THE EMBLEM OF THE FOURTH DEGREE

The Triad Emblem of the Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus features:

the Dove
the Cross
the Globe

The Dove, the classic symbol of the Holy Spirit and Peace, is shown hovering over the orb of the Earth or Globe. Both are mounted on a variation of the Crusader's cross, that which was found on the tunics and capes of the Crusading Knights who battled to regain the Holy Land.
Our Honored Order cherishes as its patron Christopher (Christ Bearer) Columbus (Dove of Peace), symbolizing the Paraclete.
Spiritually, the sacred symbols on the emblem typify the Union of the Three Divine Persons in one Godhead...the most blessed Trinity.
 
                                         
The Globe... God the Father, Creator of the Universe
                                             
The Cross...God the Son, Redeemer of Mankind
                                           
The Dove...God the Holy Spirit, Sanctifier of Humanity
The colors of the symbols are:
  • A Blue Globe with the lands of the Western Hemisphere in White

  • A Red Cross with gold borders, and gold knobs at the ends of the Cross

  • A White Dove
Red, White, and Blue are the colors of the flag of the country in which our Order originated; and are used to stress the basic principle of the Fourth Degree: Patriotism

The Fourth Degree Color Corps

The Color Corps of the Knights of Columbus are the uniformed members of the Fourth Degree.  They are the ones that are most noticeable at church and public functions, parades, etc.  They actually consist of two parts:
                                                                    
The Honor Guard
&
                                                                              
The Color Guard
                                                               
Honor Guardsmen are those members who have mastered the Manual of the Sword.  All others are Color Guard.
The Corps basically follows a Naval theme with ranks and insignia. Note that the chapeaux, which are never called hats, are similar to the old naval uniforms.
Cape colors are an indication of rank.
 
  • Vice Supreme Masters wear blue capes and chapeaux with blue plume .

  • Masters wear gold capes and chapeaux with gold plume.

  • District Marshals (District level Color Corps Commanders) wear green capes and chapeaux with green plume.

  • Faithful Navigators (whether a member of the corps or not) wear white capes and chapeaux with white plume.

  • Commanders wear purple capes and chapeaux  with purple plume.

  • All other Color Corps Members wear red capes and chapeaux with white plume.

Within the local assemblies, the Master more or less sets the rules. In the Fr. H. Charles Mulholland Assembly, the highest ranking Color Corps member is called Commander; some areas call him by other ranks such as Commodore. Former Vice Supreme Masters, Former District Marshals, and Past Faithful Navigators are all permitted to wear their respective capes and chapeaux when they finish their term of office.
If you are presently a member of the 4th Degree and would be interested in joining the Color Corps contact our
Faithful Navigator   SK Keith Stringer or Color Corps Commander   John Bigliardi