His Royal Arch career began in Chapter 697 Warrenpoint in 1961 serving the Office of Excellent King in 1964/65.
As with all the branches of our Order in which Ardie was involved, he played a major role in Chapter activities.

He was Treasurer and Installing Officer in his Chapter for over twenty years. In 1988 District honours came with his appointment as District Grand Steward. Subsequently he was appointed Foreign Representative of the Grand Chapter of Massachusetts at the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Ireland.

In 1991 Ardie was appointed as District Deputy Grand King of Down, serving this Office until 2002 when he was Installed as District Grand King. An Office he served with distinction until stepping down on 2nd December 2006, less than two months prior to his passing. Unfortunately Most Excellent Companion Agnew never got to attend District Chapter after his retirement in December 2006.

1968 – Some 55 years ago Ardie was installed as a High Knight Templar in Newry Preceptory serving as Eminent Preceptor in 1984. From 1990 until his passing he served as Registrar. He was also honoured in this Branch of our Order when in 1997 he had the Office of Honorary Past Grand Master’s Standard Bearer conferred upon him by the Most Eminent and Supreme Grand Master, then in 2001 he was elected to the Great Preceptory of Instruction.

A member of South Down Prince Masons Chapter No 17 since 1980 he served the Office of Most Wise Sovereign in 1988 and was Venerable Secretary from 2001 until his passing. 

Invited to join the higher degrees – Knight of the Sun 28 in 1998 and in 2003 he became a member of the College of Philosophical Masons, Knights K. H. 30.