Royal Arch Masons are a branch of Freemasonry, which is a fraternal organization that originated in the late 17th century. Royal Arch Masons have also been referred to as “Capitular Masons,” as they are members of the Capitular Rite of Freemasonry. The Royal Arch Degree is the highest degree in the York Rite, and confers additional knowledge and understanding on its recipients. Royal Arch Masons are dedicated to learning and sharing their knowledge with others, promoting friendship, morality, and brotherly love.
Royal Arch Masonry is a part of the York Rite system of Freemasonry, which is one of the two main branches of Freemasonry in the United States. Royal Arch Masonry expands upon the teachings and philosophy presented in Craft (or Blue Lodge) Freemasonry, introducing additional degrees including the Mark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent Master, and Royal Arch Mason degrees. The central theme of Royal Arch Masonry is a search for knowledge and spiritual truth.
Who are Royal Arch Masons?
Royal Arch Masons (also known as Capitular Masonry) is a branch of Freemasonry that focuses on the study and practice of spiritual knowledge. It is the first part of the “York Rite” system, which is one of the two main branches of Freemasonry. Royal Arch Masons are members of a Masonic organization that dates back to the 18th century. The organization has a long and storied history, which includes some of the most influential people in history.
Royal Arch Masons follow a system of teachings and rituals based on Biblical principles and traditions. The organization has chapters all over the world, with members from many different countries and cultures. The main purpose of Royal Arch Masonry is to promote education, charity, fellowship, morality and brotherhood among its members.
The core teachings of Royal Arch Masonry are focused on understanding man’s relationship with God and his fellow man. They emphasize personal growth through study, meditation, service to others and contemplation. Members develop their knowledge by studying ancient texts such as the Bible, as well as modern philosophy and literature.
In order to become a member of Royal Arch Masonry, an individual must first become a Master Mason in one of the other Masonic orders. After joining as a Master Mason they can then choose to join a chapter of Royal Arch Masons in their area and begin their journey in this branch of Freemasonry. The various degrees that make up Royal Arch Masonry provide an opportunity for further study and understanding for those who are looking for more than just an introduction into Freemasonry.
Membership in this branch also provides opportunities for social events with other members as well as civic activities such as fundraisers or volunteer work in their local community. As members progress through each degree they gain insight into how they can contribute positively to society through their actions and words while also developing relationships with those around them.
Royal Arch Masonry provides its members with an opportunity to learn more about themselves while gaining knowledge about spiritual concepts that can be applied to everyday life situations. Through their studies, members become more aware about how they should act in different situations so that they can lead fulfilling lives filled with peace and understanding towards others around them.
What Do Royal Arch Masons Believe In?
Royal Arch Masons, or members of the York Rite of Freemasonry, believe in a variety of moral and spiritual principles. These include the belief in a Supreme Being, the brotherhood of all mankind, the practice of charity and justice, and the desire to pursue knowledge and understanding. They also stress the importance of good character, personal integrity, and loyalty to their fraternity.
The York Rite is an organization composed of several independent bodies that work together to promote high ethical standards among its members. The Royal Arch Masonry is one such body within the York Rite. It is focused on two main objectives: furthering spiritual development through rituals and ceremonies; and providing charitable assistance to those in need.
At its core, Royal Arch Masons believe that there is an underlying unity in all things – that each person has a divine spark within them that can be discovered when they work together with others in harmony. This belief informs their commitment to helping others by working together for common goals and values. It also drives their commitment to learning more about themselves through rituals and ceremonies designed to foster spiritual growth and understanding.
Royal Arch Masons also believe that all people have a duty to be good citizens by upholding moral laws as well as laws established by governments. They strive to live up to these standards by living their lives according to their beliefs while also encouraging others to do the same. By doing this, they hope to create a better society for everyone involved.
Therefore, Royal Arch Masons are dedicated to creating a strong sense of brotherhood among members within their fraternity as well as with other organizations. They foster an environment in which members can come together in friendship and support each other through shared experiences while striving for mutual understanding across different cultures and beliefs. By doing so, they aim to build bridges between different groups while still maintaining their unique identities as individuals within the York Rite family.
The Benefits of Becoming a Royal Arch Mason
Becoming a Royal Arch Mason can provide numerous benefits to those who choose to join. Many of these benefits are tangible and can have a lasting impact on members. Some of the most notable advantages include:
• Fellowship: One of the most important benefits of joining the Royal Arch is the fellowship and camaraderie shared among members. As a fraternity, members have the opportunity to meet other like-minded individuals and form lasting relationships based on their shared experiences as Masons.
• Charitable Giving: As part of its mission, the Royal Arch supports numerous charities and philanthropic efforts. This includes providing scholarships for education, offering medical assistance and relief to those in need, and lending support to other charitable organizations.
• Leadership Opportunities: There are many leadership opportunities available in the Royal Arch that can help members develop their skills in this area. This includes managing finances, organizing meetings, and serving on committees or boards within the organization.
• Education: The Royal Arch offers educational programs that cover a variety of topics related to Freemasonry, such as history, philosophy, and ritualistic practices. Members also have access to lectures from renowned Masonic scholars that can help them deepen their understanding of Freemasonry’s principles and rituals.
• Personal Growth: Joining the Royal Arch can be an invaluable opportunity for personal growth and development. Through its various programs and activities, members can grow both professionally and personally by expanding their knowledge base and honing their skills in areas such as leadership or public speaking.
Overall, becoming a member of the Royal Arch brings with it many benefits that range from social interaction to professional advancement opportunities. With its strong emphasis on fellowship, charitable giving, education, leadership opportunities, and personal growth – it is easy to see why so many choose to become part of this unique fraternity.
Principles of a Royal Arch Mason
The Royal Arch Mason is an integral part of Freemasonry in many countries. This organization has certain principles that are essential for its members to adhere to. These principles are important for the success of the organization and its members. The following are the principles of a Royal Arch Mason:
• Faith and Trust – A Royal Arch Mason must have faith and trust in his fellow members, as well as in the organization as a whole. This is essential for the success of any organization, and it is important that each member can trust each other to fulfill their obligations to the group.
• Respect – Respect must be given to all members, regardless of their rank or station in life. It is important that each member respects one another, and that they treat each other with dignity and respect at all times.
• Integrity – A Royal Arch Mason must demonstrate integrity at all times. This means they should always act with honesty and truthfulness, even when it may be difficult to do so.
• Loyalty – Loyalty is an essential element of Freemasonry, and a Royal Arch Mason must show loyalty to his fellow brothers as well as to the organization itself. This means they should always work together towards achieving a common goal, and stand firm in their beliefs even when facing opposition from outside forces.
• Service – Freemasonry is largely based on service to others; thus, it is important that a Royal Arch Mason can serve others without expecting anything in return. Through this service, they will be able to help those who are less fortunate than themselves, while also learning how to become better people themselves by doing so.
• Humility – It is important that a Royal Arch Mason shows humility at all times; this includes being humble enough to admit when they have made mistakes or been wrong about something. Humility also means being willing to learn from others and take advice when given it; this will help them grow as an individual and become more successful both inside and outside of Freemasonry.
History of Royal Arch Masons
The history of Royal Arch Masons dates back to the 18th century. The first Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons was established in 1797, in London, England. This organization was formed to preserve and promote the teachings and secrets of Freemasonry. Since then, the organization has grown to include chapters across the United Kingdom, as well as other countries around the world.
The Royal Arch Mason is one of several degrees within Freemasonry and is considered to be a continuation of the Fellow Craft degree that follows after a Master Mason degree. The Royal Arch Mason is responsible for overseeing the beginning steps of a new initiate into Freemasonry. They are responsible for introducing them to all aspects of Freemasonry, from its values and beliefs, to its rituals and initiations.
The rituals are based upon Biblical themes and involve symbols such as the Triple Tau or the Keystone, which represent significant aspects of Freemasonry’s philosophy. The Triple Tau symbolizes the eternal nature of God’s divine plan while also representing three stages in a man’s life: youth, maturity, and old age. Similarly, the Keystone symbolizes strength and stability within a Masonic lodge or chapter.
In addition to these symbols, there are also various degrees within Royal Arch Masonry that each initiate must pass through in order to become a full-fledged member. These include: Mark Master Mason; Past Master; Most Excellent Master; Holy Royal Arch; and Grand Elected Perfect Master. Each degree brings with it additional knowledge about Freemasonry as well as its history and philosophy.
Today, there are many active chapters throughout England, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Canada that continue to practice this ancient tradition of Freemasonry. In recent years there has been an increase in interest among younger generations who are looking for deeper meaning in their lives beyond material wealth or career advancement.
Royal Arch Masons continue to be an important part of modern day Freemasonry and have become an integral part of many Masonic Lodges around the world. Their commitment to preserving ancient traditions while promoting modern values makes them an invaluable part of today’s Masonic organizations.
What Is Required to Become a Royal Arch Mason?
Becoming a Royal Arch Mason is a unique step in the journey of Freemasonry. To be eligible to join the Order of Royal Arch Masons, one must first become a Master Mason. This requires that a man demonstrate proficiency in the three major degrees of Freemasonry: Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason. After becoming a Master Mason, he must then petition and be accepted into one of the constituent lodges of Royal Arch Masons.
Once accepted, there are certain requirements for membership that must be fulfilled:
• A man must profess his belief in the Supreme Being and demonstrate his commitment to truth and justice.
• He must have been created and passed as a Master Mason in an authorized lodge.
• He must be willing to take an obligation based upon the principles of Freemasonry and its ancient rites and ceremonies.
• He must pass an examination demonstrating his knowledge of Masonic principles and history as well as specific knowledge related to the Royal Arch degree.
Upon completion of these steps, he can then be initiated into the Order of Royal Arch Masons. The initiation ceremony includes reading various passages from Masonic scripture and taking an obligation that binds him to the Order’s principles. After being initiated, he is considered a full member with all rights and privileges associated with being a Royal Arch Mason.
In addition to these requirements for membership, there are also some additional costs associated with joining this prestigious order.
What Are the Degrees of a Royal Arch Mason?
The Royal Arch Mason is a part of the Masonic order, which is made up of four degrees. The first is known as the Mark Master, followed by the Past Master, then the Most Excellent Master and finally, the Royal Arch Mason. Each degree carries with it specific teachings and rituals that a Mason must learn in order to advance to higher degrees.
The Mark Master is the first degree of a Royal Arch Mason. It focuses on learning basic principles of Freemasonry, such as brotherly love and mutual understanding. It also teaches about the importance of being able to recognize and honor symbols used in Freemasonry.
The second degree is called Past Master. This degree focuses on teaching more advanced concepts in Freemasonry, such as understanding symbols and their meanings, as well as how to decipher them. It also teaches about leadership and responsibility within a Masonic lodge.
The third degree of a Royal Arch Mason is known as Most Excellent Master. This degree focuses on teaching more in-depth concepts in Freemasonry and includes rituals that are more complex than those taught in previous degrees. It also teaches Masons how to properly use tools for construction projects related to Freemasonry.
Therefore, the fourth degree of a Royal Arch Mason is known simply as The Royal Arch Masonry Degree itself. This degree focuses on teaching Masons about their personal spiritual journeys and includes lessons on faith, morality, and ethics within Freemasonry. Additionally, this degree provides insight into ancient mysteries that pertain to Freemasonry and its history.
In Reflection on What Are Royal Arch Masons Called
Royal Arch Masons are an integral part of the Masonic fraternity. As part of the York Rite, they are dedicated to furthering their knowledge of Freemasonry and advancing its teachings. The Royal Arch Masons have been known by many names over the years, with some of the most common being Companions, Knights, and Gourmets. Regardless of the title, they all share a commitment to learning more about Freemasonry and its principles.
The Royal Arch Masons are an important part of Masonic tradition and one that should be respected. They are a powerful example of what can be achieved when individuals come together to learn and grow in their understanding of Freemasonry. These Brothers bring a unique perspective to our craft and we should strive to honor them in our lodges.
Although there are differences in opinion among lodges on how Royal Arch Masons should be referred to, one thing is certain: they deserve our respect as members of our Masonic family. Whether you call them Companions, Knights or Gourmets, these Brothers have earned our admiration for their commitment and dedication to Freemasonry’s ideals.
As members of the Masonic family, it is important that we take time to recognize and appreciate the contributions that Royal Arch Masons make every day. We should strive to foster an environment where all Brothers can feel welcome and respected regardless of their title or rank within the fraternity. By honoring these Brothers we help ensure that Freemasonry will continue for generations to come.
Therefore, it is clear that while there may be some debate over what name we use for Royal Arch Masons, we can all agree that they have earned our respect as fellow members of the Craft. As such, let us never forget to thank them for their hard work and dedication in upholding the principles of Freemasonry!