Robes
and Jewels of Council Officers
Each
Council Officer has his own ceremonial robe and a metal emblem called
a jewel worn on a ribbon around the neck. Officers' robes are all
of the general design called the Columbus Robe. It is a flowing robe
with inserted yoke, usually white. The opening is in the back with
invisible clasps. There are inner or coat sleeves and outer or flowing
sleeves. There is a standing collar, open in front, and a cowl or
hood. Three belt straps are provided around the waist for a cincture
or belt containing two tabs. The cincture is worn so that the tabs
hang down along the left side of the body, but not on the hip. The
tabs are ended in fringe. The mantle, as prescribed for the State
Deputy, Grand Knight and Chancellor, is a sleeveless coat with large
arm holes, and is worn over the Columbus Robe.
 |
The
Chaplain provides spiritual guidance to the Council.
His emblem is the Cross, worn on a black ribbon. The robe, too,
is black with black trimming and yoke with white projecting
collar. The cincture is black with silver fringe.
|
 |
The
Grand Knight is the Chief Executive Officer of the Council
and is responsible for all aspects of Council operation. He
presides over Council meetings and is ex-officio member of all
committees. His emblem, the Anchor carried on a purple ribbon,
is indicative of Columbus, the Mariner. It has also been a variant
form of the Cross for centuries. His is a royal purple robe
with white cincture with silver fringe. A purple mantle with
white roll collar is also worn. |
 |
The
Deputy Grand Knight acts on behalf of the Grand Knight
in his absence and also serves as General Programs Director
at Fr. Rosensteel Council. His emblem, the Compass, was also
used by Columbus, the Mariner. The Knights of Columbus Compass,
with its points being Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism,
is known as the Compass of Virtue; its 32 flame-like rays represent
the 32 virtues which may be possessed by men. It is hung from
a purple ribbon. His robe is the same as the Grand Knight, but
without the mantle. |
 |
The
Chancellor is the third ranking Council Officer. He is
in charge of Vocations and indoctrinating new members into Council
activities. At Fr. Rosensteel Council, the Chancellor usually
acts as Council Activities Chairman as well. His emblem is the
Isabella Cross, with Skull and Crossbones; it is worn on a black
over white ribbon. The Cross is self-explanatory, while the
Skull and Crossed Bones are symbolic of man's mortality. The
Chancellor wears a black robe trimmed with white and a white
cincture with silver fringe. He also wears a black mantle with
white roll collar. |
 |
The
Financial Secretary records all money transactions, issues
and collects bills, issues membership cards, and is otherwise
responsible for all financial matters of the Council except
those allocated to the Treasurer. His emblem is a Crossed Key
and Quill. The Key has always been associated with an office
concerned with money, safekeeping and secrecy. The Quill is
the symbol of a scribe - a recordkeeper - one who writes letters,
documents, etc. This jewel is worn on a white over yellow ribbon.
His robe is black, trimmed with black, and a white cincture
with silver fringe. |
 |
The
Treasurer keeps all funds, maintains the accounts of
the Council, and issues Council checks upon receipt of a proper
voucher from the Financial Secretary. Crossed Keys worn on a
blue ribbon are symbolic of his complete authority over funds,
particularly responsibility for their safekeeping. His robe
is black, trimmed with black, and a white cincture with silver
fringe. |
 |
The
Warden assures that all members at meetings possess the
current membership card. He is custodian of all Council property
except funds and is in charge of properly setting up the Council
Chamber. He directs the activities of the Inside and Outside
Guards. His emblem, an Axe Bound with Rods, known as a Faces,
was traditionally carried by the guards or protectors of Roman
magistrates as a symbol of authority. The Warden ideally has
and exercises that authority. The ribbon is colored red over
black. His robe is black trimmed with scarlet with a scarlet
cincture with silver fringe. |
 |
The
Recorder keeps the minutes of the meetings, conducts
correspondence as directed by the Grand Knight, and keeps official
historic documents of the Council. In the absence of the Grand
Knight and Deputy Grand Knight, he presides at Council meetings.
Crossed Quills hung from a white over yellow ribbon are symbolic
of his responsibilities for letter and document (records) writing
and preservation. His robe is black, trimmed with black, with
a white cincture with silver fringe. |
 |
The
Lecturer provides entertainment for the members after
meetings, particularly the second meeting of the month, which
is our social meeting, and handles certain other major social
events of the Council such as Family Dinners. His emblem consists
of Lyre and Scroll. These are traditionally symbols of music
and literature and the arts. Hence, the Lecturer is in charge
of entertainment. His ribbon is white over blue. The Lecturer
wears a black robe with national blue trimming and blue cincture
with silver fringe. |
 |
The
Advocate is the Chief Legal Officer of the Council, resolving
procedural matters, acting as parliamentarian, and otherwise
handling all legal activities. His emblem is the Scroll with
Crossed Sword hung from a yellow ribbon. The Scroll is emblematic
of legal literature and law, while the Sword indicates the power
to defend and enforce the law. The Advocate's robe is black
with golden yellow trim and yellow cincture with silver fringe. |
 |
The
Trustees (three in number) oversee the financial transactions
of the Council, review all bills and financial reports and
audit the Council's financial records semi-annually. Their
emblems, Crossed Key and Sword, indicate this financial authority
and are worn on green ribbons. Trustees wear black robes trimmed
in green.
|
 |
The
Inside Guard (1) and Outside Guards (2) are charged
with the security of the Council Chamber and assist the Warden
in meeting the duties of his Office. Their emblems, Crossed
Key and Axe hung from a white ribbon, represent their power
as sentries at the door. Their robes are gray with black trim
and yoke. The cincture is also black with silver fringe. |
back to top |
