Archdiocese Local Ministries

Knights of Columbus retire old uniform for a more modern look

Andy Gilner, a fourth-degree Knight of Columbus from Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie, models the new uniform of the Knights. As of July 1, the old uniforms have been retired in favor of a more modern look.

by Ellie Melero
@eleanor_melero

LEAVENWORTH — They say you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone.

And for many Knights of Columbus, that’s too true.

On July 1, the colorful capes and feathery hats, or “chapeaus,” that have become associated with the fourth-degree Knights will be a thing of the past as the worldwide order adopts a new uniform.

In 2017, the supreme council of the Knights decided to modernize the look after 79 years of the old regalia, which included a ceremonial cape and chapeau, a tuxedo, white gloves and a sword. The supreme council decided to change the uniform in an effort to attract younger men to the order.

The new uniform consists of blue blazers with the fourth-degree emblem, dark gray slacks,  blue ties and black berets. Members will still wear the ceremonial swords, and gloves are still worn when handling the swords.

The old regalia was supposed to be phased out in 2018, but the deadline to switch to the new uniforms was extended one year because of the backlog of orders for the new uniform.  

Difficult transition

Father Dan Gardner, the former Kansas state chaplain for the Knights, said the new uniforms have been received reluctantly in some places. Knights who wore the old regalia liked being able to stand out in a crowd — and older members don’t want to have to buy a new uniform.

“The one that they’re phasing out, that was pretty much a standout,” said Father Gardner. “People would know you everywhere, wearing that kind of outfit and everything. This [new uniform] is more subtle, much more subtle.”

Color Corps coordinator Robert Hall of Immaculate Council 900 in Leavenworth isn’t looking forward to the change for two reasons.

Hall said that before July 1, he can organize 40 men for a color guard for a funeral or visit from the archbishop. But after July 1, he’ll be able to organize only seven. This is partly because the new uniforms are tailored to each member. 

In the past, Hall has been able to loan chapeaus and capes to men who want to be in the Color Corps who haven’t bought the regalia yet but who own tuxedos. But they won’t be able to do that with the new uniforms.

Hall’s other reason is that members who have the old regalia don’t want to buy the new uniform.

“There’s this history with [the old uniform],” said Hall. “People recognize it. You can walk down the street, they say, ‘Knights of Columbus.’ With the new uniform, it’s just too modern, too military, if you will.”

The new uniforms are also more expensive than the old regalia, and many Knights feel the change came out of the blue.

Father Gardner says the uniform change is the result of research done by the supreme council to determine why more men don’t join the fourth degree. Apparently, many men thought all fourth-degree Knights have to wear the uniform, and they disliked the old regalia.

In reality, only members of the Color Corps wear the uniforms — and joining the Color Corps is optional.

“In discussing that, they tested out a couple of options,” said Father Gardner, “and so, they changed the look of the uniform in order to be more attractive to the younger members.”

Hall doesn’t believe new uniforms will help them recruit new members to the fourth degree.

In fact, the change has lost Council 900 two members already — and has left younger members underwhelmed.

Gabriel Mesa, the youngest member of the fourth degree at Immaculate Council 900, has never worn the old regalia, but said he always liked it. In fact, it was part of what attracted him to the Knights.

And he has no plans to buy the new uniform.

“There’s a lot to be said about the tradition of the old uniform,” said Mesa. “And there’s a lot to be said about how it presents the order itself.”

Mesa said he thinks changing the uniform was the wrong way to go about recruiting. If the Knights are really serious about recruiting younger members, he thinks they should be looking for methods of better outreach to college age men and men in their mid-20s to 30s.

Roll out the welcome mat

For Tim Lednicky, however, the new uniform is a welcome change.

“I enjoy it,” he said. “You don’t have that much to carry with you when you go to an event. All you really have to carry is your sword and beret, so I can get ready quicker.”

He likes the new uniform so much, in fact, he plans to wear it forever. Literally.

“It’s a nice imported suit,” said Lednicky, “and I plan to get buried in it.”

Lednicky said he understands why people don’t want to let go of the history associated with the regalia, but he also thinks people need to remember the Knights didn’t always wear it. The fourth-degree uniform underwent many changes between 1900 and the 1940s before the Knights settled on the regalia.

Immaculate Council 900 is not the only council facing reluctance from some of its members regarding the uniform change, but on July 1 all councils were to retire the old regalia or face consequences from the supreme office.

About the author

The Leaven

The Leaven is the official newspaper of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

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35 Comments

  • I too have left the color corp, it was not handled with the majority but with the minority. People loved our colorful regalia and were eager to see us at events. Our assembly no longer have a color core, and our parrishes miss it.

  • Somewhere I heard that we could send Old Regalia to a group that still uses it, maybe the Philippines. Do you have any info on this.
    Thanks, Brian Thoms Fort Collins, CO 12145

  • I have been a 4th Degree Knight since 1995. I have been in the Color Corps ever since I made my 4th Degree. I am also a PFN. I was never “surveyed” about the transition. Neither was any other Knight I know. It just happened. While I remain a 4th Degree Knight, I will not wear the new uniform and I will no longer participate in any Color Corps activities. If Supreme changes back to the old regalia, or allows the Assemblies to decide which regalia to use, I will return to the Color Corps. If not, I am done. When I first became a Knight, I said I would remain a Knight for the rest of my life. As I see the changes to our Order, including the changes to the Degree exemplifications, I am rethinking my commitment. This is not quite the organization I initially joined.

    • very well said… no one asked us about changing and it happened all of the sudden, almost overnight. I too am a 4th degree KOC and the Honor Guard commander of my church, but I’ve stopped going to meetings since the change. I did not like the Idea of going from looking Like a Knight of Columbus to a member of some country club. Also when I bought my tux I spent quite a bit of money. Now they want me to spend another $400.00 + for a new uniform???? no thanks

  • Vivat Jesus
    Let Jesus live in all brother Knights it is not about what you wear but about what you do . Let us all live to serve Jesus and support our brothers worldwide Knight or otherwise we are all made in God’s image . So no matter the clothes show everyone you are Catholic and stand for everything it means see the face of Jesus in everyone you meet.
    Brother Knight;
    Walter Finneran
    Oakville, Ct.

    • Walter, Right on. Those who dislike the new “uniform” are in my opinion being non-Catholic. The old uniform that I wore with pride is no longer relevant to the younger potential members. I will get use to the new attire and will wear it with the same pride as the old-fashioned attire. I plan to attend 3rd degree meetings and mass to speak of the Knights and it various degrees. Also that the guard is voluntary and it is a privilege to represent the Knights at funerals of fallen Knights and special masses as requested by the Pastors. Assy 4111549 Cumming, Georgia.
      Vivat Jesus Richard Thompson

  • Habituate non monachem faciunt! The habit doesn’t make a monk! KC members should accept the just decisions of their Supreme Council. The spirituality of members is more important.

  • Like most Knights, I support the new uniform. The problem I have & it appears the majority of Knights have, is the way the new uniform was adopted. No input from the rank & files. I reckon we have too many members at the higher level that think they are god and better then everybody else.

    • I have a problem with the new uniform and the way it was handled. I don’t recall any input from those of us that have to wear it. As a matter of fact, I will not be wearing the new imitation veteran uniform. I am not a veteran and I don’t want anyone to think I served. I regret not serving but the honor of wearing the uniform should stay with veterans and not Knights who didn’t serve. There was nothing wrong with the old 4th Degree Regalia and I won’t be buying anything new or participating in any events. Not sure what the powers to be are thinking, but they will be losing members or participants.

  • Kevin Callahan,
    You said:
    “I am wearing a new uniform, it’s not from Supreme but it’s clean and no one has noticed the difference and it only cost me $40.”
    I found identical colored pants and a sport coat at Penny’s. I’m wondering where you got the new tie, blazer patch and beret patch. For $40.00, even $140.00, I’d buy this package. Let us know.
    Thanks, Dan

  • I would respectively request, how do I dispose of my old style regalia
    Gene L. Hoelter
    4th Degree Sir Night, retired

      • I agree with Dan, don’t dispose of it. Hopefully the knights will go back to using the real regalia instead of the fake green beret uniform.

        The entire Knights of Columbus seems to have been watered down and I am not pleased.

  • What a shame that a few men decided that it was time for a uniform change. I grew up with the Knights of Columbus wearing those beautiful uniforms. You knew the ceremony was special when the Knights came marching in. These new uniforms just look like a group of men that are girl scout leaders. What’s coming next, changing the Swiss guard’s uniform to a white shirt and black pants? Why must everything be upgraded? The old knights uniform represents the old values that the church was founded on. I think, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! I don’t like the looks of the new uniforms. There is nothing special about them. I wonder how many men, when wearing this new uniform, we’re stopped and asked if they had any thin mint cookies on them? Bring back the old uniforms!

    • Jean, I agree with you 100%. I don’t know what the powers to be are thinking but they are going to be losing a lot of 4th Degree members and not only that, the process has become watered down.

      Can I get of a box of Thin Mints, please?

  • This email i recived is insulting to me. Maybe i am too sensitive.

    Attention All Sir Knights:

    Please turn over all Regalia to have properly disposed of to myself or a District Marshall.

    I will collect it and have it incinerated in special ceremonies at a crematory that I am partner of.

    This will be supervised by a long standing Sir Knight following the same protocols to properly dispose of a American Flag.

    Gods Blessings.
    SK Dr. TW Starkweather

    Master of Northern District

    • I agree, it is very insulting. How about compensating us for “disposing” of the regalia that we bought and paid for with our hard-earned money.

  • The cape and chapeau displayed grandeur. The new “uniform” displays a wanna-be soldier and is no different than “business casual”. I already have 4 Brooks Brothers blue blazers and several pairs of grey slacks which I wear to church, dinners, funerals and weddings, to name a few. no need for another one. I, too, believe the “survey” was bogus and the word itself used to forestall debate.
    I sent a letter to Supreme and the board, asking them to reconsider, but no response from this group. Leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth. Arrogance or hiding?
    I have a nice sword and white gloves…Salvation Army interested?

      • I think I’m done with the Knights of Columbus. I attended our last meeting and it was more of an informational meeting explaining how much the Knights of Columbus has watered down the entire Degree process.

        I’m not wearing that silly looking beret and I certainly won’t be buying it.

        I’m Done!

  • I have been a 4th degree Knight for over 20 years and I have 2 sets of the old Regalia. I am as frustrated as everyone else, but it is past time for complaining and time to regroup the Knights and get back to our purpose “Honor Guard” for our brothers and Church. Last week I attended 2 wakes each of which was for a Past Grand Knight. Luckily the family for the one wake did not request an honor guard. For the second wake we had to make due with 3 Sir Knights and two of us were from different council, but the same assembly. This was sad, and a poor showing for the family.
    Yes you can stand on the sidelines now and take one more activity off your list, you can retire your Regalia and stop going to meetings. You can stop honoring your bother Knights and their families, you can turn your back on the Bishop when he comes to your church; but is this what we are about? I am wearing a new uniform, it’s not from Supreme but it’s clean and no one has noticed the difference and it only cost me $40.

    • It’s people like you, Kevin, that allow these bad decisions to continue. You explained it perfectly when you said there weren’t enough Sir Knights because the fact of the matter it’s going to get worse.

  • There was no “research”. That is a lie. I was a Navigator when this took place and there was no “research”. Supposedly it was “tried out” at a program in Lourdes France but the pictures of the event indicate otherwise. I resigned as an officer when the change was announced due to the manner in which it was done and resigned from the Fourth Degree the first time someone wore the new uniform to a call-out. My old Assembly went from an active color corp of over twenty men to four now (one of whom winters in Florida and two others rarely responded to call-outs). I do not foresee any participation of any significance by the Fourth Degree in our Archdiocese for the foreseeable future. Very sad, but this all could, and probably was, predicted as part of the decision to go with the new uniform in an effort to kill the color corp and perhaps the Fourth Degree. Very sad.

  • I have not yet purchase my new uniform, however, I support the decision by Supreme Council for the New Uniform. May we pray for a peaceful transition of uniform style, color and practicality for the new knights and the current 4th Degree Knights of Columbus.

  • then knights of columbus is a word from the past as the worldwide order adopts a New name, SOLDIER OF COLUMBUS

  • I support the new uniform. I am proud to have used the old regalia until very near to the end of June 30, 2019 which is only a week ago. In a year’s time more men called knights who join the 4th Degree will wear a new uniform and continue the long tradition of patriotic service with the Knights of Columbus. May God be with them all!

    • Tony T. Finoro you are living in La La Land! The numbers of Knights are dwindling and it will get worse. Wait till the majority of the Sir Knights realize how watered down the process is to become a Sir Knight. This is a slap in the face to all Sir Knights who lived through the journey to become a Sir Knight. Now new members will be able to get theirs buy visiting a site online. I’m thinking the plan is to do away with the Knights of Columbus all together.