The Fourth Degree - Patriotism
Sunday, August 01 2004 @ 02:00 PM CDT
The Knights of Columbus was still in the early stages of trying to fulfill the ideas of Father Michael McGivney of establishing a Catholic fraternal insurance society when Supreme Knight James T. Mullen in 1886 recommended establishing a fourth and a fifth degree. The Order was still in the fledgling stage, trying to grow, writing a constitution, establishing insurance reforms and facing criticism that the time was not appropriate for adding any new degrees. The idea of creating additional degrees was placed on the back burner until the late 1890s, when U.S. involvement in the Spanish-American War spurred an interest in a degree based on Patriotism.
In 1899, the new Supreme Knight Edward L. Hearn formed a committee to design a "patriotism enlightened by religion" degree. To be eligible for this degree, a man had to be a member of the Knights of Columbus for three years, and serve the Order, the church, and the community with distinction. In August of that year, the Supreme Council approved the ceremonial for the new Fourth Degree. New York City was chosen as the site and the Astor Hotel was considered as the place to hold the degree but because of the large number of Knights set to receive their Fourth Degree the Lenox Lyceum in Manhattan was chosen for the First Exemplification. On 22 February 1900, eleven hundred members, some of them from Montreal, Canada, became the Order's first Sir Knights. An additional 750 members "took their Fourth" on 8 May 1900 in Boston. The dress of the day was: Top Hat, Prince Albert coat [long, double-breasted frock coat], a red, white, and blue baldric, on which was pinned an emblem exemplify the U.S. Constitution. To signify Christian Knighthood, Sir Knights wore a sword with a Flying Eagle on grip cap.
From the first exemplification in February 1900, districts were formed where Fourth Degree memberships had taken place. Fourth Degree members met entirely within local councils but gradually began to meet separately to discuss ways in which they could carry out their own dedicated pursuits. A master, appointed by the Knights’ Board of Directors and to which he reported, headed each district. This all changed in 1910 when John H. Redden became the first Supreme Master; he would serve in this position until 1940. He established provinces for Fourth Degree assemblies, each headed by a Vice Supreme Master.
The Fourth Degree "bogus oath" surfaced in Seattle, Washington on 1 September 1912. On October 12th (Columbus Day) Protestant groups issue a statement in which they criticized the bogus oath as "blasphemous ... upon the real oath." Apparently written by a lecturer for a group known as the Guardians of Liberty, a Methodist preacher included it in his sermon in 1912. The so-called Knights of Columbus oath was carefully adapted to the fraternal nature of the Knights of Columbus. John Fenelon, the Advocate of the Order, had sent a letter to the press, stating that the alleged oath was bogus and circulated for the sole purpose of defaming and damaging the Order in the estimation of the people of the country.
In 1917 Supreme Assembly telegraphed President Woodrow Wilson, offering the services of the Fourth Degree within days of America's entry into World War I. The Order appropriated funds for entertainment for soldiers, distributed Catholic Encyclopedias, and staged patriotic celebrations on Washington's Birthday in 1918.
In 1921, 50,000 Knights marched in Chicago to honor Ferdinand Foch, Marshal of France, who was an honorary member. The Fourth Degree also established the K of C Historical Commission. The commission was chaired by Edward F. McSweeny whose charge included, among other items, "The Study of Ethnic History."
In 1924, Supreme began awarding cash prizes to schoolchildren for essays on topics connected with U.S. history and government. The Fourth Degree held its Silver Jubilee in 1925. In 1927 the Board of Directors deemed the Uniform of the Fourth Degree should be sword, baldric, and military or naval uniform apropos to its respective host country.
By 1939, the Board of Directors deemed the headdress of Fourth Degree members who appeared in parades, civic patriotic functions, would be the Navy Chapeau with the Fourth Degree emblem or, if no sword is worn, the Silk Top Hat. The directors added, "It is hoped the Navy headdress would eventually come into general use"
Timothy Galvin became the 2nd Supreme Master in 1941 but only served until 1945 when Honorable William J. Mulligan, became the 3rd Supreme Master of the 4th Degree. He would serve for eleven years.
In 1949 the Philippines hosted its first Fourth Degree Exemplification. 160 men became Sir Knights. One year later, the Fourth Degree celebrated its Golden Jubilee.
Archbishop Patrick O' Boyle, Chancellor of Catholic University and Msgr. Thomas J. Grady, supervisor of the National Shrine presented the Knights in 1957 with the opportunity to erect the 329 ft Campanile Tower at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. The Knights agreed to fund $1,000,000 dollar project through $1.25 per capita assessment spread over five years. On 20 November 1959, 1,000 Fourth Degree Knights participate in the dedication of the Campanile Tower. The plaque inside the tower reads, "The Knights Tower -- Gift of the Knights of Columbus to the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception as a Pledge of the Devotion to Its Members To Our Blessed Lady, Patroness of the United States."
Virgil C. Dechant, became 4th Supreme Master of the 4th Degree in 1956. He would serve until 1977 when he was elected Supreme Knight. He was replaced by Daniel L. McCormick. McCormick’s successor in 1983 was Alfred H. Nicolas, [6th Supreme Master of the 4th Degree], Nicolas, in turn was succeeded in 1987 by Hilary F. Schmittzehe.
By 1970, the official Regalia of the Honor Guard consisted of its present uniform of Navy-type Chapeau, cape, service baldric, and silver sword. By 1981, robe colors indicated office held [Present or Past Faithful Navigator—white, a Master-gold a Marshal--green, a Commodore, who heads the Honor Guard for an assembly—purple]. All other members wear the color red.
In 1983 the Fourth Degree began to give funds for an Episcopal vicar to minister to chaplains and military personnel in Europe. This would spread to Asia in 1984. A similar program was established for Canadians, also in 1984.
In 1985, "to be a Patriot" awards were given for top patriotic programs. Also in that year, assemblies promoted voter awareness, displaying the flag, vocations support, and pro-life activities.
In 1991 Darrell W. Beck, became the 8th Supreme Master of the 4th Degree. Charles H. Foos, succeeded Beck in 1996 as 9th Supreme Master of the 4th Degree.
Supreme Secretary Carl A. Anderson and Supreme Master Charles A. Foos placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. The ceremony took place on 22 February 2000, the 100th anniversary of the first Fourth Degree exemplification and served as the official kick-off of the centennial of the Fourth Degree. A 30-member honor guard from assemblies from the District of Columbia and Virginia participated in the wreath-laying ceremony. Soon thereafter, Foos was replaced by Nestor V. Barber, 10th Supreme Master of the 4th Degree.