The Royal Arch is often described as the completion of the journey in Pure Antient Masonry. For a Master Mason, it offers the opportunity to continue the story that began at Initiation, developed through the Craft degrees, and reaches a deeper understanding through Exaltation.
Every Master Mason should aspire to continue his Masonic journey from Initiation in the Craft to Exaltation as a Companion in the Royal Arch. It is not a separate journey, but a continuation of the same Masonic path.
One Journey, One Organisation
In English Freemasonry, the Craft and the Royal Arch are closely linked. When the Antient and Modern Grand Lodges came together in 1813 to form the United Grand Lodge of England, they declared that Pure Antient Masonry consists of three degrees: the Entered Apprentice, the Fellow Craft, and the Master Mason, including the Royal Arch.
Preliminary Declaration
By the solemn Act of Union between the two Grand Lodges of Free-Masons of England in December 1813, it was ‘declared and pronounced that pure Antient Masonry consists of three degrees and no more, viz., those of the Entered Apprentice, the Fellow Craft, and the Master Mason, including the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch’.
This declaration still stands at page 1 of the Book of Constitutions. Therefore, the journey of a Freemason has four parts. The first three degrees sit within the Craft, while the Royal Arch continues and completes the story.
From Initiation to Exaltation
Every Brother begins his journey as an Entered Apprentice. At Initiation, he is placed in the North-East corner of the Lodge, representing the foundation stone of a new building. He is encouraged to raise a superstructure perfect in all its parts and honourable to the builder.
As he progresses through the Craft degrees, he discovers moral lessons that aim to help him live a better life, serve others, and act in harmony with society. However, by the time he becomes a Master Mason, he also learns that the genuine secrets of a Master Mason remain lost.
This important lesson suggests that the journey has not ended. Rather, it points the Brother towards further discovery.
Discover More
Many Master Masons eventually ask important questions. What comes next? How do I discover the secrets that were lost? What does it all mean?
The Royal Arch helps answer these questions. It gives the Brother an opportunity to explore more of the meaning, symbolism, and beauty of Freemasonry.
In addition, the Royal Arch allows a Mason to expand his circle of friendship beyond his Craft Lodge. It opens the door to new Companions, new ceremonies, and a deeper understanding of the lessons already introduced in the Craft.
Continue the Journey
The Craft degrees begin a lifelong journey of personal improvement. They use allegory and symbolism to teach lessons of morality, duty, charity, and service.
Although these lessons first developed many years ago, their principles remain just as important today. Freemasonry still encourages men to improve themselves, support others, and live honourably.
The Royal Arch continues this journey. It does not replace the Craft. Instead, it builds upon it and gives the Master Mason a fuller understanding of the path he has already begun.
Follow the Clues
By the time a Brother becomes a Master Mason, he has made great progress in his Masonic journey. However, the Third Degree also teaches that the journey remains incomplete.
The Royal Arch reveals the genuine secrets of a Master Mason, although perhaps not in the way a Brother may first expect. The discovery is deeper, more personal, and more meaningful.
Enjoy Companionship
As a newly exalted Companion, a Brother discovers further friendship and companionship within the Order. He also learns the value of working together in harmony with others.
This companionship remains one of the great joys of the Royal Arch. It brings together old friends and new Companions in a shared journey of discovery.
Discover Answers
As the journey unfolds, a Brother begins to understand Freemasonry in a new way. His understanding of the builder, first referred to at Initiation, becomes clearer. Therefore, the Royal Arch does not only provide answers about Freemasonry. It also encourages a Brother to discover more about himself.
Freemasonry in the Twenty-First Century
The lessons of the Royal Arch remain valuable in the modern world. Although its allegories come from an earlier time, the principles still speak clearly to men today.
Through the Royal Arch, a Companion learns more about duty, humility, companionship, and personal improvement. These lessons help him become more useful to society and improve himself.
For this reason, the Royal Arch continues to hold an important place in English Freemasonry. It links history with present-day practice and helps each Mason continue his journey with purpose.
When Can I Join the Royal Arch?
A Master Mason may become eligible to join the Royal Arch four weeks after being raised, depending on the rules and practice of the jurisdiction.
In the past, some believed that a Brother should wait until he had gone through the Chair of his Lodge before joining. However, that idea comes from outdated rules and old customs that no longer apply in the same way.
The best answer is simple. A Brother should find the most suitable Chapter and join when the time feels right for him.
Just as in the Craft, Royal Arch Chapters have their own histories, traditions, and character. Some Chapters also have special interests. Therefore, a Brother should speak to his Lodge Royal Arch Representative, his District or Provincial office, or any Companion wearing a Royal Arch jewel.
The Next Chapter
The Royal Arch offers a Brother answers, splendour, companionship, and a deeper understanding of himself. It allows him to follow the clues from the Third Degree and complete his journey in Pure Antient Masonry.
It also offers the joy of working with old friends and new Companions while building upon the principles of the Craft.
For every Master Mason who wishes to discover more, the Royal Arch provides a meaningful and memorable next step.
Conclusion
The Royal Arch completes the journey that begins in the Craft. It deepens the lessons of Freemasonry, reveals more of its symbolism, and strengthens the bonds of companionship.
From Initiation to Exaltation, the journey encourages a Brother to grow in knowledge, character, and service.
Therefore, every Master Mason who wishes to understand more about Freemasonry should consider continuing his journey in the Royal Arch.
Continue the journey. Discover more. Complete the story.