The Much Hon. W. Daniel Petryga, Lord of Blackwood

The Fourth Degree is a separate, and the highest, degree of the Knights of Columbus. Members of this degree are addressed as "Sir Knight". The primary purpose of the Fourth Degree is to foster the spirit of patriotism and to encourage active Catholic citizenship. Fewer than 18% of Knights join the Fourth Degree, which is by recommendation only. A Knight is eligible to join the Fourth Degree after six months from the date of his First Degree, providing he has completed the 2nd and 3rd degrees beforehand. Only Fourth Degree Knights may wear the full regalia and join the Assembly’s Color Corps. The Color Corps is the most visible arm of the Knights, as they are often seen in parades and other local events wearing their colorful regalia. Official dress for the Color Corps is a black tuxedo, baldric, white gloves, cape and naval chapeau. Service baldrics include a scabbard for a sword and are worn over the coat while social baldrics are worn under the coat. The first Fourth Degree exemplification was held in 1900 with 1,100 Knights participating at the Lenox Lyceum in New York City