What is the 4th Degree of the Knights of Columbus?

It is the Patriotic Degree of the Knights of Columbus which is committed to the preservation of our Church, our Order and to the many nations where Knights serve. We serve as examples of Christ's presence in the World. In our lives, we must realize that our Christian duty extends beyond our own life, and how we lead our families and to the borader commitment on how we serve our fellow man.

Members of the Patriotic Degree are an integral part of our Order and serve our brother Knights by:

1) Conducting numerous educational programs.

2) Honoring Knights and their families during times of tragedy and loss

3) Encouraging active participation in important programs of our Order

Members of the Patriotic Degree proudly foster patriotism in each nation in which they live by:

1) Working to honor and protect symbols of national pride

2) Participating in national holiday celebrations

3) Honoring military veterans and first responders for their service and sacrifice

4) Teaching personal responsibility in civic affairs

5) Taking a publicly visible leadership roles on important national and moral Issues.

In a time when too few Christians are prepared to speak up for what they believe, members of the Patriotic Degree act on what is right and honorable by:

1) Supporting and defending the truth in the public arena

2) Building a positive culture of life and a civilization based on love

3) Defending laws that recognize the sanctity of a human being at all stages of life.

4) Standing together to ensure religious freedom can exist everywhere.

If I Join the 4th Degree, do I have to become a Color Corp Member and purchase a uniform?

As Faithful Navigator, I have been asked by several 3rd Degree Knights if by joining the Patriotic 4th Degree, would they be required to join the Color Corp and have purchase the new uniform. The answer is no, it is optional, only if you are interested in becoming part of the Color Corps, if so, our Assembly 815 provide a $300 stipend to help in purchasing a uniform.

Who can I contact to learn more about the 4th Degree, how can I join and what is the annual dues?

Contact Assembly 815 Faithful Navigator David J. Weeks, Sir Knight djweeks1957@gmail.com or your Grand Knight. Either Assembly 815 or your 3rd Degree Council can also provide a Form 4 to complete. Annual Dues are $28.

Explain the Form 4, and who can be the sponsor on the application.

Similar to the Form 100 required to join a 3rd Degree Council, the 4th Degree Assembly has a Form 4 to complete. Your sponsor can be any 4th Degree Sir Knight in Good Standing.

Is attending an Exemplification required to become a 4th Degree Sir Knight and how many are scheduled throughout the year?

Yes, all potential 4th Degree candidates must attend an Exemplification. Dates for Exemplification's are scheduled by the Master, Ohio District 2. The next in-person Exemplification will be held Spring 2023.

What is involved in an Exemplification to become a 4th Degree Sir Knight.

I am unable to discuss an Exemplification, outside of an Assembly meeting. The Knights of Columbus is working to remove this requirement.

How is Assembly 815 organized?

Assemblies have several feeder Councils that make up current and future membership. Our Assembly 815 Feeder Councils include Council 500 - Dayton, Council 3698 - Eaton, Council 12912 - Vandalia, and Council 14891 - Ascension.

When and where does Assembly 815 meet?

Currently, every 4th Wednesday of each month at Bainbridge Hall, Dayton

What are the names of the current officers of Assembly 815?

Faithful Navigator: SK David Weeks

Faithful Captain: SK Dennis Mc Garry

Faithful Pilot: SK Robert Wiggins

Faithful Admiral: SK Vic Lauterbach

Faithful Comptroller: SK Michael Thomas

Faithful Purser: SK Timothy Francis

Faithful Scribe: SK Scott Mallott

Inner Sentinel: SK Thomas Lauber

Outer Sentinel: SK Lawrence Clark

Color Corp Commander: SK Patrick Shay

Does Assembly 815 have a Ladies Auxiliary for the wives, when do they meet and what is the cost of yearly dues?

Yes, they meet at the same time as the Assembly and have yearly dues of $12. A Wife of the 4th Degree is addressed as "Lady". Wives, daughters, widows, or a significant other of a Sir Knight are eligible to join our Auxiliary. Religion and marital status are not a barrier to membership or holding office in the Ladies Auxililary. At the same time, membership in the Auxiliary is not mandatory.

What is the primary purpose and objective of the Ladies Auxiliary?

The primary purpose of the Ladies Auxiliary is to assist and support Assembly 815. The objective of the Auxiliary is social, intellectual, spiritual and charitable welfare of the women and families of Assembly 815. The ladies promote closer cooperation and understanding between the Ladies Auxiliary and Assembly 815, assisting as needed in programs the 4th Degree undertakes, conducting programs of their own that support the ideals of Assembly 815.

What is the purpose of the Color Corp of the 4th Degree?

The primary purpose of the Color Corp is to encourage active Catholic citizenship and foster the spirit of patriotism in members and the community at large.

The Color Corps members exemplify these principles of the Knights of Columbus:

** Charity - by the gift of their time and energies necessary to practice, perfect and perform the ceremonials and sword drill

** Unity - by the united efforts of Sir Knights to make available the ceremonial Color Corps for the good of the Church and the Order

** Fraternity - by expressing an "Esprit de Corps," in sharing a common desire for marching unit excellence and camaraderie; and

** Patriotism - by performing precision drill as a salute to God and country and visually exhibiting our love for both

How many events do the Color Corp participate in annually?

It depends on the number of requests for the Color Corp to be present at religious and civic functions.

This is an important activity for each Assembly which adds dignity and pride of Church and Country to any event. These public appearances vividly demonstrate our religious loyalties to God and our patriotic loyalites to Country. They bring great credit to the Color Corps members, to the Knight of Columbus and to the Catholic Church.

Who can I contact to learn more about the Color Corp?

Any Color Corp member previously listed on the identity page of Color Corp members. Otherwise, you could also contact the Faithful Navigator, SK David Weeks (djweeks1957@gmail.com) and Color Corp Commander, SK Patrick Shay (shay@donet.com).

Is there a link for seeing the uniforms and purchasing them?

Visit www.kofcuniform.com to see and purchase them.

Does Assembly 815 supplement part of the costs for uniforms?

Currently, we will provide $300 toward the purchase of the 4th Degree uniform which is about 40% of the typical cost.