Royal Arch Masonry - Its Principles, Ceremonies and Degrees

Pure 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 can buy Royal Arch Chapter Apron and various aprons of other degrees from a reputed online retailer like The Masonic Collection. They guarantee smooth transactions all the time and ensure 100% quality satisfaction. They are a supplier of high-quality regalia with cost-effective price tags. Being in the industry from a long time, they keep themselves informed on what the latest is in the world of Freemasonry and make sure their product lines are likewise updated. They are run and operated by Masonic Collections Ltd. and serve Freemasons worldwide.  

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Created on Feb 21st 2020 02:55. Viewed 303 times.

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