Learning Royal Arch Chapter Ritual - The SImple, Systematic and Successful Way to Master the Work

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The exact origins of the four Chapter degrees in its current form as part of the York Rite are unknown. In many other Provinces (some much smaller than West Lancs), the offices of Grand Superintendent and Provincial Grand Master are held by different brethren.

Constitutions In 2023 UGLE will mark the tercentenary of the 1723 Constitutions. The Constitutions contained leading-edge Enlightenment principles Whilst it is true that there are very many Old Testament references which can be quoted in support of Royal Arch explanations, the fact remains that much of the significance is open to interpretation – it is still veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols. Some Brethren prefer to join a Chapter where they are well known whilst others have a preference to join at a different Masonic Centre altogether. Whichever you choose, you will make new friends as more than just one Lodge supports each Chapter. Proceedings of the Grand Holy Royal Arch Chapter of Pennsylvania and Masonic Jurisdiction thereunto Belonging for the Year Ending 27 December 1910 Being Its One Hundred and Fifteenth Year Philadelphia: William & Marcus Co., 1911. It used to be written as a T over an H but gradually the letters lost their “serifs” and the tail of the “T” dropped onto the crossbar of the “H”. Now the legs are all a regular size and it has a symmetrical configuration.

I enjoy the history and traditions of Freemasonry. The formality and dignity of ceremonies and the Festive Board of any Lodge or Chapter meeting are balanced by friendships, new and old, as well as the feeling of working as a team. My Lodge was consecrated in 1754, so I am very aware that I am following in the footsteps of so many other members. I particularly enjoy the ritual – I have always enjoyed the words and use of language, the intricate phrasing and the rhythm of a well-delivered ceremony. There is a lot to learn from the stories told in our ceremonies, especially the Installation, which encourages us to improve ourselves and to think about others. Freemasonry has taught me about teamwork, presentation skills, time management and tolerance. I am fortunate to have made so many new friends and companions and I try to maintain the standards I have been taught by them. ROBERT J STEER, CAMBRIDGESHIRE Universities Scheme The Universities Scheme gives students and young people a great opportunity to make long-lasting friendships and increase their social interaction In England and Wales, Royal Arch Chapters are grouped on a regional level as either a 'Metropolitan area' or 'Provinces' (based on the old Counties), while Chapters overseas are grouped in Districts. These Metropolitan, Provincial, and District Grand Chapters are ruled over by a 'Grand Superintendent' who is appointed by the 'First Grand Principal' (see below) as his personal representative for the particular area. Every 'Grand Superintendent' is usually assisted by a Deputy, and always rules conjointly with a 'Second Provincial Grand Principal' and a 'Third Provincial Grand Principal' (the word 'Provincial' being replaced with the word 'Metropolitan' in a Metropolitan Area such as London, or the word 'District' in an overseas area controlled from England). In many cases, the men acting as regional dignitaries in the Royal Arch will also be holding the equivalent regional offices in Craft Freemasonry. Proceedings of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of California. Sacramento: James Anthony & Co., Printers, Union Book and Job Office. 1855. OCLC 999860125.

According to Ray Denslow Until the end of the 18th century, Masonic Lodges in North America performed Royal Arch ceremonies, as well as some others that are now more familiarly part of Knights Templar and the Red Cross of Constantine. [23] In Virginia and West Virginia, there is no separate Cryptic Council. The Cryptic Degrees are given under the Royal Arch Chapter. Freemasonry has become an important part of my life, enabling me to meet some inspirational people from all walks of life. Since joining the Royal Arch, I have had the opportunity to further extend the friendship, guidance and support I receive from members and Companions. I had heard about Freemasonry, of course, but when I looked more closely, I discovered an organisation whose aim was to make the world a better place – a unique concept and something I wanted to be a part of. Since becoming a member, I have found Freemasonry has far more to offer than I could ever have imagined. The Royal Arch has only cemented that opinion and taught me additional invaluable lessons. I would recommend the Royal Arch to any Master Mason as it has enriched my Masonic journey and enhanced my enjoyment. CHARLTON KRENTZ, ISLE OF MAN Foreign Grand Lodges Find out more information about foreign Grand Lodges Recognised by the United Grand Lodge of England English Royal Arch Masons will not be allowed into a Scottish chapter during a Mark working, unless they also hold that degree, which in England is administered by a separate body. The Excellent Master degree does not exist in England, and members of the English Grand Chapter are not permitted to attend these workings. They may also be excluded from part of the Royal Arch working which they no longer use, although this is at the discretion of individual chapters.

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Denslow, Ray and Everett C. Turnbull. History of Royal Arch Masonry Part One. Kessinger. ISBN 1-4179-5004-8. pp 194-5. About UGLE United Grand Lodge of England is the governing body of Freemasonry in England, Wales, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and Districts overseas Many Craft Masons progress into the Royal Arch as they complete that final stage of their journey through “Pure Antient Masonry”. They are easily recognisable in Lodge as Companions of a Chapter proudly wear their Royal Arch Breast Jewel – a white ribbon for a Companion, a red ribbon for a Principal or Past Principal of a Chapter and a tri-coloured ribbon for a Grand or a Provincial Grand Officer. Which Chapter and How to Join The new Grand Chapter was designed to be totally independent of the premier Grand Lodge (separate management, finances, regulations etc.) the only link with the premier Grand Lodge was that Chapters could draw their members from lodges under that body. This “separation” proved to be a decisive factor when it came to negotiations surrounding the unification of the two Grand Lodges. A Royal Arch Chapter is a Masonic body which is attached to, but organised separately from, a Craft Lodge and is not in any way directly governed by it. Chapters usually meet three or four times during a Masonic season; meetings are called Convocations.

As for the origins of the Ritual itself, it is suitably shrouded in mystery. The Chapter of Improvement clearly started as a general Chapter of Improvement or Instruction and was not only for members of the Aldersgate Chapter. In 1904 it printed 300 cards setting out the programme.By the 1920's the average attendance was about 25. You may ask why such a large Province as ours has not followed suit which would relieve the workload of a very busy Provincial Grand Master, but the decision to hold both offices is entirely his. Colin Rowling, responsible for the Eccles and District, South Eastern, St Helens and Prescot, Widnes and Warrington Groups. A Royal Arch Chapter is in many ways the same as a Lodge; it has officers and a ritual degree system, which in this case consists of four degrees: Mark Master Mason, Past Master (in some jurisdictions the degree is named Virtual Past Master, to distinguish those who have taken this degree in a Royal Arch Chapter from those who were installed as a Worshipful Master in a lodge), Most Excellent Master, and Royal Arch Mason. However, unlike Lodges, the titles of the Officers change depending on the degree being conferred:There should be no pressure on any member to progress through the various offices of his Chapter until he is confident enough and ready to do so. Most new Companions are encouraged to attend, listen and observe as they learn more about the significance of the Royal Arch. They will cultivate new friendships in their Chapter whilst they continue their progress through the Offices of their Craft Lodge and, in time, we hope they will be ready to participate in the beautiful, colourful and profound ritual of the Holy Royal Arch. Members of the Royal Arch meet in Chapters and are called Companions. Each Chapter has Three Principals who rule conjointly and normally serve in each of the Three Principals chairs for one year. Districts and Groups The United Grand Lodge of England has 32 Districts and four Groups that are located overseas It is a fixed Ritual and the Chapter of Improvement is the authority to whom any problems can be referred for a definitive answer. Each year we have an Annual Supper and invite Guest Speakers.