As a Master Mason, you've likely heard references to the Royal Arch – perhaps in passing conversations at lodge meetings, or in the charge after your raising when you were encouraged to seek "that which was lost." The Holy Royal Arch holds a unique and exalted position in Freemasonry, often described as the completion of the Master Mason degree and the pinnacle of "pure ancient Masonry."
What Is the Royal Arch?
The Holy Royal Arch is both a degree and an order that continues and completes the story begun in your first three degrees. If the Master Mason degree left you with questions about what was truly lost, the Royal Arch provides the answers. It reveals the completion of the Temple, the recovery of the genuine secrets, and the fulfillment of the Master Mason's journey.
Unlike other appendant orders, the Royal Arch holds a special constitutional status in many jurisdictions. In England, it's considered so integral to Freemasonry that the United Grand Lodge of England recognizes only four degrees: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, Master Mason, and the Holy Royal Arch. The Duke of Kent serves as both Grand Master of the Craft and First Grand Principal of the Royal Arch, highlighting the intimate connection between these degrees.
The Story Continues
The narrative of the Royal Arch picks up where the Master Mason degree concluded. You'll recall that in the third degree, certain secrets were lost due to tragic circumstances. The Royal Arch tells the story of how these genuine secrets were eventually recovered during the rebuilding of Solomon's Temple under Zerubbabel.
The ceremony itself is rich with biblical history, drawing from the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Haggai. It chronicles the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity and their efforts to rebuild the Temple. During this reconstruction, three sojourners make a remarkable discovery that changes everything – they find the long-lost genuine secrets of a Master Mason.
This discovery forms the climactic moment of the Royal Arch ceremony, providing what many consider the most emotionally powerful and spiritually significant experience in all of Freemasonry.
The Structure of a Royal Arch Chapter
Royal Arch Masonry is organized in Chapters rather than Lodges, with its own unique structure and terminology:
The Three Principals: Instead of a Worshipful Master, a Chapter is governed by three Principals – Zerubbabel (First Principal), Haggai (Second Principal), and Joshua (Third Principal). These represent the civil, prophetical, and religious authorities who led the rebuilding of the Temple.
The Sojourners: Three Past Principals typically represent the sojourners who made the great discovery, playing crucial roles in the ceremony.
Additional Officers: The Chapter includes a Scribe Ezra, Scribe Nehemiah, Principal Sojourner, Assistant Sojourner, and various other officers, each with specific duties and symbolism.
The Chapter room itself is arranged differently from a Craft lodge, with the three Principals positioned in the east and the various stations representing different aspects of the Temple rebuilding.
The Sacred Word
One of the most profound aspects of the Royal Arch is the revelation of the True Word – the genuine name that was lost and has now been recovered. This Word is considered so sacred that it's only communicated in a specific manner and under particular circumstances.
The discovery and revelation of this Word represents not just the recovery of ancient secrets, but symbolizes the spiritual enlightenment and divine knowledge that comes to those who persist in their search for truth. It's a moment that often moves candidates to tears and leaves a lasting impact on their understanding of their Masonic journey.
The Exaltation Ceremony
The process of joining the Royal Arch is called "Exaltation" rather than initiation or passing. This ceremony is generally considered one of the most beautiful and moving in all of Freemasonry. It combines drama, symbolism, and spiritual revelation in a way that creates a profound emotional and intellectual experience.
The ceremony takes the candidate through the historical events surrounding the rebuilding of the Temple, culminating in the great discovery that changes everything. Many describe their Exaltation as the moment when everything they'd learned in the Craft degrees finally made complete sense.
Prerequisites and Qualifications
To be Exalted to the Royal Arch, you must:
- Be a Master Mason in good standing
- Have been a Master Mason for a period specified by your jurisdiction (often at least four weeks to several months)
- Be proposed and seconded by members of a Royal Arch Chapter
- In many jurisdictions, you should also be a Mark Master Mason, as this degree provides important background for the Royal Arch story
Some jurisdictions require the Mark Master degree as an absolute prerequisite, while others confer it as part of the Royal Arch process. The Mark degree's focus on the building of the Temple and the craftsman's mark provides valuable context for understanding the Royal Arch narrative.
Why the Royal Arch Matters
The Royal Arch holds special significance for several reasons:
Constitutional Recognition: In many jurisdictions, it's the only appendant degree officially recognized as part of "pure ancient Masonry." The Articles of Union in England specifically mentioned "the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch."
Completion of the Story: It answers the questions left unresolved in the Master Mason degree, providing closure and fulfillment to the symbolic journey begun at initiation.
Spiritual Revelation: The discovery of the True Word represents a level of spiritual enlightenment that many consider the peak of their Masonic experience.
Historical Continuity: It connects Freemasonry directly to biblical history and the rebuilding of Solomon's Temple, grounding the craft in ancient tradition.
Gateway to Further Orders: In many jurisdictions, Royal Arch membership is required for advancement to other orders like Knights Templar or additional Scottish Rite degrees.
The Royal Arch Experience
Members often describe their Exaltation as a transformative experience. The combination of historical narrative, symbolic teaching, and spiritual revelation creates something truly special. Unlike some degrees that focus primarily on moral instruction, the Royal Arch provides a sense of completion and fulfillment that many find deeply satisfying.
The moment of the great discovery, when the True Word is revealed, is often cited as one of the most moving experiences in Freemasonry. It represents not just the recovery of what was lost, but the culmination of the spiritual journey that began with initiation.
The Continuing Journey
Many Royal Arch Masons find that their Exaltation opens doors to deeper Masonic study and involvement. The degree provides a foundation for understanding other orders, particularly those in the York Rite system. The historical and biblical knowledge gained in the Royal Arch enhances appreciation for orders like the Cryptic Council and Knights Templar.
The Royal Arch also encourages continued study of biblical history, Temple symbolism, and the historical connections between ancient Judaism and Freemasonry. Many Chapters have study groups or educational programs that explore these themes in greater depth.
A Personal Transformation
Beyond the ceremony itself, many find that Royal Arch membership brings a deeper sense of purpose to their Masonic journey. The emphasis on seeking and finding divine truth, the importance of persistence in the face of adversity, and the joy of discovering what was lost create a framework for personal growth and spiritual development.
The Royal Arch teaches that what appears to be lost may simply be hidden, waiting for the right time and the right circumstances to be revealed. This lesson extends far beyond Masonic symbolism into daily life, encouraging members to maintain hope and continue searching for truth even in difficult circumstances.
Building Lasting Friendships
Royal Arch Chapters often develop particularly close bonds among their members. The shared experience of the profound Exaltation ceremony, combined with the smaller size of most Chapters compared to Craft Lodges, creates an atmosphere of intimate fellowship.
Many Royal Arch Masons describe their Chapter meetings as among the most enjoyable and meaningful in their Masonic calendar. The ceremonies are typically shorter than full Craft degree work, allowing more time for fellowship and discussion of the deeper meanings behind the symbolism.
Making the Decision
If you're considering the Royal Arch, think about what you hope to gain from your continued Masonic journey. If you're seeking:
- Completion of the story begun in your Craft degrees
- Spiritual enlightenment and deeper understanding of divine truth
- Biblical and historical knowledge related to the Temple tradition
- Intimate fellowship with like-minded Masons
- Gateway access to other Masonic orders
- Personal transformation through profound symbolic experience
Then the Royal Arch may be exactly what you're looking for.
The Sacred Trust
The Royal Arch places a particular emphasis on the sacred trust between members and the responsibility that comes with receiving divine knowledge. The secrets revealed in the Royal Arch are considered more sacred than those of the Craft degrees, requiring a deeper level of commitment and understanding.
This sacred trust extends to how Royal Arch Masons interact with each other and with the broader Masonic community. There's an expectation of higher conduct and deeper reflection that many find both challenging and rewarding.
A Crown Upon Your Masonic Career
Many Freemasons consider their Exaltation to the Royal Arch as placing a crown upon their Masonic career. It represents not an ending, but a culmination that opens new vistas for exploration and understanding. The degree provides both closure to questions that have lingered since the Master Mason degree and opens new pathways for continued growth.
Whether you see it as the completion of ancient Masonry, the recovery of divine truth, or simply the next step in your Masonic journey, the Royal Arch offers an experience that few forget and many consider the highlight of their Masonic life.
The Holy Royal Arch stands as a testament to the enduring power of ancient wisdom, the importance of persistent seeking, and the joy that comes from discovering truth. For those ready to take this significant step, it offers rewards that extend far beyond the ceremony itself, providing a foundation for lifelong learning, fellowship, and spiritual growth.
Celebrate your Royal Arch journey with our collection of commemorative mugs featuring Royal Arch symbols and designs, perfect for reflecting on your Exaltation experience during your morning coffee.
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