Discover Royal Arch Masonry
About the Royal Arch
For many Freemasons, the Royal Arch is described as the completion of the journey. It is the moment when the lessons introduced in the Master Mason degree unfold into their full meaning—when the story that began in the lodge reaches its profound and enlightening conclusion.
Joining the Royal Arch Masonry offers more than additional ritual; it offers a deeper understanding of the Craft, stronger bonds of fellowship, and an invitation into a tradition that has inspired Masons for centuries.
A Deeper Light in Masonry
Every Mason senses that the Master Mason degree ends with unanswered questions—symbols not yet fully explained, ideas not yet complete. The Royal Arch continues that story.
In the Chapter, a Mason discovers:
- The completion of the lost narrative of the Craft degrees
- Symbolism that clarifies the purpose of earlier teachings
- Insights that unify the moral, philosophical, and spiritual threads of Masonry
Many who join describe it as seeing the “other half of the picture” for the very first time.
Brotherhood at a Higher Level
Royal Arch Masonry brings together Masons from many lodges, backgrounds, and experiences. The atmosphere is one of warm fellowship and sincere cooperation—companions working together toward a shared purpose.
Members often speak of:
- Lifelong friendships forged through joint efforts and ceremonies
- Stronger fraternal bonds built through shared learning and service
- The joy of belonging to a group committed to personal improvement and unity
The title “Companion” is not accidental—it reflects the spirit of the Chapter.
Opportunities for Personal Growth
Royal Arch Masonry encourages reflective learning and active participation. Companions are invited to:
- Explore symbolism, allegory, and moral philosophy
- Develop leadership and public speaking skills
- Take part in community service and charitable work
Whether someone prefers quiet study or active engagement, the Chapter provides opportunities for personal enrichment.
Connection to a Timeless Heritage
The Royal Arch is one of Masonry’s oldest and most historically significant bodies. Its degrees preserve traditions and symbols that link today’s Companions with generations of Masons before them.
By joining, a Mason steps into:
- A lineage of teachings that stretch across continents and centuries
- Rituals rich with history and meaning
- A deeper sense of belonging to the worldwide Masonic story
For many, the Royal Arch becomes not just a continuation of their Masonic path, but its most inspiring chapter.
Degrees
The Capitular Degrees are a set of four degrees controlled by the Royal Arch Chapter. They center on the construction phases of Solomon’s Temple, with the exception of the degree of Past Master, hence the title of Capitular. The degree of Past Master is the vestigial remnant of the former custom that the degree of the Royal Arch could only be conferred on a Past Master of a Symbolic Blue Lodge. In the United States, these degrees are considered as proprietary to the Royal Arch, while in England there is no Past Master degree as found here, and the Mark Master degree is controlled by its own Grand Lodge. The Most Excellent Master degree is also part of the Cryptic Degree in England. As stated in the forward, the Royal Arch overseas is controlled by Chapters attached to English Blue Lodges. The Royal Arch Chapters have occasionally been referred to as the “Red lodge” in older Masonic publications, though they should more accurately be described as the “Red degrees.” In the United States, all Chapter business is conducted in a Royal Arch Chapter, the other bodies being only opened for the conferral of degrees. Some jurisdictions open Mark Master Lodges as “table lodges,” which act as a social focus for the local York Rite bodies.
Mark Master
A Degree that emphasizes the lessons of regularity, discipline, and integrity. It is a most impressive Degree centered on the story of the Fellowcraft of the quarry and their role in the building of the Temple. Its importance in English Craft Masonry can be judged by the fact that it operates as a separate Grand Lodge, and is highly sought by members of the Craft in that jurisdiction.
Past Master (Virtual)
A Degree that emphasizes the lesson of harmony. This Degree is conferred because ancient custom required that a Mason must be a Past Master in order to be exalted to the Royal Arch. In some Grand Jurisdictions this Degree is conferred upon all sitting Masters of the Blue Lodge. The Degree confers no actual rank upon the recipient, but is exemplified to maintain the ancient custom.
Most Excellent Master
A Degree that emphasizes the lesson of reverence. This Degree is centered on the dedication of the Temple after its completion, particularly the consecration of the Sanctum Sanctorum and the descent of the Host into the Temple. It is complimentary to the Mark Master Degree and completes the symbolic lessons introduced in that Degree.
The Royal Arch
The completion of the Master Mason Degree and the summit of the original Degrees of the Blue Lodge as practiced in the Antients Lodges of England before 1820. The Degree explains the origins of the Substitute Word found in the Master Mason Degree, the recovery of the Ineffable Word, and its concealment within the Royal Arch Word. This Degree, together with the Master Mason Degree, may have once been exemplified as one large or “super” Degree, with the Master Mason Degree explaining the loss of the Master’s Word and the Royal Arch explaining the recovery of the Master’s Word. The presiding body is a Chapter, and the presiding officer is a High Priest (titled Excellent).