Bishop Massillon Fourth Degree


History

"On February 22, 1900, the first Fourth Degree exemplification or degree ceremony was held in New York City. The Fourth Degree imparts a lesson on the virtue of patriotism. The primary purpose of this degree is to foster the spirit of patriotism in members and the community at large and encourage active Catholic citizenship. Today there are some 300,000 Fourth Degree Knights out of the total 1.7 million member Knights of Columbus.

Local units, called assemblies, draw their members from Knights of Columbus councils. The qualifications for membership in the Fourth Degree are: membership in the Knights for at least one year and being a Third Degree Knight.

A Fourth Degree Knight may become part of the assembly's color corps. These members are recognized widely by their distinctive attire of tuxedo, feathered hat (chapeau), cape and sword. These members regularly take part in civic events such as parades and wreath-laying ceremonies, and at ecclesial functions at Catholic churches. The various colored capes and chapeau feathers denote different officer positions within the Fourth Degree."
    (from the Knights of Columbus website)

Bishop Massillon Fourth Degree General Assembly was named for Bishop Jean Baptiste Massillon, who served as chaplain in the Court of King Louis XIV of France. The Bishop Massillon Assembly was formed on January 1, 1929, and encompasses members from the Massillon, Navarre, Canal Fulton and Canton areas. Prior to this the members belonged to the Canton Assembly. The Fourth Degree is the "Patriotic Arm" of the Knights of Columbus whose main function is to promote and participate in patriotic endeavors on the national, state and community levels.

Bishop Massillon Assembly meets on the first Tuesday each month at the Massillon Knights of Columbus hall.


Activities and Programs

  • Numerous social affairs, as listed in Calendar of Events below
  • Periodic Corporate Communions at our local churches.
  • Members assist Council 554 members w/ weekly "Hot Lunch" program
  • Participate in annual Northern District Ohio's 4th Degree Exemplification weekend activities
  • March in the Massillon Memorial Day Parade and Louisville's "Constitional Day" Parade


    • Calendar of Events

    (Unless otherwise noted, all activities occur after regularly scheduled assembly meeting on the first Tuesday of the month.)

       February      Ladies Night
       April      Ladies Night
         Gun Show food service
       May      Flag Disposal Ceremony and (3) new 3’x5’ Flag drawing
         Massillon Memorial Day Parade
       June      Ladies Night
         Past Faithful Navigator Steak Dinner
       July      4th of July
         Flag dedication
       August      Ladies Night
         Assembly Picnic
       September      Patriot Day 9/11 Mass at St Joseph Massillon
       October      Ladies Night
         Gun Show food service
       November      Veterans Day
         Massillon SAM Center “Lodging Kit / Thanksgiving Program” supply drive
       December      Ladies Night
         Annual "Tom & Jerry" Christmas Party