Knights of Columbus
Monsignor Yates Assembly 2800 

Welcome, Sir Knights

The Fourth Degree
The Patriotic Degree of the Order

On February 22, 1900, the first exemplification of the Fourth Degree was held in the New York City. To the three principles of our Order: Charity, Unity and Fraternity, the final lesson that was added is the virtue of patriotism. The focus of the Fourth Degree is on this principle, an abiding love for and devotion to one's country. 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 membership in local Fourth Degree groups called Assemblies.

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 province is then broken up into districts each of which contains a Master, then of local Assemblies lead by a Faithful Navigator, and therefore our local Assembly, Monsignor Yates Assembly 2800.

Certain members of the Fourth Degree serve as Color Guards and Honor Guards at civic and religious functions, an honorable activity which has brought worldwide recognition to the Knights of Columbus and local Assembly organizations. Honor Guards have mastered the "Manual of the Sword". The Master wears a Gold Cape and Chapeau while his District Marshal wears a green cape and chapeau. The Navigator of an Assembly wears a White Cape and Chapeau while his Color Corps Commander wears a Purple Cape and Chapeau. Finally, all other members of the Color Corps wear a Red Cape and White Chapeau.

As members of the Color Corps, we are the visible part of the Order. When the public sees us in parades, they see the visible arm of the "Knights of Columbus". When we attend wakes and/or funerals of our deceased brothers, all see the visible "Knights of Columbus". In the many parishes in which we serve, our fellow Catholics see the "Knights of Columbus".

Eligibility For Membership In The Fourth Degree
To be eligible as a member in the Fourth Degree, you must be a Third Degree member in good standing in the Knights of Columbus. In addition, you must also be a K of C member for six months and sponsored by a Brother Sir Knight. Exemplifications of the Fourth Degree are generally held twice each year.  Click here to view a schedule for 2009-2010.

If you are interested in becoming a Fourth Degree Sir Knight in Monsignor Yates Assembly 2800, contact your Council's Faithful Navigator.  If you are interested in attending the August 2009 Exemplification, click here to download an information sheet and application. Fourth Degree members must retain their membership as Third Degree members in any Knights of Columbus Council to remain in good standing.

According to the Supreme Knight’s Annual Report, there are more than 300,000 Fourth Degree Sir Knights out of the total 1.75 million member Knights of Columbus. There is a place for you among Brother Sir Knights who already celebrate "Faith, Family and Fraternity" as a member in our order. Make yourself and your family a part of ours, take the first step, inquire, pick up an application and join today!

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Special Announcements

Next meeting
Date: December 10, 2009
Time: 7:30PM
Host: Holy Trinity Council
Place: St. Aloysius, 150 S. Enterprise St., Bowling Green

Click here for a list of upcoming events