Tartans associated with the Catholic Church

[2176agp]

Perhaps the tartan could become an optional part of the 4th degree color corps.

I just received this as an answer from Supreme:

-----------
The Knights of Columbus does not have a tartan registered, nor have we ever
had one, to my knowledge. It is doubtful that we ever explored the
possibilities. Our formal attire, for the Fourth Degree has always been
some sort of tuxedo, a Prince Albert jacket in the early 1900's, tux and
tails in the 40 - 60's and plain black tuxedo today. To this point, the
Supreme Knight and Supreme Master(s) have made it clear that uniformity was necessary for a professional image. To that end we have our hands full,
working with what we have, without adding a new "tartan" dimension as part
of the official attire.
-----------

I'm a bit disappointed in this answer, to say the least. So -- is it time to be a rebel and wear the St Columba tartan I have contacted them (the Knights of St Columba) about reciprocity. I may also contact the Irish organisation, the Knights of St Columbanus, although I have not seen a tartan for them.

This will not stop me from being in my kilt and white shirt, tie and jacket for our council's Christmas party!

Tony

[macwilkin]

I just received this as an answer from Supreme:

-----------
The Knights of Columbus does not have a tartan registered, nor have we ever
had one, to my knowledge. It is doubtful that we ever explored the
possibilities. Our formal attire, for the Fourth Degree has always been
some sort of tuxedo, a Prince Albert jacket in the early 1900's, tux and
tails in the 40 - 60's and plain black tuxedo today. To this point, the
Supreme Knight and Supreme Master(s) have made it clear that uniformity was necessary for a professional image. To that end we have our hands full,
working with what we have, without adding a new "tartan" dimension as part
of the official attire.
-----------

I'm a bit disappointed in this answer, to say the least. So -- is it time to be a rebel and wear the St Columba tartan I have contacted them (the Knights of St Columba) about reciprocity. I may also contact the Irish organisation, the Knights of St Columbanus, although I have not seen a tartan for them.

This will not stop me from being in my kilt and white shirt, tie and jacket for our council's Christmas party!

Tony

Let me just preface my response by saying that I am not a member of the K of C, but it has always been my understanding that the 4th Degree was a "uniform degree", similar to other fraternal organizations' marching units that wear uniforms. If you are a member of the 4th Degree, then I would agree with the message that you received from K of C HQ. There is a reason why the 4th Degree wears a uniform, as described above.

If you are just a member of the K of C, then wearing formal attire to a party or other function certainly would be be more appropriate, but I would obviously match my attire to the function.

Even though I am not a K of C, I have always respected the good work they do. I once had a member of the local university chapter ask me to join, but being a good Episcopalian, I had to decline.

Regards,

Todd