Fourth degree Knights focus on love of God and country

By RENEE WEBB
Content and Design Coordinator

Most Catholics have seen Knights of Columbus honor guards at special occasions but few may know the history and meaning behind the tradition of the fourth degree Knights.

The Knights of Columbus was founded in 1882, built upon the three principles and degrees of charity, unity and fraternity. In 1900, the fourth degree was added to the organization with a focus on love of God and country.

Kevin McKinney of Storm Lake explained some of the background of the fourth degree. He is not only a member and the faithful comptroller of the Rosati Assembly, Fourth Degree of Storm Lake – which also encompasses members of KC councils from Cherokee, Fonda and Sac City - but is the district master in charge of the fourth degree Knights for the state of Iowa.

Patriotism
“Each degree you go through with Knights of Columbus has a different meaning to it – a lesson that is taught when we do our initiations,” he explained. “The fourth degree is the patriotic part of the Knights of Columbus.”
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Fourth degree Knights encourage active Catholic citizenship and foster the spirit of patriotism in all KC members as well as the community at large.

“We try to participate in flag raisings, 4^th of July parades and other events to show the patriotism of the Knights of Columbus,” said McKinney.

Don Miller of Mallard is a member of the Bishop Heelan Assembly that also includes members from councils in Estherville, Emmetsburg, Pocahontas and West Bend.

He opted to join the fourth degree because he was drawn to the principle of patriotism.

“Another thing I like about the fourth degree is that the husbands and wives participate together, except in the actual meetings,” he said, noting the couples will take part in a social and dinner prior to the start of the meetings that are attended by the men. “It’s an organization where we can do things together.”

Steve Scott of Algona has been a member of the Msgr. PP Gearan Assembly for 13 years. This assembly includes members from Wesley, Bancroft, Whittemore, Humboldt and a couple men from West Bend.

Like Miller, he was drawn to the principle of patriotism as well as the involvement of wives in the gatherings.

Scott mentioned his assembly participates in activities such as the burning of flags and Flag Day events. The one and only fundraiser they hold is a breakfast on Flag Day.

Fourth degree Knights provide an honor guard for the Red Mass held this fall at Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City.“While you still see patriotism throughout the country, it is a bit waning,” he said, noting the Knights have long upheld this principle and played supportive roles during World Wars I and II.McKinney pointed out that in the lessons for initiation as a fourth degree, many of the men were not aware of the role Catholics had played in the forming of the country and various operations of the country during their lives.

Honor guards
Dressed in official uniforms and regalia, members of the fourth degree form color corps and offer honor guards as they follow procedures in accord with the organization’s drill manual for various church and civic events.

“We provide the honor guards as a form of respect,” said McKinney.

Some typical events where honor guards are present include funerals of fourth degree members and clergy, special liturgies presided over by the bishop throughout the diocese and other special events organized by the church.

“One of the things I’ve really enjoyed along with two or three others from our assembly is participation in the honor guard for the Christ Our Life Conference down in Des Moines,” said Miller, who was awed by the thousands worshipping silently in eucharistic adoration. “That is one of the most fantastic things I’ve ever attended. It’s quite an honor to be there.”

The uniform of the fourth degree changed about six or seven years ago. The current distinguishing parts of the regalia include a beret, sash and ceremonial sword. Men holding a special office in the fourth degree wear a beret patch of specific colors denoting one’s rank.
McKinney said the uniforms make these Knights a visible sign and presence of the greater organization.

Memorial chalice
Along with providing an honor guard at funerals of deceased members of the fourth degree, Miller pointed out that his assembly as do most of them give a chalice to the family of the deceased member who then donates it in their loved one’s honor to a seminarian or priest, possibly a missionary overseas who needs one.

“Because of the price of gold, we are now setting up one chalice per year where multiple names could go on the one chalice,” he explained, noting they previously gave one chalice to each family. “That is a neat thing because oftentimes the chalice is used in the funeral Mass for the assembly member that passes away.”

While there are more than 40 third degree councils in the diocese, there are 12 fourth degree assemblies whose membership includes Knights from this diocese. Seven of the assemblies are located solidly within the borders of the diocese where the members are exclusively or almost all diocesan parishioners. Another five assemblies cross the borders of other dioceses and its membership is mix of two dioceses.

Challenges
One of the greatest struggles for the fourth degree, noted Miller, is membership.

“Membership is becoming big struggle,” he said. While there is a dollar factor in purchasing the uniform, “it is more of an issue with time. People just don’t want things any longer.” There are many activities associated with third degree, so adding another level with more commitments can be difficult. Lack of Mass attendance and dedication to the church has further added to the challenge.

For those that are fourth degree Knights, they would recommend third degree Knights to consider joining.

Scott described the camaraderie of the group and participation in the activities as special and meaningful.

“It’s quite an honor and I wish others would join because I think it is well worth it but you have to participate to get the real value out of it,” said Miller.

Third degree Knights in good standing may join. For more information on the Knights of Columbus, seek out an area council or go to iowakofc.org.

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