Council Structure

Members must have taken the Third degree to be elected to Council offices. Below is a listing of the Council Officers, a picture of the Jewel they wear, a brief explanation of their functions, and a description of the Ceremonial Robe. Explanations of the jewels are taken from the "Official Knights of Columbus Emblems and Council Jewels"

The Chaplain provides spiritual guidance and direction to the Council. The Chaplain is selected by the Grand Knight, Deputy Grand Knight and the three Trustees on an annual basis in accordance with the rules of the Bishop of the diocese. His jewel is the Isabella Cross in silver and blue suspended from a black ribbon. The Chaplain's Ceremonial Office Robe is black with black trimming and a yoke with white projecting collar. The cincture is black with silver fringe. (Duties taken from section 128 of the Charter, Constitution, Laws) - Chaplain's Handbook

The Grand Knight is the top ranking officer of the Council. He oversees all of the Council's activities and is elected by the members of the Council. Some of his duties include presiding over meetings, countersigning orders and checks, reading vouchers and notices relative to the Fourth Degree. His jewel is an Anchor which is suspended from a purple ribbon. The Anchor is indicative of Admiral Christopher Columbus and has also been a variant form of the Cross for centuries. The Grand Knight's ceremonial officer robe is royal purple. He wears a white cincture with silver fringe and a purple mantle with white roll collar. (Duties taken from section 135 of the Charter, Constitution, Laws)
Grand Knight's Handbook

The Deputy Grand Knight is second ranking officer of the Council and is elected by the members of the Council. He shall preside in the absence or inability of the Grand Knight. His jewel is the Compass, also known as the Compass of Virtue, suspended from a purple ribbon, with the four main points representing Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism. The 32 points around the outside of the compass represent the virtues (Listed Below) which a man can possess. The compass is an important tool in navigation. The Deputy Grand Knight's ceremonial officer robe is royal purple. He wears a white cincture with silver fringe. (Duties taken from section 136 of the Charter, Constitution, Laws)

The Virtues moving clock wise around the compass are:

CHARITY (N), benevolence, sympathy, amiability, patriotism, submission, unity, obedience
HOPE (E), modesty, temperance, patience, self control, fortitude, chastity, prudence
FAITH (W), piety, gratitude, impartiality, justice, loyalty, equity, honesty
TRUTH(S), constancy, wisdom, integrity, brotherly love, forgiveness, benightly, kindness.

The Chancellor is the third highest ranking officer of the Council and is elected by the members of the Council. The Chancellor shall assist the Grand Knight and Deputy Grand Knight in the performance of their duties and shall take charge during the incapacity or extended absense of both. He shall exercise a special interest in new members and members who are sick or in distress. His jewel is the Skull and Crossed Bones on the Isabella Cross and is suspended from a black over white ribbon. The Crossed Bones remind us of our immortality. The Chancellor's ceremonial officer robe is black robe trimmed with white. He wears a white cincture with silver fringe and a black mantle with white roll collar. (Duties taken from section 137 of the Charter, Constitution, Laws)

The Recorder keeps the minutes of the meeting and the historical records for the Council. He is elected by the Council members. In the absence of the Grand Knight, Deputy Grand Knight, and Chancellor the Recorder will run the meeting. Also, he is responsible for the correspondence of the Council as directed by the Grand Knight. The Recorder's jewel is Crossed Quill Pens suspended from a white over yellow ribbon. The Quill pens are symbolic of his record keeping functions of the Scribe. The Recorder's ceremonial officer robe is black, trimmed with black. He wears a white cincture with silver fringe. (Duties taken from section 138 of the Charter, Constitution, Laws)

The Financial Secretary handles of the financial transaction record keeping. This includes issuing and collecting bills, issuing membership cards, etc. The Financial Secretary is appointed by the Supreme Knight and is compensated in a manner approved by the Board of Directors. His jewel is the Quill Pen (record-keeper) and the Key (money, safe-keeping, and secrecy) crossed and is suspended from a white over yellow ribbon. This symbolizes his record keeping functions of the financial matters of the Council. The Financial Secretary's ceremonial officer robe is black, trimmed with black. He wears a white cincture with silver fringe. (Duties taken from section 139 of the Charter, Constitution, Laws) - Financial Secretary's Handbook

The Treasurer is responsible for the funds of the Council as is elected by the members of the Council. His duties include such functions as maintaining bank accounts and issuing checks based on receipts turned in by the Financial Secretary. His jewel is Crossed Keys, which represents responsibility for the safe keeping of the funds, suspended from a blue ribbon. The Treasurer's ceremonial officer robe is black, trimmed with black. He wears a white cincture with silver fringe. (Duties taken from section 140 of the Charter, Constitution, Laws)

The Lecturer is responsible for the entertainment at the Knights of Columbus meetings and functions. He is selected by the Grand Knight on an annual basis. His jewel consists of the Scroll over the Lyre suspended from a white over blue ribbon. The Scroll and Lyre represent Literature and Music. The Lecturer's ceremonial officer robe is black, trimmed with national blue. He wears a blue cincture with silver fringe. (Duties taken from section 141 of the Charter, Constitution, Laws)

The Advocate is the Chief Legal Officer for the Council as is elected by the members of the Council. His jewel consists of a Scroll and Sword suspended from a yellow ribbon. The Scroll represents the legal literature and law and the Sword represents his authority to enforce those Laws. The Advocate's ceremonial officer robe is black, trimmed with golden yellow. He wears a yellow cincture with silver fringe. (Duties taken from section 142 of the Charter, Constitution, Laws)

The Warden assures that all members at meetings possess the current membership card and is elected by the members of the council. 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 jewel consists of Axe bound by Fasces and is suspended from a red over black ribbon. Guards or protectors of Roman Magistrates generally carried the Axe and Fasces as a sign of Authority. The Warden's ceremonial officer robe is black, trimmed with scarlet. He wears a scarlet cincture with silver fringe. (Duties taken from section 143 of the Charter, Constitution, Laws)

The Inside and Outside Guards each have the same symbol for their jewel. They are in charge of security at the meetings and are to assist the Warden as needed. The jewel for the Guards consists of an Crossed Axes and Key, representing their authority as sentries at the door, is suspended from a white ribbon. The Guard's ceremonial officer robe is gray with a yoke, trimmed with black. He wears a black cincture with silver fringe and . (Duties taken from section 144 of the Charter, Constitution, Laws)

There are three Trustees in each Council, title as 1st Year Trustee, 2nd Year Trustee, and 3rd Year Trustee. They oversee the financial transactions of the Council, review all bills and financial reports and audit the Council's financial records semi-annually. Their jewel is the Crossed Key and Sword, which represents their financial authority, is suspended from a green ribbon. The Trustee's ceremonial officer robe is black, trimmed with green. He wears a green cincture with silver fringe. (Duties taken from section 145 of the Charter, Constitution, Laws)

Title of Officers

Officer Handbook

Council Structure

Officer Training Modules