Royal Arch Masonry

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This page is intended to give an overview for anyone who is not a York Rite member. Non-Masons will find it easier to start at the Freemasonry and Blue Lodge pages for background information.

When building a masonry wall, either brick or stone, the top course is known as the 'cap', each piece being a 'capstone'. In older times this was termed the 'copestone'. Because the Royal Arch degree is often considered the 'capstone' of the Blue Lodge degrees, Royal Arch Masonry is known as Capitular Masonry.

Royal Arch Masons in the United States meet in a Chapter wherein four degrees are conferred. In order, they are Mark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent Master, and the Royal Arch. As in the previous degrees, they are usually presented by a cast in appropriate costumes. Candidates are part of the team and participate in varying measure.

While it is improper in Ohio to solicit a non-Mason to join a Lodge, once a man is a Master Mason, he may, and should, be encouraged to further his Masonic education by joining a Chapter. It is here that he will find answers to questions he may have after the first 3 degrees. And there is no memorization required to advance through the Chapter. Naturally it is hoped that he will be so impressed that he will want to join one of the cast teams which could mean learning a small part - - or even a big part if so inclined.

Other countries may change the order, the titles, the number, or the content of the degrees. As Freemasonry was coelescing in the British Isles during the 18th and early 19th centuries, there was much discussion as to where the Royal Arch degree fit in. The 'Modern's' Grand Lodge formed in 1717 did not consider it a part of the symbolic degrees, but it is referred to in Masonic literature of that time period. The Antient Grand Lodge, on the other hand, conferred it in the Blue Lodge. In fact, the banner of that group contains the emblems found on the Veils used in Chapter. But even there the inconsistencies continued with some using it as the 4th degree, some as the second half of the 3rd degree, and still others restricted it to actual Past Masters. And so, when these two Lodges combined in 1813 to form the United Grand Lodge of England, after much debate, it was decided to include the following statement. "It is declared and pronounced that pure Ancient 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." Somehow this doesn't seem to make the situation any clearer, but it did serve to solidify the connection between the Royal Arch and other symbolic degrees.

Regardless of the seeming confusion in the formative period, the degrees still serve the primary function, which is to shed light and communicate understanding about a way of life found in Freemasonry. The continuing use of symbols and allegories attempt to convey a system of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth lived through characteristics of morality, honor, and virtue. These Truths should not be disparaged or diminished because of minor disagreements in the manner in which they are conveyed.

The emblems found at the top of the page are the triple Tau and the keystone. The keystone is emblematic of that piece necessary to complete a curved arch, and contains much symbolism in the Chapter degrees. However, the actual emblem of the Royal Arch mason is the triple Tau within a triangle, within a circle. The Tau cross marks the righteous and separates the Mason from the profane. The triangle represents the name of deity, and the circle shows our belief in immortality. Red is the emblamatic color of Capitular Masonry and symbolizes that fervency which should actuate all masons in the performance of their duties.

A candidate will learn how the operative mason's work was identified by means of his 'mark'. He will be prepared to advance even if he has not presided in his Blue Lodge through the lessons of the Past Master Degree. He will assist in the completion of the Temple in the MEM. And after this structure is destroyed, he will aid in rebuilding it. And in the process be at the place where the Master's Word is found after years of using a substitute. This indeed completes the work and story he began as an Entered Apprentice. He is now ready to gain more Light by continuing through the York Rite bodies of Council and Commandery.