That would sort of defeat the idea of a “uniform”, where the members of the organization are dressed in a uniform fashion for an event.
No, that’s not true. They could specific (for instance) 2 button, navy blue, center vent, blazer. The specification could be even more detailed than that – but still very easy to find at a much, much lower price.
There are 2 somewhat different levels of organization.
No uniform for 4th degree members, outside the color corp. The color corp is the only ones who do any kind of “ceremonial” activity. I think many years ago every 4th degree member had to borrow a sword for his own ceremony installed into the 4th degree, and they may have worn a tux for that ceremony.
My mistake… It would be nice if more knights of all levels wore a uniform to parish functions. Like so many other service/fraternal organizations inside and outside the Church, their numbers are seem to be fewer and fewer in many parishes and dioceses.
I got it. More of a dress code, as opposed to a uniform, but distinctive enough that people know that you belong.
“Seem” is the operative word here. In actuality, the membership of the K of C is rising. Fraternal organizations in general have fewer active members, its not just the knights. The Shriners are with their miniature cars at the Memorial Day parade here in Pittsburgh, and they have a fairly large contingency marching. But out of 50 or 60 guys, there are only 3 or 4 that are younger than I am. And I’m 61.
So is “active.” I don’t doubt that the KofC is doing well from a membership/insurance sales standpoint. But their impact in parishes definitely seems to be waning. The Masons are hurting even worse – and they have no insurance component.
I suppose, we do have a kind of uniform when our council and assembly march in 4th of July parade; we wear a light colored shirt, and black or blue pants. (Sadly, more of us have to ride than walk now. We are aging). You make a good point about wearing at least some kind of designated clothing to parish functions, besides just our K of C pins. Now that I think of it, there are a few Council officers (district deputies) who wear special sport coats.
By the way, there is a huge push by the Supreme Council to get local councils out of their separate properties, and into parishes, directly under the pastors. Where I live, until recently no parishes had their own K of C councils, just regional, independent councils not connected to any parish. They had priest chaplains, of course, and supported the bishop. Now, almost all new councils are being formed in parishes, and there is pressure on “regional” or standalone type councils to move into a parish, directly under a pastor rather than finding their own, separate chaplain.
No, a uniform. When I was in a fraternity in college we had a uniform for many functions: Navy blue two-button center vent blazer with brass buttons that we were issued. White long sleeve dress shirt (standard collar, no button-downs, no french cuffs), issued maroon tie with half windsor knot, medium grey dress slacks – no cuffs, black leather belt and dress shoes. Simple, uniform.
The same reason the USN does. They’re classic, but not cheesy elements of many uniforms: