The Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus was established on February 22, 1900, on the principle of patriotism – love for and devotion to one’s country – and is an important part of the overall Knights of Columbus, a Catholic, family, fraternal, service organization. The primary purposes of the Fourth Degree are to foster the spirit of patriotism and to encourage active Catholic Citizenship. In addition, SK’s of the 4^th degree Assemblies actively support the military especially veterans and their many needs.

The K of C 4^th degree is an extension of the 3^rd degree. Members of the 3^rd degree belong to a local Council whereas members of the 4^th degree not only belong to their respective Council but are also members of a 4^th degree Assembly. The title “Sir Knight” is bestowed on a member once he is “dubbed with a sword” during the 4^th degree exemplification. All Sir Knights of the 4^th degree are 3^rd degree members in good standing. 

A 4^th Degree Assembly is distinct from a Council and is led by a separate set of elected officers. The Supreme Board of Directors appoints a Supreme Master, currently SK Michael McCusker, and twenty Vice Supreme Masters to govern the Fourth Degree. Each Vice Supreme Master oversees a Province. NJ is in the St. Isaac Jogues Province, and its Vice Supreme Master is currently Joseph Peluso.  The Supreme Master appoints District Masters to supervise several assemblies.

In New Jersey there are two 4^th Degree Districts. The NJ North District (New Jersey District 1) is made up of the Assemblies in the Archdiocese of Newark, the Diocese of Paterson and half of the Diocese of Metuchen (Warren County, Hunterdon County and Somerset County.  Its current Master is SK James DeLuccia. The NJ District South (New Jersey District 2) is made up of half of Metuchen Diocese (Middlesex county), Trenton Diocese and Camden Diocese. Its current Master is SK Albert E Karwowski. There are 67 Fourth Degree Assemblies in New Jersey. There are 28 in District 1 and 38 in District 2.  

Each assembly is led by a Navigator. Other elected assembly officers include the Captain, Admiral, Pilot, Scribe, Purser, Comptroller, Sentinels and Trustees. A Friar and Color Corps Commander (CCC) are appointed by the Navigator. Assembly officers are properly addressed as "faithful" (e.g. Faithful Navigator). Assemblies are numbered in the order in which they chartered into the Order and are named by the local membership.

Each Assembly is assigned several Councils from which to draw new 4^th degree members and to coordinate “call out activities” of the Color Corps.  A Color Corps is maintained by each Assembly and all Fourth Degree Knights are eligible to join the Color Corps. Becoming a Color Corps member of your assembly is a personal choice. It is not a requirement that all 4^th degree members join the Color Corps but it is strongly recommended. The Color Corps is the visible sign of our Order. 

Becoming a 4^th degree member is a personal choice. Of over the 2.0 million KofC members fewer than 18% of Knights join the Fourth Degree. There are currently over 370,000 Sir Knights in the Order. A Knight is eligible to join the Fourth Degree any time after becoming a 3^rd degree member.

Emblem of the 4th Degree