What is Royal Arch Masonry?
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What Royal Arch Masonry is
Not.
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It is the
first step in York Rite Masonry. Here within the Chapter you
will receive the necessary instruction and information to fill in some
of the missing pieces from the Masonic history taught in the Masonic
Lodge. The Chapter is referred as Capitular Masonry, providing a member
the opportunity for further advancement within the brotherhood.
Every
Chapter within the Province of Alberta falls under the jurisdiction of
the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Alberta. To become a member
of a Chapter, you must first be a Mason, and then you may apply for an
application. Once accepted you will receive three Degrees:
Video and
voice narration of a set up Chapter
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It is
not an
insurance or benefit society. It is neither a religion nor a creed, nor
a religious order. It is not
a charity organization but makes charity a duty. It is
not
organized for profit. It dictates to no man as to his beliefs, either
religious or secular. It seeks no advantages for its members through
business or politics.
It is
not a
forum for discussion of religion, politics or other partisan affairs. It
is not a secret society as it does not conceal its existence or purposes
from men or Master Masons.
It does not
conflict with the Craft Lodge.
The degrees of 'Mark
Master Mason', 'Most Excellent Master' are conferred in Lodges
whose officers are those of the Chapter. The Supreme Degree of the
Holy Royal Arch is conferred in a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons.
The familiar blue of the Craft Lodge regalia is replaced by
scarlet, purple and gold on the aprons and sashes and jewels in
the Chapter. Hence the nicknames "Blue
Lodge" and "Red Lodge" still
sometimes are heard.
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The work of the Chapter is
very closely related to that of the Craft Lodge, and the Freemason finds
a warm and comfortable home in and a safe and sacred retreat in the
Chapter. The degrees afford historical and philosophical background on
the work and meaning of Freemasonry.
Some charities supported
by Royal Arch Masons in Alberta include the Youth Endowment Fund, a
program of special funding for disabilities & needs and the St. John's
Ambulance "We Can Help" program bringing first aid and safety awareness
to young school children.
Please click on the
following link to the "Royal Arch Masons brochure", for a brief summary
of Grand Chapter and some answers for the curious mind.
What has attracted so many Brethren to seek
further light in Royal Arch Masonry?
The Royal Arch Degrees was
considered most important in the early years of Freemasonry and so
dogmatic was the Mother Grand Lodge from which all Speculative Masonry
derives that in 1813, 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 by the Mother Grand
Lodge. 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.
In many jurisdictions, a Chapter
of Royal Arch Masonry consists of four degrees, Mark Master, Virtual
Past Master, Most Excellent Master, and Royal Arch Mason. In
Alberta, the Virtual Past Master's Degree is not a formal requirement
but conferred usually once a year under the direction of Grand Chapter
so that Alberta Companions may travel outside of Canada and attend other
Royal Arch Mason's Chapters. Locally, in Alberta, our Companions in
Montana, U.S.A. are invited to direct and confer the degree of a Virtual
Past Master on the Friday before Grand Chapter officially opens.
The Mark Master Degree is
believed to have originated as a ceremony of registering a craftsman’s
mark in those years distinguished by operative craft masons and their
temple building. It was later developed into a full fledged degree by
the Masonic fraternity as we know it today, Some scholars say it was the
earliest degree and may predate all others by many years. It is highly
regarded by students in all Masonry, teaching lessons that have proven
of value in all walks of life. Some Grand Lodges place so high an
eminence on the Mark Master Degree, that they confine it to the
jurisdiction of a separate grand body, the Grand Lodge of Mark Masters.
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. The Most Excellent Master Degree is a product of American
innovation. It was conferred in a Royal Arch Chapter as early as 1783 in
Middletown, Conn. It is by far the most spectacular degree in all
Freemasonry. It is the only degree that brings forcibly to our attention
the completion and dedication of King Solomon’s Temple. The very idea
upon which all Masonic symbolism has been based. Here the Temple, on
which work was halted so dramatically in the 3rd (Master Mason) Degree
is completed.
The
Royal Arch Degree is the climax of Ancient Craft Masonry and Masonic
Symbolism. It is described as “the root and marrow of Freemasonry.” 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.
It is
the complete story of Jewish History during some of its darkest hours.
Jerusalem and the Holy temple are destroyed, The people are being held
captive as slaves in Babylon. Here you will join with some slaves as
they are set free to return home and engage in the noble and glorious
work of rebuilding the city and the Temple of God. It is during this
rebuilding that they make a discovery that brings to light the greatest
treasure of a Mason - the long lost Master’s Word.
Many historians have traced the
earliest origins of the Royal Arch Degree to Ireland, late in the 17th
century and in England in 1738, In 1752, ambulatory or military warrants
for Lodges were introduced. This was instrumental in placing the Royal
Arch Degree on a par with the Master Mason Degree. Military lodges were
greatly responsible for planting Freemasonry in the Colonies and also
gave birth to the use of the Marl and Royal Arch degrees in the “New
World.” Lodge records show that the Royal Arch Degree was conferred at
Fredericksburg No. 4 on December 12, 1753. George Washington was raised
in this Lodge a few months prior to this date.
The value of Royal Arch Masonry
will be appreciated by all who are exalted to that most sublime degree,
particularly by those who are seeking to complete their Masonic
education. It reveals the full light of Ancient Craft Masonry, presents
it as a complete system in accordance with the original plan and justly
entitles you to claim the noble name of Master Mason. 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. |