The Knights of Columbus, long associated with swords, capes and chapeaus, will be going through a significant uniform change.
catholicsun.org/2017/08/02/knights-of-columbus-change-fourth-degree-uniforms/The traditional regalia worn by the Knights’ Fourth Degree members will be replaced, announced Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson during the Knights of Columbus 135th Supreme Convention being held in St. Louis Aug. 1.
My thoughts:Was really hoping when I saw the headline that it was from “Eye of the Tiber,” but apparently it’s not…
catholicsun.org/2017/08/02/knights-of-columbus-change-fourth-degree-uniforms/
Thank you for this news.Was really hoping when I saw the headline that it was from “Eye of the Tiber,” but apparently it’s not…
Remember that the $500 (closer to $550) is in addition to the cost of the required tuxedo. I was looking at dropping over $1,100 to join a 4th degree assembly a few years back; no thanks. That’s also the basic package. I know a few that spent the extra $150 to get a sword etched with their name.My thoughts:
- The new uniforms are kinda “blah.” Not ugly, not silly, not hideous, just… “meh”. I understand the cost concerns (though see below), but the 4th Degree’s regalia always looked cool. Though if I ever get to 4th Degree, I wouldn’t mind wearing it, but still, blah.
- I don’t understand one particular part of the article: Is it the old regalia (chapeau, sword, cape, etc.) that’s $500 or the new regalia (blazer, beret and tie)? The quotes in the article don’t make it clear.
Important Message from State Deputy and District Master
Brother Knights and Sir Knights,
It is very disappointing to see the large number of members of our Order who are reacting and commenting about the Uniform of the 4th Degree.
Details of the changes have not even been sent to you but many are already commenting on what the rumor mill has been claiming to be the program.
I would ask that you hold judgment until you actually have accurate and complete program details.
I ask you to share this joint message with your Council and Assembly members as soon as possible.
Vivat Jesus.
Regards,
Sean E Halpain
AZ State Deputy
As a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus, I ask that we all refrain from discussion until more details come out. Otherwise, we may just be having useless bickering.Bryant R. Sayers, PSD
AZ District Master
That photograph looked pretty detailed to me.I received a forwarded email from my district deputy knight regarding these uniform changes.
As a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus, I ask that we all refrain from discussion until more details come out. Otherwise, we may just be having useless bickering.
Well, given that this email was given to me directly in response to my inquiring about the new uniforms to my district deputy, this may not be completely set in stone.That photograph looked pretty detailed to me.
My thoughts:My thoughts:
- The new uniforms are kinda “blah.” Not ugly, not silly, not hideous, just… “meh”. I understand the cost concerns (though see below), but the 4th Degree’s regalia always looked cool. Though if I ever get to 4th Degree, I wouldn’t mind wearing it, but still, blah.
- I don’t understand one particular part of the article: Is it the old regalia (chapeau, sword, cape, etc.) that’s $500 or the new regalia (blazer, beret and tie)? The quotes in the article don’t make it clear.
I had meant to add (especially before anyone else notes):IMHO, I would look like a fat old man wearing a beret and having nothing to do with his hands.
My thoughts:
Caveat: There is unavoidably some element of rumor here. All opinions are my own.
*]Concur: The uniform does not move me.
*]The “current” regalia package costs in the neighborhood of $500 plus any cost for a tuxedo. I have also seen the price $510 attached to the “new” uniform (“they” say this information is filtering down from people who were present at the past week’s Supreme Convention. “They” also say it is “hoped” the catalog will be available by the end of the week).
*]The Supreme Knight did announce that Assemblies may continue to use the cape & chapeaux on a limited basis, but the new uniform will be preferred.
*]I have served a number of years in the Color Corps, but I do not foresee acquiring this new uniform – If my area opts to use the new exclusively, I will miss serving, but will obediently fade away.
Not for the sake of price, but for the sake of style.
*]If this uniform is more attractive to younger members (and the recruiting thereof), fantastic, and I would invite them to wear it.
*]IMHO, I would look like a fat old man wearing a beret and having nothing to do with his hands.
*]Supreme has every right to establish standards for this or any other dress.
*]Many/most people with negative reactions – And certainly my own feeling :twocents: – Is that it was unwise for the Supreme Directors to establish this standard without consulting the membership.
Extra opinionated part: :twocents: I have heard perennial rumors of folks proposing an update similar to this one. I hope this is not a case of squeaky wheels making lots of noise, while those satisfied (even thrilled) with the status quo are typically quieter.
Should I start now lobbying to keep Christopher Columbus as our patron, since I know there are people who would re-write him out of our history? Should I start now lobbying to maintain the Order as open exclusively to men? Exclusively to Catholics? How much status quo and how frequently will I need defend?
SK tee
PGK, PFN, FDD
and certified Old F@rt
:knight2: :tiphat: