Royal Arch Masonry - Its Principles, Ceremonies and Degrees
by Online Masonic Regalia Online Masonic RegaliaPure
Ancient Freemasonry basically consists of three degrees namely Entered
Apprentice, Fellowcraft and Master Mason, including the Supreme Order of the
Holy Royal Arch. Royal Arch Masonry is also referred to as Capitular Masonry.
This is the first and primary part of the York Rite system of Masonic
degrees. The Royal Arch Masons meet as a Chapter and the members of Royal Arch
are being referred to as Companions.
Members of
Royal Arch wear various types of regalia which consist of Royal Arch Chapter
Apron that has a red and blue surround with a red and blue sash and a
special jewel. Companions wear these regalia to their Craft Lodges in order to
depict the bond that Craft Masonry and Royal Arch Masonry shares.
Ceremonies
in Royal Arch
There are
four ceremonies that take place in Royal Arch Masonry. The first one is termed
as the exaltation ceremony carried out to welcome the new members. It is
performed in two parts; a dramatic presentation of the principles of the Order
and is followed by three lectures giving an explanation of the history,
symbolism and principles of the Royal Arch. Men of all religions and faiths are
allowed to join Royal Arch Masonry.
Who can
join Royal Arch Masonry?
A Mason is
entitled to join the Royal Arch when he has attained the rank of a Master Mason
after a period of four weeks in standing. The degree of Master Mason is fully
completed when the Mason has been exalted into the Royal Arch Chapter. The
members of Royal Arch Masonry are known as Companions. These Chapters meet independently
to Lodges and all the rituals are performed as an allegory.
Degrees
in Royal Arch Masonry
Royal Arch
Masonry comprises of four degrees; Mark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent
Master and Royal Arch Masons.
The Mark
Master Mason
This degree
is believed to be the earliest degrees and originated as a ceremony to register
a craft mason’s mark on their temple building in the era of operative craft
masons. It is an extension to the Fellow Craft’s second degree. Now, it has
been developed into a full-fledged degree. The teachings of this degree help
its members in all walks of life. The teachings of this degree help its members
in all walks of life. This degree is conducted in a Lodge of Mark Master Masons
under the leadership of a Worshipful Mark Master.
The Past
Master Degree
This degree
came into existence as the degree of Royal Arch was actually conferred by the
Symbolic Blue Lodge only on the actual Past Masters. After this degree came
into being, it became possible for all the worthy Brothers to receive it. In
the year 1768 in England, this degree was conferred the first time to a member.
The Most
Excellent Master Degree
It is
considered the most spectacular degree in the entire Freemasonry as it brings
the attention to the completion of King’s Solomon Temple. For the first time,
it was conferred in the year 1783 in Middletown, Conn in a Royal Arch Chapter.
The whole Masonic symbolism is based on this degree. This degree is conducted
in a Lodge of Excellent Masters under the supervision of a Worshipful Excellent
Master.
The Royal
Arch Degree
This
degree is referred to as the climax of the Ancient Craft Masonry. It depicts
the entire story of Jewish history. Even the darkest phases are described when Jerusalem and the Holy Temple were destroyed and the people were being held
captive as slaves. The roots of this degree can be traced in the 17th century
in Ireland and in 1738 in England. The Royal Arch Degree reveals the full light
of the Ancient Craft Masonry.
You
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Created on Feb 21st 2020 02:55. Viewed 304 times.