Color Corps at religious and civic functions is an important activity of each assembly; and demonstrates their loyalties bring credit to themselves and to the Knights of Columbus.

A Complete Fourth Degree Uniform Will Include the Following Elements:

Navy Fourth Degree Uniform Blazer

Gray Fourth Degree Uniform Trousers

Black Uniform Beret

Fourth Degree Beret Badge

White Dress Shirt (with no buttons at the collar)

Navy Fourth Degree Uniform Tie

White Uniform Gloves

Fourth Degree Lapel Pin

Service Baldric with Frog (i.e. K of C Sash with Sword Clip)

Knights of Columbus Sword (Black Handle)

Knights of Columbus Scabbard

Optional Elements:

Navy Uniform Trench coat

Colored "Flash" for Beret -- denoting past officer positions

Miniature Officer Jewels -- denoting past officer positions

Knights of Columbus Sword (White Handle for PFN, FDM)

 To Purchase Uniform or Accessories Click Here

A black beret, worn down to the Sir Knight's right is the appropriate head gear for the Fourth Degree uniform. The beret has replaced the chapeau. The beret should be worn as part of the Color Corps or Honor Guard uniform, but is not necessary for participation in formal Fourth Degree events. The beret can be purchased separately, or part of the total uniform package. 

Upon the beret, the Sir Knight should wear the metal emblazoned with the emblem of the Fourth Degree. The emblem should be forward facing and above the Sir Knight's left eye. The beret pin can also be used to designate the past service of the Sir Knight. Various colors of (optional) "flashes" can be inserted behind the pin to indicate past offices held. The beret pin may be purchased separately, but comes with the total uniform package.

The contributions of every Brother Knight at every Degree level are appreciated. Still, there are some men who continue to answer the call to higher and higher levels of leadership within the Order. To recognize these current and past officers of the Fourth Degree, symbolic "flashes" can be added behind the metal pin of the beret. The should be work with the square edges at the top and the rounded section at the bottom. The purple and green "flashes" of the Assembly Color Corp Commander and the District Marshal are temporary for the duration of the appointment. Faithful Navigators, District Masters, Vice Supreme Masters, and the Supreme Master may continue to wear the color of their highest ranking flash for life -- assuming that no further superseding rank is attained. If you have been appointed, elected, or are a former officer deserving of one of these honors, first, you have our thanks, second, you may purchase a "flash" befitting your level of service.

The navy uniform blazer is the most notable component of the uniform. The blazer includes an embroidered emblem of the Fourth Degree below the pocket. The formality of the blazer makes it a versatile component of the uniform. While it can be worn with the beret, 

service baldric, and sword in the Honor Guard, it is also a practical way to participate in formal K of C events even when not paired with the service attire. While the blazer is the centerpiece of the uniform package, it can be ordered individually.

Beneath the jacket, Sir Knights should wear a white, button-up-the-front dress shirt. The Order makes no specific recommendation on the brand or retailer for this item. There are, however, four stipulations to the the dress shirt that must be followed to include it in the uniform (1) It must be white. (2) It must be long-sleeved. (3) It must NOT have a button-down collar. (4) It should NOT have French cuffs. Assuming that the Sir Knight owns a dress shirt conforming to these standards, it is permissible for use in the uniform. No dress shirt is included in the uniform package, and it is up to the Sir Knight to provide one from his existing wardrobe or purchase one meeting these specifications at his discretion.

While there are many attractive Knights of Columbus ties available on the internet, there is only one official uniform tie. The tie presents golden emblems of the Fourth Degree on a navy blue field. Do not fall for imitations. The official tie comes with the uniform package, or can be purchased separately.

The appropriate lapel pin for the Fourth Degree Uniform is the emblem of the Fourth Degree. In the past, various pins were permissible for the Honor Guard. The most popular was a combination of the American Flag and the emblem of the Fourth Degree. Today, the more subtle, emblem of the Fourth Degree pin received at the Sir Knight's exemplification is the standard. As the Sir Knight should already own this, it is not included with the purchase of the uniform package. However, if a replacement is needed, one can be purchased.  

One of the easiest components of the uniform to overlook, but one of the most conspicuous if they are missing, are the white gloves. Unfortunately, these do not come with the uniform package. If a Sir Knight has them from his previous regalia, the same white gloves are approved for use with the new uniform. 

The uniform trousers are a dark gray and made of fine wool. While it may be tempting to substitute one's own gray trousers instead, it will be very obvious if an Honor Guard has 10 different varieties of trouser colors. The official uniform pants are a core component of the uniform package, but can be purchased individually as well.

To carry a sword with the uniform and participate in the Honor Guard or Color Corps of the Fourth Degree, ownership of a Service Baldric is essential. The Social Baldric received upon completion of one's Fourth Degree exemplification is not sufficient. The Social Baldric is meant to be worn under a jacket, whereas, the Service Baldric is meant to be worn over the jacket from right shoulder to left hip. The colors of the Service Baldric are those of the country of the Assembly, Red, White, and Blue. Most importantly, the Service Baldric contains a metal cross at the bottom including the initials of the watch-word of the order TFMM. This metal insignia, called the "frog" is the clip that attaches the scabbard of the sword to the Service Baldric. Not owning this critical piece of the uniform makes participation in Color Corps and Honor Guards impossible. Sir Knights who have one from the old regalia may still use their original Service Baldric as it has not changed. Unfortunately, a Service Baldric is not part of the official uniform package. 

Connected to the Service Baldric is the Scabbard. The Scabbard holds the sword and is an intricately detailed work of craftsmanship. Hidden throughout the Scabbard are the emblem of the Order and the emblem of the Fourth Degree. A small key-hole-shaped clip connects to the "frog" of the Service Baldric and allows the sword and Scabbard to hang at the Sir Knight's hip. Sir Knights owning a sword and scabbard from the old regalia should continue using it. Sir Knights wishing to join the Honor Guard or Color Corps are HIGHLY encouraged to buy the Sword & Scabbard package which includes gloves and a personalized carrying case for the Sword & Scabbard. 

The Sword. Perhaps the most intriguing and prestigious part of the Fourth Degree uniform is the privilege to carry the Sword. For many Sir Knights, the Sword is a family heirloom passed-down over generations. For others, it is a new tradition started with them. Whether a gift, or a personal acquisition, the Sword symbolizes one's Knighthood. It is important to understand that there are subtle differences between the Swords one may see within an Honor Guard and to follow the etiquette that they represent when purchasing a Sword for one's self. For most Sir Knights, the silver Sword with the black handle will be the Sword they carry for their lifetime. Fewer men will have the honor to carry the silver Sword with the white handle -- denoting their service as a Faithful Navigator. Fewer still will earn the right to carry the gold Sword with the white handle -- the mark of the District Master. Be wary. Online there are many sites that offer replicas or even enticing "gold swords." To ensure that you are buying the appropriate Sword for your service, order one from an approved Knights of Columbus supplier.

History of the Sword

In 1900, Patriotism was added as the fourth principle of the Order. The 1st Exemplification of the Fourth Degree took place on February 2, 1900 at the Astor Hotel in New York, NY. 1,100 Third Degree members were exemplified. They had to have been members of the Order for 3 years. The 2nd Exemplification of the Fourth Degree took place on May 8th in Boston, Massachusetts. 750 Third Degree members were exemplified.

Since that First Exemplification in 1900, there have been three major styles of swords with black grip. The first major type of sword had a Flying Eagle on the pommel (grip cap) and the Emblem of the Order on the Guard. This type of sword was made until at least the early 1930's . The sword blade was usually 28 inches in length with the overall length in the scabbard being 37 inches.

The second major type of sword, dates back to mid to late 1930's and has the head of Christopher Columbus, the Order's patron, on the grip cap. The sword is worn hanging from the Service Baldric on the left hip and Columbus' head is facing forward. If you were looking at the front of the sword, Columbus' head is facing left.

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The other change that was made is that the Triad Emblem of the Fourth Degree replaces the Emblem of the Order on the Guard. This type of sword appears to have been made through the late 1940's early 50's. These swords over the years seem to vary in length. The blades ranged between 26 and 27 1/2 inches with the sword grip and pommel adding another 6 inches. When in the scabbard they were between 35 and 37 inches in length. Most, if not all, of this type of sword were made by T.C. Gleason in Chicago Illinois. Others were made by The Pettibone Bros. Mfg. Cincinnati, Ohio.

​The third major type of sword is the one that is still in use today and began to be manufactured sometime in the 1940' or 50's. The most identifying characteristic of this type of sword is the that Columbus' head on the pommel (grip cap) is now facing forward when you look at the front of the sword or facing right when the sword is worn on the service baldric.

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The English Company and Lynch & Kelly are the two primary manufacturers of swords in the United states today. Also, the guard, while still displaying the Triad Emblem of the Fourth Degree, has varied over the years. There has been more and less detail in the triad as well as varying from a raised emblem to flatter style.

Again over the last 40 years the blade, sword, and total length have varied as with the second type of sword. Finally, the blades have varied in style as well. Sometime the blades are plain and others contain etching on the blade. Usually, the etching says Knights of Columbus on one side.

There are two other types of swords that you may see. Both with a white grip. The first is the same metal color as the swords with the black grip. The white grip indicates that the sword belonged to a Faithful Navigator and can be worn by either a current or past Faithful Navigator. Most of these swords are of the etched blade variety and have the words Knights of Columbus or the name of the assembly etched on one side and the name of the Faithful Navigator on the other side.

The final type is a white grip sword, but plated in gold. This sword is worn by current and former Masters, Vice-Supreme Masters, Supreme Masters.

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