Royal Arch

The Aelfric Lodge strongly encourages all Master Masons to complete their 3rd Degree by joining the Royal Arch (commonly known as Chapter.)

The Royal Arch is a beautiful degree, dramatic in its Ceremony, and full of allegory and hidden meaning. It takes brotherhood to the next level as Craft Masons become Companions of the Royal Arch in their journey through life. As such it is the completion of a Craft Mason’s journey through ‘Pure and Ancient Freemasonry’ from Initiation to Exaltation.

The Book of Constitution declares: “Pure and Antient Freemasonry consists of three degrees and no more, those of the Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason including the Supreme Order of the Royal Arch.”

A Craft Mason is eligible to join the Royal Arch when he has been a Master Mason for no less than four weeks, after which he can join the any Chapter. Click here to see a list of Chapters meeting at the Woodstock Masonic Centre.

In summary, whilst we all have choices, joining the Royal Arch first after the Craft is the natural step for the Master Mason to take because:

Of its indissoluble link with the Craft, it is the completion of the journey through pure and ancient Freemasonry, the happy ending to the tragedy which is the Third Degree.

The Third Degree leaves us in the air, the R.A. is the only way to complete your journey through pure and ancient Freemasonry.

  • It takes friendship and brotherhood to an even higher level – Companionship.
  • It invites you and supports you to explore the spiritual nature of man.
  • It has a beautiful Ceremony full of history, allegory, and hidden meaning.

TO FIND OUT MORE:

Speak to your Lodge Mentor, Lodge Chapter Representative or any Brother wearing a Chapter jewel, be it on a white, red, or multi-coloured ribbon (see pictures below).