THE FOURTH DEGREE COLOR CORPS

The most visible arm of the Knights of Columbus is the Color Corps of the Fourth Degree.  Dressed formally in black tuxedo, and with the addition of a colorful cape, chapeau with ostrich feathers, and carrying a sword, these indicate to all that the Knights of Columbus are truly present.  Many have seen Color Corps at liturgical affairs, civic affairs, and Knights of Columbus affairs, indicating the importance of the event or the principal attendee.

Each Fourth Degree Assembly forms a Color Corps under the direction of the Assembly’s Color Corps Commander and provides Honor Guards for Wakes for members, First Holy Communions, Confirmations, and the installations of Council and Assembly officers.

For major events within a Fourth Degree District, the Assembly Color Corps unite under the direction of the District Marshal.

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.

• Supreme Master wears dark blue cape and chapeaux.
• Vice Supreme Master, in charge of a Province, wears light blue cape and chapeaux.
• Master, in charge of a District, wears gold cape and chapeaux.
• District Marshal (District level Color Corps Commander) wears green cape and chapeaux.
• Faithful Navigator, in charge of an Assembly, wears white cape and chapeaux.
• Color Corps Commander wears purple cape and chapeaux.
• Other Color Corps Members wear red capes and white chapeaux.

Former Supreme Master, Former Vice Supreme Masters, Former Masters, and Past Faithful Navigators are all permitted to wear their respective capes and chapeaux when they finish their term of office.  Marshals and Commanders wear the distinctive colors only while serving in that Function.

All Fourth Degree Sir Knights of Columbus are encouraged to join their Assembly’s Color Corps.  Joining is easy and no prior military experience is required, and it is not expensive.  Some Assemblies have capes and chapeau’s you can borrow until you feel ready to buy your own.  If you are presently a member of the Fourth Degree and would be interested in joining the Color Corps contact your Faithful Navigator or Color Corps Commander.