Gerry Newell – District Master
The Knights of Columbus was established in New Haven Connecticut in 1883. Originally there were three lessons or degrees: Charity, Unity and Fraternity, that new members were taught on their way to becoming a Knight. These are basic Christian values that remain as the principals of the Knights of Columbus.
arly in our history the leaders recognized a fourth principal important to be a good
Catholic citizen: Patriotism. In the year 1900 in New York City the first Exemplification of the Patriotic Fourth Degree was presented. Knights in the Fourth Degree are addressed as Sir Knights and qualify to wear the Ceremonial Regalia of the Knights of Columbus.
The Official Regalia has changed several times over the years, currently it consists of a Blue Blazer, gray slacks, KoC tie and Beret. When on parade Sir Knights also wear the Baldric and ceremonial Sword.
This year marks the 125 th anniversary of the Fourth Degree or Patriotic Degree of the
Knights of Columbus. On February 22 of this year a major Exemplification Ceremony is to be conducted in New York City to mark the occasion.
World wide there are over two million men in the Knights of Columbus and over 350,000 Sir Knights. In Nova Scotia over 800 catholic men are proud to be a Sir Knight in the Patriotic Degree.
As Catholic citizens in our great Province of Nova Scotia we ask you to join us in
thanking our Sir Knights for the service they offer to our church and community and
wish them God’s blessings on their Anniversary celebrations.