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