History of the Fourth Degree
The history of the creation of the Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus is directly linked to the social and political climate in the Unites States at the turn of the last century. It is that light that the connection between the Fourth Degree and it's 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 Knight 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 Connectucut 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 man 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 Degre 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 Degre, 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 loal 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 252,00 member Sir Knights.
Eligibility
The Fourth Degree ritual added patriotism to the three original principles of the Order: charity, unity and fraternity. Any Third Degree member in good standing, six months 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 and loyalty to the Knights' respective countries through active membership in the 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.
Sir Knights of the Fourth Degree, deem it an honor and privilege to carry our TRIAD EMBLEM,which features The Dove, The Cross, and The Globe. Our Honored Order cherishes as its Patron, Christopher Columbus.
Spiritually, the sacred symbols fashioned on our sword and lapel pin, typify the union of the Three Divine Persons in one Godhead the Most Holy Trinity.
- The Globe, God the Father, Creator of the Universe
- The Cross, God the Son, Redeemer of Mankind
- The Dove, God the Holy Spirit, Sanctifier of Humanity
Assembly Information
The Bishop Schwebach Fourth Degree Assembly 1995, was charted on July 1, 1922 and was named after The Very Reverend James Schwebach, who had held the position of Vicar General of the Diocese of La Crosse since 1882, and was made administrator after the death of Bishop Flasch.
Bishop Schwebach was consecrated third Bishop of the Diocese February 25, 1892. The consecration took place at St. Joseph Cathedral, La Crosse, on the Feast of the Holy Apostle Nathias, the Most Reverend Archbishop Frederic Xavier Katzer, D.D. of Milwaukee, acting as consecrator.
The Right Reverend James Schwebach was born at Platen, parish of Bettborn, Grand Duchy of Luxemburg, August 15, 1847, where he obtained his elementary education. There he had private teachers for two years. Afterwards he attended the college at Diekvich. He came to America in the spring of 1864, and at that time entered the Seminary at St. Francis, near Milwaukee, where he completed a five year course in philosophy and theology. Being too young for ordination to the priesthood, he was ordained a deacon on July 24, 1869, by Bishop Heiss, by whom he was called to La Crosse. He then officiated in St. Mary's Church in La Crosse, preaching in English, German, and French, and instructing the school children in Christian doctrine. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 16, 1870, the Feast of Corpus Christi, for the diocese of La Crosse, by Right Reverend T.L. Grace, at St, Paul, Minn. After his ordination he was appointed by Bishop Heiss to the rectorship of St. Mary's. He labored faithfully here for nearly a quarter of a century, when he was raised to the Episcopate. It was during his pastorate at St. Mary's that the erection of a new church, parochial school building and a pastoral residence was made. He also built the Church of St. James, at North La Crosse. Bishop Schwebach paid a visit to His Holiness, the Pope, in 1894, remaining absent from April 1 until August 3 of that year. The Acting Administrator of the Diocese during that time was Very Reverend Vicar-General Paul Geyer, of Chippewa Falls.
You can contact the Knights by phone at 608-783-3623, or by email at wrjkl@charter.net or any of the Officers listed in this Website..
Assembly Meetings
Our meetings are held on the 3rd Thursdays of each month, except in July and August, when there is no meeting. Many of our meetings are a combination dinner and social and are held at various locations. All upcoming meetings and locations are stated in the Assembly Newsletter, which is published each month and is posted on this Website.