FOURTH DEGREE AND CALIFORNIA HISTORY
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.
VISION/ PROGRAM PLANNING
Vision & Goals
Standing Firm in Support of the Order
Knights of the Patriotic Degree are dedicated to the personal development and continued honor of brother Knights. We are always there to offer leadership, guidance, and encouragement.
Proudly Serving the Country
Knights of the Patriotic Degree glorify God by serving our communities and nations as though Christ were the one being served.
Unwavering Support of the Faith
Knights of the Patriotic Degree hold unwaveringly to what is right and honorable, working to keep God in the civic arena, serving the life of the Church, and defending laws that recognize the sanctity of life and true religious liberty.
Honoring the Legacy of Knighthood
The Color Corps is an elective division of the Patriotic Degree that presents a visible reminder of our service to the community.
PROGRAM PLANNING
Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus seek to embody the Order’s core principle of patriotism and exemplify true Catholic citizenship. Sir Knights, as Fourth Degree Knights are called, have been active in such programs as
- Fourth Degree ProDeo and Pro Patria Scholarships.
- Serving Those Who Served.
- To Be a Patriot, Get Out the Vote, and Flag Protocol.
- Assemblies have optional programs that honor the memory of deceased Fourth Degree Knights.
- The Chalice Program is one of the most enduring programs that memorialize a deceased Fourth Degree Knight and helps a priest acquire a precious chalice.
- Presenting a crucifix with the emblem of the Order to the family of the deceased Fourth Degree Knight.
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