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The Fourth Degree emblem consisting of three overlaid objects representing the Trinity. The Globe represents God the Father, Creator of Heaven and Earth. The Crusader's Cross, similar to the cross which knights use to wear into battle during the Holy Crusades, represents God the Son, Jesus Christ. The Dove represents the God the Holy Spirit, Paraclete.
- The colors, Red, White, and Blue are the colors of the American Flag representative of the principle of the 4th Degree, Patriotism.
- Another degree open to members of the Knights of Columbus is that of the Fourth (or Patriotic) Degree. On February 22, 1900, the first exemplification of that degree was held in New York City. The ritual added patriotism to the three original principles of the Order: charity, unity and fraternity. 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. Fourth Degree members must retain their membership as Third Degree members in the local council to remain in good standing.
- The official dress for candidates for the Fourth Degree Exemplification shall be black tie, white shirt, black footwear and black tuxedo and social baldric. The Social Baldric consists of the Thrid Degree emblem and stripes on either side of the emblem. The color of the stripes vary by country: United States, Panama & Philippines use Red, White and Blue, Canada uses Red and White, Mexico uses Red, White and Green and Guatemala uses Blue and White.
Starting at the Supreme level there is the Supreme Master and the Supreme Board of Directors. The next level of the structure is broken into provinces of which there are twenty. Each province is lead by a Vice-Supreme Master. The Vice-Supreme Master wears a light blue lined cape and chapeau. There are currently 15 provinces in the United States, 4 in Canada, 1 in Mexico and 1 in the Philippines.
The province is then broken up into districts. Most districts are either an entire State or a section of a larger State (i.e. Pennsylvania has two districts - East and West). A Master (jewel pictured left) is in charge of a District and wears gold lined cape and chapeau. Master's are responsible for overseeing the Installation of 4th Degree Assembly Officers, The Renewal of Obligations in January, and holding at least one 4th Degree Exemplification each year.
Also a Master usually has a District Marshall (jewel pictured right) to assist him. The District Marshall wears a green lined cape and chapeau. Faithful Navigators wear a white cape and chapeau.
The Jewel for the 4th degree officers are suspended from a red, white, and blue ribbon. Each contains the 4th Degree Emblem and title of the Officer's position. The Assembly is structured in much the same manner as a Council. Below is a chart that shows the 4th Degree Assembly Officer's title and the 3rd Degree Council equivalent.
| 4th Degree Officer Title | 3rd Degree Officer Title |
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Faithful Navigator Faithful Friar Faithful Captain Faithful Pilot Faithful Admiral Faithful Scribe Faithful Comptroller Faithful Purser Faithful Inner Sentinel Faithful Outer Sentinel Faithful Trustee 3rd Year Faithful Trustee 2nd Year Faithful Trustee 1st Year |
Worthy Grand Knight Worthy Chaplain Worthy Deputy Grand Knight Worthy Warden Worthy Chancellor Worthy Recorder Worthy Financial Secretary Worthy Treasurer Worthy Inside Guard Worthy Outside Guard Worthy Trustee 3rd Year Worthy Trustee 2nd Year Worthy Trustee 1st Year |
- Certain members of the Fourth Degree serve as Color Guards and Honor Guards at civic and religious functions, an activity which has brought worldwide recognition to the Knights of Columbus organization. Honor Guardsmen have mastered the "Manual of the Swordsmen". The District Commander of the Color Corps wears a green line cape and chapeau. The Color Corp Commander wears a purple line cape and chapeau. Finally, all other members of the Color Corp wear red lined capes and white chapeaus.
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Vice-Supreme Master |
Master |
District Marshall District Commander |
Faithful Navigator |
Color Corp Commander |
Color Corp Member |
- When a Fourth Degree Member or Color Corp Member is dressed in his tuxedo there are seven miniature jewels he may where if he validly holds the title of a Past or Former Officer. Six of the seven jewels are shown below. The one for Former Supreme Director is missing. They are from left to right:
Past State Deputy
Former District Deputy
Past Grand Knight
Past Faithful Navigator
Former Master
Former Vice-Supreme Master