The Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus was established on February 22, 1900 in New York. It is the most prestigious degree within the Order of the Knights of Columbus. In addition to the virtues of Charity, Unity and Fraternity that are the focus of the First, Second and Third Degrees, the Fourth Degree was founded on the principle of patriotism – love for and devotion to one’s country.
Fourth Degree membership is open to any Third Degree Knights of Columbus council member. Assembly membership offers the opportunity for Catholic men to foster the spirit of patriotism and to encourage active Catholic citizenship. Fourth Degree membership is the highest level a Knight can become and the title of ‘Sir Knight’ is bestowed on each member. Fourth Degree members are a group of outstanding ‘Sir Knights’ who are dedicated to the service of God, Country and the Order of the Knights of Columbus.
The Fourth Degree Color Corp / Honor Guard is a voluntary integral part of the Fourth Degree. The highly visible role of the Color Corp is the Honor Guard at masses of remembrance or other special masses and events, parades, funerals, First Communions and Confirmations. Their iconic regalia of capes and feathered plumes has been retired and the Supreme Council in New Haven, CT has updated the Fourth Degree to a new uniform with jacket and crest, slacks, tie and a beret. The ceremonial sword symbolizes Christian Knighthood and is carried to signify reverence to the Church, Eucharist, Country and Freedom.
There are currently over 3,000 Fourth Degree Assemblies worldwide. Fourth degree members, in addition to being members of their individual councils, are also members of Fourth-Degree assemblies which typically comprise members of several councils. As of July 2018, Corpus Christi Assembly 2810 returned to Santa Maria del Mar. Both Notre Dame Council 10514 and Corpus Christi Assembly 2810 were originally chartered at Santa Maria del Mar Church in Flagler Beach. Corpus Christi Assembly 2810 is comprised of members from surrounding area Councils: Notre Dame Council 10514, St. Mary’s Council 11961, and Mother Seton Council 17480. We support their respective church parishes: Santa Maria del Mar (Flagler Beach), St. Joseph’s Monastery (Bunnell) & St. Mary’s (Korona), and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (Palm Coast).
Fourth Degree activities conducted by Corpus Christi Assembly 2810 include:
- Fourth Degree Color Corp Participation – throughout the year the Color Corp attends many viewings/funeral masses, priest ordinations, First Communions, and Confirmations. There are also “call outs” for other occasions such as Florida State Council events, KofC District & Regional events, as well as “call outs” for area churches in Flagler, Volusia, Putnam and St John’s counties for special church celebrations.
- Patriotic Organizations Support – The Patriotic Dinner Dance and the collections from the churches listed above raised over $80,000 since 2013 for donation to Organizations that support our Military on both a national and state level.
- Support of St. Gerard’s Campus, St. Augustine – Annual fashion show fundraising event in support of maternity home and Christian high school for pregnant teenagers. Also, the St. Gerard pregnancy center helps women of all ages with pregnancy testing, ultra sound-sonograms and counseling. Sir Knights attend the annual event and help with collecting tickets at the door, seating, calling numbers for door prizes and gift basket and present the winner with their prizes.
- Fund raisers – supporting our family events (picnics, dinners, etc.) for both the 4th Degree Assembly and 3rd Degree Council Brother Knights.
- Corporate Communion Mass – Knights of Columbus Council and Assembly annual event followed by breakfast for all of the parish community
- Pro-Life events – March for Life held both in the Diocese of St. Augustine as well as councils served by Assembly 2810. The Assembly 2810 Color Corp, members, and families participate in the annual pro-life Silver Rose Ceremony conducted in our local church parishes in which the public is invited.
- Memorial Mass – Annual event to remember deceased members of Notre Dame Council 10514 and Corpus Christi Assembly 2810. A reception in the Parish Hall is held following the Mass.
- 9-11 Memorial – Annually held at the Flagler Beach Pier. A ‘Blue Mass’ at Santa Maria del Mar Church to honor first responders is celebrated following the Pier ceremony.
- Candlelight Procession – Held in Bunnell to honor fallen Deputies in Flagler County
- Memorial Day Ceremony – Held at the Flagler Government Services Building in Bunnell to honor our veterans
- VA Clinic Coffee & Donuts – Assembly members volunteer time each month to donate & serve coffee and donuts to veterans at the Daytona Beach Veterans Clinic.
Click Join Us for more information on how you can become a member of Corpus Christi Assembly 2810