The Meritorious 4th Degree was established for the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary in August 1979 in Los Angeles, California at the 66th National Knights of Peter Claver Convention.
Power was vested within the office of the Supreme Navigator, Supreme General Assembly, 4th Degree Knights to establish the 4th Degree for the Ladies Auxiliary. There have been in meritorious degree Ladies of Grace Division, there have been six Supreme Navigators.
Conclaves are held annually prior to the start of the Knights of Peter Claver National Convention meeting.
The objective is to foster vocations to the Catholic Church and advance the ideals of the 4th Degree by fostering and encouraging a more lively devotion and fidelity to the cause of Catholicity; to stimulate in its membership a higher and more pure spirit of patriotism and love of country; to stimulate and encourage the development of the Order of the Knights of Peter Claver; and to create a more intimate acquaintance among its members in order that each may help the other to grow morally, spiritually, intellectually, and culturally.