Toronto
Fraternal order ditches plumes to gain young members
The Knights of Columbus have voted to modernise their dress code in an effort to attract younger members.
The ceremonial regalia worn by members of the fourth degree has since 1940 comprised a plumed bicorn, dinner jacket, cape and ceremonial sword. The modernised version (right, CNS) will be a blue blazer with the fourth-degree emblem, grey flannels, blue tie and black beret.
Dan Heffernan, Ontario state deputy for the organisation, said the Knights had researched how to attract younger members and found that youngsters disliked the traditional regalia. A petition against the changes has gained 10,000 signatures.
