Fr. Abram J. Ryan Assembly 1087 · Knights of Columbus · Dallas

Faith. Brotherhood. Patriotism.

We are the Fourth Degree: Catholic men from parish councils across Dallas who stand as honor guard for the Church, honor those who served our country, and look after our families and priests. Everyone is welcome at our events.

See what’s coming up Become a Sir Knight

What is the Fourth Degree?

The patriotic degree of the Knights of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus is the world’s largest Catholic men’s fraternal order, founded in 1882 by Blessed Michael McGivney to look after widows and orphans. Every Knight belongs to a council at his parish. The Fourth Degree is the highest degree, and its principle is patriotism: love of God and of country, shown in service.

A Catholic man joins his parish council

1st · Charity2nd · Unity3rd · Fraternity

He becomes a Knight of Columbus, serving his parish and his neighbours alongside the other men of his council.

He takes the Fourth Degree

4th · Patriotism

Any Knight in good standing may join. From then on he is a Sir Knight, and a member of an assembly as well as his council.

He serves with the assembly

Honor guardVeteransCommunity

Sir Knights from many councils meet as one assembly to carry the colors, honor our veterans and support the Church, while staying active in their own council.

Have you ever seen men in plumed hats and capes, or today, blazers and berets, at a confirmation, an ordination, or a funeral?

That’s the Fourth Degree Color Corps, and here in Dallas, it’s often us. Fr. Abram J. Ryan Assembly No. 1087 stands in honor at the Church’s most sacred moments. If you’re a Fourth Degree Knight, or a Third Degree Knight who feels called to join, we’d love to hear from you.

What we do

Service you can see, all year round

Most of what we do is open to everyone, and every family is welcome.

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Color Corps & honor guard

Our Color Corps stands in regalia at Masses, confirmations, ordinations, funerals of our brothers and patriotic ceremonies across Dallas. Parishes ask us, and we come.

What the Color Corps does › Request an honor guard ›

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Wreaths Across America

Each December we join volunteers across the country laying wreaths on veterans’ graves, saying each name aloud so none is forgotten.

Every December

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Fourth of July celebration

Independence Day with family games and bingo at the KayCee Club, one of our biggest and happiest nights of the year.

Every July 4

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Honoring our veterans

Veterans Appreciation Night gives every veteran the best seats in the house, and we present checks to veterans’ causes such as Salute to Service and PAWS.

Veterans Night, Nov 12 ›

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The chalice program

When a Sir Knight dies, we present a chalice or ciborium in his memory to a priest, church or mission, so he is remembered at the altar at every Mass.

Learn about the chalice program › Family of a Sir Knight who has died? ›

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Family Christmas Party

Santa, a gift for every child, tamales and crafts, for Knights of every council and their families.

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Family Bingo Night

Licensed charitable bingo every second Thursday at the KayCee Club. Admission is free, and the proceeds fund the work on this page.

Bingo details ›

Our story

Fr. Abram J. Ryan Assembly 1087

Fr. Abram J. Ryan Assembly 1087 brings together Sir Knights from 56 parish councils across the Dallas area. Together we carry the colors at the city’s parishes, honor its veterans, and look after our brothers’ families.

We carry the name of Father Abram J. Ryan (1838–1886), a Catholic priest and poet whose verse was widely read in his day. His name reminds us that the Fourth Degree exists to serve the Church and the community.

We meet monthly, led by officers elected each year: a Faithful Navigator at the head and a Faithful Friar as our chaplain.

More about the assembly

1882Fr. Michael McGivney founds the Knights of Columbus in New Haven, Connecticut.
1900The Fourth Degree is established, with patriotism as its principle.
Today330+ Sir Knights from 56 councils, serving as honor guard, honoring veterans and supporting priests and families.

Coming up

Come and meet us

The easiest way to get to know the Knights is to come to something.

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Become a Sir Knight

If you are a Catholic man who wants to put his faith into service, there is a place for you here.

Already a Knight? Any Third Degree member in good standing may join the Fourth Degree. Start with Form 4, which you can fill in online.
Not a Knight yet? We will connect you with the council at or near your parish.
Brotherhood: men who will stand beside you at the altar, at the graveside, and at the cookout.

Ready to talk?

A Sir Knight will call you back. No pressure, just a conversation.

How to join

Get in touch

Questions, an honor guard, or joining?

Leave your details and one of us will get back to you. No newsletter, no list, just a reply from a real person.