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Wappingers Assembly #0770
History of the Fourth Degree
The compass of virtue has four points: charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. The Fourth (Patriotic) Degree is the most colorful and enlightening degree of our order. The order originally had three degrees, but near the end of the last century, the membership petitioned for a new degree to be called “Patriotic.” The Board of Directors of the Knights of Columbus approved the request and the first exemplification was held in New York City on February 22, 1900. More that 1000 Third Degree members received this honor. Members receiving the Patriotic (4th) Degree are called Sir Knights.
The Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus was built on the principle of patriotism, love for and devotion to one’s country. Fourth Degree Knights focus the majority of their activities on this principle. Be it known that the Fourth Degree is an important part of the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic, family, fraternal, service organization. Nurturing a spirit of fraternalism within our assembly is a vital aspect of the work of the Fourth Degree. The members celebrate and perpetuate patriotism, and demonstrate national pride. This is visually exemplified by our dedicated members of the Color Corps in national, community, and church ceremonies.
The structure of the Fourth Degree consists of the Supreme Assembly, Provinces and Provincial Assemblies, Districts and District Assemblies, and Assemblies.
The Supreme Assembly is composed of the Supreme Master, Supreme Knight, Supreme Secretary, and Vice Supreme Masters. Their duties are to give careful consideration to all matters concerning the welfare of the Fourth Degree. Each Province and Provincial Assembly are headed by a Vice Supreme Master, who has general supervision over Masters, assemblies, and 4th Degree Exemplifications in his Province. Each Province is divided into districts. Each District Assembly is composed of the Faithful Navigator and one delegate for each 100 members in each Assembly in the District. Each District is headed by a Master who has been appointed by the Supreme Master.
An Assembly is established by Fourth Degree members in an area by requesting the Master of the District to petition the Vice Supreme Master to recommend to the Supreme Master and Board of Directors to create an Assembly. The officers of an assembly are: Faithful Navigator, who presides at all meetings and enforces the rules and regulations of the assembly and the laws of the order. He is also the chairman of the Board of Trustees; Faithful Captain, who in the absence of the Faithful Navigator, performs the duties of the Faithful Navigator. He is also in charge of activities social and otherwise under the Good of the Order; Faithful Pilot, who has charge of all properties of the assembly and is responsible for the assembly chamber. He is also responsible for the Sentinels; Faithful Comptroller, who maintains records (i.e. membership) collects and receives all money for the assembly, and prepares orders on the Purser for bills to be paid; Faithful Scribe, who maintain records of all meetings and conduct all correspondence of the assembly; Faithful Purser, who receives money from the Faithful Comptroller and pays orders signed by the Faithful Comptroller and the Faithful Navigator. He also maintains all money accounts; Faithful Sentinels, who ensure that all attending an assembly function are in possession of both a 3rd and 4th Degree Membership Card; Faithful Admiral, who is responsible for recruiting new members and the assembly’s participation in the 4th degree exemplification; Board of Trustees, consisting of the Faithful Navigator, who is the chairman, and 3 members usually Past Faithful Navigators. They supervise all the financial business of the assembly.
THE EMBLEM OF THE FOURTH DEGREE OF THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
The uniform of the Fourth Degree was originally styled according to the formal wear of the day consisting of a top hat, Prince Albert coat, etc., with a red, white and blue baldric on which was pinned an emblem depicting the U. S. Constitution. Sir Knights wore a sword with a cross-handle grip signifying Christian Knighthood. From its beginning, the Fourth Degree provided honor guards for religious and civic ceremonies. In order to appreciate this uniformed degree fully, one must realize that in the early 1900s, civic parades and religious processions played a very important role in America’s public life, much more than today. For Catholics displaying their pride in their religion evoked an experience analogous to that of the patriot witnessing the national flag ascending against a clear blue sky as a band played the national anthem.
The Knights of the Fourth Degree deem it an honor and a great privilege to carry the triad emblem, which features the DOVE, CROSS, and GLOBE.
The honored order cherishes as its patron, Christopher Columbus. Christopher means ‘Christ Bearer’ and Columbus means ‘Dove of Peace’ symbolizing the Holy Sprit, and as the Cross of Christ is the sign of our Christian faith, similarly, the Globe depicts the New World of America, the miraculous discovery by Christopher Columbus.
Spiritually - the sacred symbols fashioned on the sword and lapel pins symbolize the union of the Three Divine Persons in God, The most Holy Trinity.
The blue Globe -- God the Father, Creator of the universe
The red Cross -- God the Son, Jesus Christ, the redeemer of mankind
The white Dove -- God the Holy Spirit, sanctifier of humanity
Red, white and blue are the colors of the United States flag, the country in which our order originated; and are used to stress the basic principle of the Fourth Degree, Patriotism
The Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus is to be considered a soldier of Christ, a model of Christian living. Fourth Degree members (and for that matter all knights of Columbus) should be dedicated good Catholic gentlemen, who glory in the saying:
“They Are the Right Arm of the Catholic Church” for it is to them that people look for example and courage.
WAPPINGERS ASSEMBLY
The Wappingers Assembly is a part of the Knights of Columbus’ St. Isaac Jogues Province, Second New York District. The Wappingers Assembly is made up of approximately 120 members from 10 councils. The majority, about 90% live in the Hudson Valley area.
Our meetings are similar to that of the 3rd degree, though you will notice some differences. All officers are in formal attire at 4th Degree ceremonies. There is 1 meeting per month from September through June. Our meetings are preceded by a delicious dinner and interesting conversation, setting a fraternal atmosphere. Our meetings are normally short. Most are approximately 1 1/4 hours.
Significant events through each year include:
- A 4th Degree Exemplification and Banquet once a year normally in April. This is when 3rd degree members who have been Knights for at least one year have the opportunity to join this prestigious degree. The degree is very impressive and each new Sir Knight experiences the prominence of Patriotism, love of God and Country.
- Renewal of Obligations where all members review each of the four degrees in an impressive ceremony and formation. The ceremony is headed by the District Master and his Marshal.
- Installation of officers, impressively flanked by our Color Corps. This ceremony is also headed by the District Master and his Marshall.
Members of the Wappingers Assembly participate in many patriotic events including an annual mass followed by a picnic for the veterans at a local Veterans health facility. Many volunteers come out to prepare and serve our veterans with fine food and good will. Escorting disabled veterans to a local professional ball game has become a yearly event with the addition of Dutchess Stadium. Participation in the village of Wappingers Falls annual “Picnic in the Park” is included on our schedule with the Wappingers Council at the park and in the parade. Our Assembly proudly displays our colors at the Dutchess County St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the Wappingers Community Day Parade. On Memorial Day we are present at both the Rural Cemetery and the St. Mary’s Cemetery for services to honor those who gave service to our country. The community looks for our participation in all various civil and veteran organization events.
An important part of the 4th Degree is the Color Corps. It is the “visible presence” of the Knights of Columbus. It is the visual contact with the community, expressing our dedication to God and Country. Any 4th degree Knight can participate in this distinguished group. Our Color Corps is seen at monthly masses for the deceased members of the K of C; community parades; civil, religious, and K of C ceremonies; and at wakes for our 4th degree members. The Wappingers Assembly and its Color Corps are proud to boast of their involvement and recognition within the Knights of Columbus’ 2nd New York District, and in the local communities. The Assembly and its Color Corps are considered among the best and most active in the district.
For information on joining the Wappingers Assembly, click here.
The Flag Day Celebration of our Patriot Club will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2006 at 7 PM at our council. Tickets were made available at the February 25th Patriot Club.
Our NEW FEATURE, the ‘EARLY-BIRD’ drawing worked out so well that we will do it again at our Assembly meeting on May 10, 2006. That will give you plenty of time to return your tickets or just bring them to the meeting. Of course, you can still get tickets at the door on June 3rd, but this way we figure to ease the congestion at the door.
The always in demand, Russ Allen will be providing your dance music and we will feature dinners of chicken or roast beef.
SK Ed Duffy the Patriot Club Chairman is the contact person for ticket requests or any further information and he can be reached at 845-224-8341. As in the past, please return your tickets to the Knights of Columbus, Wappingers Assembly, 2660 East Main St, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590.
Please mark your calendars, our Veteran’s Day Patriot Club it will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2006.
