About Royal Arch Masonry
Royal Arch Masonry or Capitular Masonry is an appendant body of
Freemasonry and the first step in the York Rite system of Masonry. In
order to be eligible for membership in the Royal Arch, you must be a
member in good standing of a Symbolic (Blue) Lodge. For more
information on joining Freemasonry in Virginia, visit the
Grand Lodge of Virginia.
Once considered an integral part of Symbolic Masonry, the Book of
Constitutions of the United Grand Lodge of England stated "...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 laid an
important foundation of the importance of Royal Arch Masonry. Today,
Royal Arch Masonry is governed independently in various jurisdictions.
The Royal Arch operates as Chapters with a Grand Chapter holding
Jurisdiction. In the United States, jurisdiction extends from State
to State. The first conferral of the Royal Arch degree in the United
Stated was in Fredericksburg Lodge on December 22, 1753. The Grand
Chapter Royal Arch Masons in Virginia was founded in 1808.
Read more on the history of Grand Chapter.
The Degrees conferred in the Royal Arch are: Mark Master, Past Master,
Most Excellent Master, and Royal Arch. In Virginia, the Cryptic
Council Degrees of Select Master and Royal Master are part of the
Capitular Degrees and are inserted chronologically after the Past
Master Degree.
Read more on the Capitular Degrees in Virginia.
As in all branches of Freemasonry, philanthropy is an important part of
Royal Arch Masonry, the main charity supported by the Grand Chapter of
Virginia is the Alzheimer's Association.
Applying to membership is open to all Master Masons in good standing.
Petitions are available
and requires signature of two vouchers who are Royal Arch Masons in good
standing.
Once a member of the Royal Arch you can continue your journey of
seeking More Light in Masonry and reveal that which was lost, the goal
of our Spiritual and Masonic Teaching.