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What is Royal Arch Masonry
The Royal Arch Chapter is the second of the four York Rite Bodies of Masonry (the first is the Symbolic Lodge, where the first three Degrees of Masonry are conferred.) Chapters confer three degrees: Mark Master, Most Excellent Master, and Royal Arch.
The Degree of Mark Master is a continuation of the lessons taught in the 2nd (Fellowcraft) Degree. The Degree teaches that although we are often misunderstood, underrated and traduced, there is ONE who will make the rejected stone the Head of the corner.
The Degree of Most Excellent Master is a very beautiful and dramatic Degree. Here the Temple, on which work was halted so dramatically in the 3rd (Master Mason) Degree is completed.
The Degree of Royal Arch is the capstone of the Craft Degrees. It is concerned with the discovery of a crypt and the value of the resulting discoveries to the Craft. In this Degree, that which was lost in the 3rd (Master Mason) Degree is again found.
The Royal Arch Degrees was considered most important in the early years of Freemasonry and so dogmatic, when the two Grand Lodges in England united, a firm and solemn landmark was adopted and placed in the Articles of Union to guide Masons throughout the world forever on this matter: “Pure Ancient Freemasonry consists of but three degrees, viz., that of Entered Apprentice, Fellow craft, and Master Mason, including the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch.” The landmark has never been changed and to this day no other degree has been officially recognized. The intent was that every rite, system or additional degree in Freemasonry cannot confer its degree on a Master Mason until he has received the Royal Arch Degree. Naturally, we feel this is as it should be, because a man is not a Master Mason until he receives the Master’s Word and he can only receive it in the Royal Arch.
These Degrees continue the education which the Master Mason received in the Symbolic Lodge. Any Master Mason who wishes "Further Light in Masonry" should receive them. |
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