Activities

Assembly
    History

Color Corps

Directions

Exemplification

Emblem, Jewels
    and Regalia

Officers

Past Faithful
    Navigators

The primary purpose of the Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus 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 "Assemblies".

Our Assembly was formed on May 4, 1952. The first officers were installed into the Westminster Assembly No. 1393 by the Faithful Master, Charles B. Humelsine. The Flags for the new assembly at that time were presented and donated by the Charles Carroll of Carrollton Assembly and were received by Faithful Friar Fr. James Dwyer.

On January 1, 1956 the Westminster Assembly #1393 changed its name to the James Cardinal Gibbons Assembly #379. In the fraternal year 2002-2003 we celebrated 50 years as an Assembly. The motto for the year selected by Deacon Mark Ripper, Past Faithful Navigator was:

 Devotion to God, Love of County 

Currently, our Assembly meets the 4th Monday of the month at the A.R.C. of Carroll County. In addition to meetings, fund raisers, and Color Corps activities, the Assembly sponsors three major functions each year.

A Crab Feast in September honoring the Past Faithful Navigator. The Patriot's Dinner in November honoring those who have served in the Armed Forces, past and present. A Teacher's Banquet in April where we honor all those who teach in Catholic Schools or Religious Education programs. We award one teacher from a Catholic School with the "Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton" award and one teacher from a Religious Education program with the "Ellen Feustel" award.

The James Cardinal Gibbons Assembly is located in Westminster, MD and is comprised of Sir Knights from five Knights of Columbus Councils: Westminster #1393, Immaculate Lady #5208 - Glyndon, Archbishop Sheen #7612 - Sykesville, St. Bartholomew #9127 - Manchester and St. Joseph #11631 - Taneytown.

Certain members of the Fourth Degree serve as honor guards and color corps at civic and religious functions, an activity that has brought worldwide recognition to the Knights of Columbus.

Those wearing Red Capes are Color Corps members. White Capes are Faithful Navigators or Past Faithful Navigators, Purple are Commanders, Green are District Marshalls, Gold are Masters and Light Blue are Vice-Supreme Masters.

Fourth Degree members must retain their membership as Third Degree members in their locals council to remain in good standing.

To get more information or to join the 4th Degree, email Deacon Mark Ripper, PFN at meripper@carr.org.

© 2002 Westminster Council - Site Last Updated: 06/13/05 - Email: Webmaster