The Next Step
The Royal Arch
You should all be aware that a Freemason’s journey is not complete until he has been exalted into the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch, which has been described as the ‘root, heart and marrow of Freemasonry’ and the ‘foundation and keystone of the whole Masonic structure’.
When you were initiated, you should have been informed of your 4 Step Masonic Journey. After you have taken your Third Degree, you are eligible to join the Holy Royal Arch one month later, to complete your journey in Pure Ancient Freemasonry.
Exaltation is not conferred in a Craft Lodge, but in another assembly called a Royal Arch Chapter, whose members are referred to as Companions.
The ceremony is incredible. It is a fantastic story, rich with history, linked to Craft in many ways but also quite different in others, such as the regalia.
One thing is for sure, like your Initiation you will always remember it!
Royal Arch Chapters typically have a mix of members from multiple Lodges, and generally meet three times a year.
When you were initiated, you should have been informed of your 4 Step Masonic Journey. After you have taken your Third Degree, you are eligible to join the Holy Royal Arch one month later, to complete your journey in Pure Ancient Freemasonry.
Exaltation is not conferred in a Craft Lodge, but in another assembly called a Royal Arch Chapter, whose members are referred to as Companions.
The ceremony is incredible. It is a fantastic story, rich with history, linked to Craft in many ways but also quite different in others, such as the regalia.
One thing is for sure, like your Initiation you will always remember it!
Royal Arch Chapters typically have a mix of members from multiple Lodges, and generally meet three times a year.
The Royal Arch breast jewel is worn in a Lodge meeting and demonstrates the indissoluble link between Craft and Royal Arch.
One question you may have is where does the Royal Arch come from?
Here is a potted history….
Despite continuous research, it is currently impossible to know the exact origins of the Royal Arch. What we can say, with certainty, the first mention was in an Irish publication in 1744.
In the Province of Bristol, there is a ceremony called “the passing of the veils” which effectively is an intermediate step between the Craft and the Royal Arch, a minute book mentioned this ceremony in 1756. This ceremony is demonstrated in Essex yearly by a team from the Provincial Grand Stewards Chapter
One question you may have is where does the Royal Arch come from?
Here is a potted history….
Despite continuous research, it is currently impossible to know the exact origins of the Royal Arch. What we can say, with certainty, the first mention was in an Irish publication in 1744.
In the Province of Bristol, there is a ceremony called “the passing of the veils” which effectively is an intermediate step between the Craft and the Royal Arch, a minute book mentioned this ceremony in 1756. This ceremony is demonstrated in Essex yearly by a team from the Provincial Grand Stewards Chapter
In 1717, when the Premier Grand Lodge was formed, also known as the Moderns, its hierarchy would not accept the Royal Arch as part of Freemasonry. However, in 1751 a further Grand Lodge, known as the Ancients, was founded and they did practise the Royal Arch ceremony in their Craft Lodges and accepted it as a fourth degree.
In 1813, the Moderns, under the leadership of the Duke of Sussex, and the Ancients, under the leadership of his brother the Duke of Kent, decided to put the differences aside and form what we have today, the United Grand Lodge of England.
By the Act of Union between the two Grand Lodges it was declared that ‘Pure Ancient Masonry consists of Three Degrees and no more; that of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason, including the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch. This satisfied both parties.
Very Little is known of the Royal Arch for the next few years; new members were Exalted and Chapters continued to flourish, then in 1817, The Grand Chapter, later to become Supreme Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of England came into existence.
In 1813, the Moderns, under the leadership of the Duke of Sussex, and the Ancients, under the leadership of his brother the Duke of Kent, decided to put the differences aside and form what we have today, the United Grand Lodge of England.
By the Act of Union between the two Grand Lodges it was declared that ‘Pure Ancient Masonry consists of Three Degrees and no more; that of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason, including the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch. This satisfied both parties.
Very Little is known of the Royal Arch for the next few years; new members were Exalted and Chapters continued to flourish, then in 1817, The Grand Chapter, later to become Supreme Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of England came into existence.
The Provincial Executive
Usually, a Royal Arch Chapter is attached to a Craft Lodge, and will have the same name and number. But not all lodges have a Chapter attached and, sadly, Lodge of Fraternity is one such.
The prospect of starting a Chapter of Fraternity has been discussed many times, but never taken forward. But never say never…
If you, as a member of 5916, are interested in joining a Chapter, please talk to WBro David Badger, the Holy Royal Arch Representative in the Lodge.