Religiously Devoted, Patriotically Proud
A Man’s Country is Not a Certain Area of Land, of Mountains, of Rivers, or Woods, but it is a principle.
Patriotism is Loyalty to that Principle.
The life of a Sir Knight is meant to exemplify the truest sense of that Principle.
Members of the Knights of Columbus, be they Americans, Canadians, Mexicans, Cubans, Filipinos, Poles, or Dominicans, are patriotic citizens. We are proud of our devotion to God and country; we believe in standing up for both as a joy-filled duty. Whether it’s in public or private, Sir Knights remind the world that Catholics support their nations and are among the most loyal citizens.
Iowa District - Father Juan D. Padilla Province
Steven Vonnahme, District Master
2314 4th Ave. S.E., Altoona, IA 50009,
515-669-8894
Samuel J. Wilson, District Secretary
2245 235th St., Donnellson, IA 52625-9164
319-470-9004
Upcoming Exemplifications
Council Bluffs
Saturday November 14, 2026
12:45 PM
St. Patrick's Catholic Church Parish Hall
4 Valley View Dr., Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Presented in English and Spanish
Details in English HERE
Detalles en Español AQUÍ
Fort Madison
Saturday December 12, 2026
12:00 PM
Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Rolling Hall
2210 Ave I, Fort Madison, IA 52627
Presented in English and Spanish
Details in English HERE
Detalles en Español AQUÍ
Guttenberg
Sunday February 7, 2027
10:00 AM
St. Mary’s Catholic Church
520 S. 2nd St., Guttenberg IA 52052
Presented in English and Spanish
Details in English HERE
Detalles en Español AQUÍ
Des Moines
Iowa K of C State Convention
Friday April 9, 2027
11:30 AM
Holiday Inn Des Moines-Airport/Conf Center
6111 Fleur Dr., Des Moines, IA 50321
Presented in English and Spanish
Details in English HERE
Detalles en Español AQUÍ
Show your love for your Church and Country by becoming a Sir Knight through membership in the Fourth Degree
If you are interested in hosting an Exemplification, please send email to district.master@iowakofc.org. You can also request to join one of the Diocesan Degree Teams by emailing the Master. Church Lecturers and Cantors are welcome. Qualified volunteers must already be a Fourth-Degree member and have the new Uniform.
If you are interested in joining or current members wishing to be refreshed on the role of Catholics in Patriotism and founding of our Country, please plan on attending an Exemplification near you.
What is the Fourth Degree?
HISTORY AND ORGANIZATION
On February 22, 1900, the first Fourth Degree exemplification or degree ceremony was held in New York City. Local units, called assemblies, draw their members from Knights of Columbus councils. The first Iowa assembly to be instituted was Loras Assembly located in Davenport, Iowa in November 1902. Presently there are a total of 47 assemblies in the Father Padilla Province, Iowa District. Qualification for membership in the Fourth Degree is to be a Third Degree Knight in good standing.
STANDING FIRM IN SUPPORT OF THE ORDER
The primary purpose of this degree is to foster the spirit of patriotism in members and the community at large and to encourage active Catholic citizenship. Knights of the Patriotic Degree are dedicated to the personal development and continued honor of brother Knights. We are there to offer leadership, guidance, and encouragement to our brother Knights and to fellow Catholics.
PROUDLY SERVING THE COUNTRY
The Fourth Degree imparts a lesson on the virtue of patriotism. Knights of the Patriotic Degree glorify God by serving our communities and nations as though Christ were the one being served.
UNWAVERING SUPPORT OF THE FAITH
Knights of the Patriotic Degree are dedicated to the service of their Church, their country and our Order. These men are unified in the Fourth Degree to support religious, civic and charitable causes. Most importantly Sir Knights hold unwaveringly to what is right and honorable, working to keep God in the civic arena, serving the life of the Church, and defending laws that recognize the sanctity of life and true religious liberty.
HONORING THE LEGACY OF KNIGHTHOOD
The Color Corps is an elective division of the Patriotic Degree that presents a visible reminder of our service to the community. These members regularly take part in civic events such as parades and wreath-laying ceremonies, and at ecclesial functions of Catholic churches.