In those days, when knighthood was in flower, the
Knights of old carried swords to defend God, Church,
Country and fellow man according to the code of
chivalry. In our times, Sir Knights wear regalia and
carry the sword to honor Christ and His Apostles,
especially on religious and civic occasions. In
wearing the regalia of the Fourth Degree, the
assembly Color Corps adds dignity and a pride of
church and country to any event.
Faithful Navigator, Sir Knight Vincent D. Fennell
organized the Chester County Color Corp. He
appointed Sir Knight Nicholas Monatesti as the first
Color Corps Commander in September 1981. Sir Knight
Monatesti had to give up his position in 1982 due to
being relocated as a result of a job change.
On May 10, 1982 Faithful Navigator, Sir Knight
Vincent D. Fennell appointed Sir Knight Vincenzo N.
Manenti as the new Color Corps Commander. Sir Knight
Manenti had served with the Philadelphia District
Color Corps for 15 years. With his vast experience,
he coordinated and directed the Chester County
Assembly Color Corps in installation of officers,
exemplification's, religious and public functions.
Sir Knight Manenti retired as Commander in 1986.
Sir Knight James J. Nardi, who trained under the
direction of Sir Knight Manenti, was appointed to
carry on the command and the tradition of the
assembly Color Corps. Sir Knight James J. Nardi
directed and faithfully served as the assembly Color
Corps Commander from 1986 until his retirement in
June of 1997. Sir Knight James Nardi remains an
active member of the Corps and continues to lend his
vast experience and knowledge to the current Color
Corps Commander.
Sir Knight Robert F. Smith was appointed Color Corps
Commander by Faithful Navigator, Daniel A. McCormick
in June of 1997 to succeed Sir Knight James J. Nardi,
and he is the current Color Corps Commander. Sir
Knight Smith received his formal training as
Commander from Sir Knight James Nardi.
The following is the official dress when serving in
the Color Corps;
Vice Supreme Master Blue Cape and Blue Plume
on the Chapeau
Masters Gold Cape and Gold Plume
District Marshall Green Cape and Green Plume
Assembly Commanders Purple Cape and Purple Plume
Color Corps Red Cape and White Plume
Former Vice Supreme Master Blue Cape and Blue
Plume
Former District Master Gold Cape and Gold Plume
Faithful Navigators White Cape and White Plume
Past Faithful Navigators White Cape and White
Plume
Any member of the assembly may be a member of the
Color Corps provided that he avails himself of the
official dress and regalia, as well as, mastered the
manual of the sword. The Assembly does have extra
regalia that can be lent to any Sir Knight that
wishes to participate in assembly Color Corps
functions.
The Official Dress of the Color Corps in addition to
the tuxedo is as follows:
• Black Chapeau with a white plume or the color of
office as noted above, with a Fourth Degree patch on
the right side.
• Black Cape with red lining or the color of office
as noted above, with a Fourth Degree patch on the
left shoulder.
• White Gloves
• Service Baldric, together with a sword, worn over
the coat from the right shoulder to the left hip.
When a sword is not permitted for any reason the
Service Baldric shall be worn nevertheless.
