Source/Credit: https://issuu.com/apmgraphics/docs/freemason_nsw_act_other_orders

The Royal Arch is the culmination of “Pure Ancient Masonry” as defined in the constitution of the Grand Lodge and is the continuation of Craft Freemasonry. Members, called Companions, generally meet in chapters under a Grand Chapter.

Depending on the jurisdiction, Chapters are either independent or grouped in Districts which are formed into seven Areas, Metropolitan and Country. What you will gain by joining the Royal Arch is the opportunity to acquire knowledge and understanding of the rich history of ‘pure Ancient Masonry’.

The Royal Arch will not only lead you from the practical to the spiritual, opening up a fascinating pathway of self-knowledge and self-discovery, but it will also entertain you through a window to the most interesting, philosophical, colorful, and exciting series of degrees in Freemasonry.

The Royal Arch foundational story moves through history from Noah’s Ark to Nebuchadnezzar

The Royal Arch Degrees:
• The Mark Master Mason Degree
(In some jurisdictions this Degree is separate in its own lodge)
• The Excellent Master Degree
• The Holy Royal Arch Degree
• The Royal Ark Mariner Degree
• The Cryptic Series Degrees
(More information on this is provided in the Cryptic Degrees section)
• The Red Cross Knight Series of Degrees
(More information on this is provided in the Red Cross Knight section)

The image on the left: A basic graphical representation of the York Rite Craft Masonry degree system.

Information about the degrees and structure:

• The Mark Master Mason Degree:
Follows and expands on the Fellow Craft Degree

• The Excellent Master Degree:
Bridges the time between the destruction of King Solomon’s Temple and the second Temple being built by Zerubbabel.

• The Holy Royal Arch Degree:
Described as the perfection and completion of all Freemasonry; the Degree where the ‘Genuine Secrets of a Master Mason’ are found and the great discoveries of ‘pure Ancient Masonry’ are made.

• The Royal Ark Mariner Degree:
Relates to the story of Noah and the flood and God’s great covenant with man and the re-establishment of man’s moral values.

• The Cryptic Series of Degrees:
Includes Select master, Royal Master, Most Excellent Master, and Super Excellent Master covering a vast period in the Masonic story, from events surrounding the Third Degree through to the final destruction of King Solomon’s temple by the Nebuchadnezzar.

Please watch the videos below for a detailed explanation of the chapter:

To join the Royal Arch, you must be a Master Mason (3rd Degree) for at least two years standing, in a lodge under the United Grand Lodge of your jurisdiction or a recognized Grand Lodge of your jurisdiction.

As in all other Masonic Orders, you will need a proposer and seconder who are Members of the Chapter you seek to join. Talk to Members of your lodge who are Royal Arch Masons and they will be happy to assist you in joining the Royal Arch.