Thinking of Joining
Who can become a Royal Arch Mason?
Eligibility
Any member of a Craft Lodge who has served a minimum of twelve months as a Master Mason and is in ‘good Masonic standing’ ie, is fully paid up with dues etc., may apply to join a Royal Arch Chapter.
Joining
To become a member of a Royal Arch Chapter the Master Mason should express his interest to a member of a Chapter who is known to him. Most Masonic Halls have a resident Royal Arch Chapter who would be delighted to process an application for membership from any interested Master Mason.
If the prospective candidate is unaware of any member of a Royal Arch Chapter in their neighbourhood, a list of Chapters and their Registrars can be obtained from the District Grand Chapter office, details of which are supplied by clicking here
Royal Arch Masonry
Just as Craft Masonry is sometimes referred to as ‘the blue’, due to the predominant colour of Craft regalia, so Royal Arch Masonry is referred to as ‘the red’, the predominant colour of the regalia in this branch of the Order. It is the next progressive step in Freemasonry for ritualists, historians and enthusiasts alike.
It will enable the prospective candidate to develop further relationships with other members and give them a deeper understanding of the structure and ethos of the Masonic Order in general. Most Chapters meet no more than six times a year, one such meeting, or convocation as they are called, being the Installation of officers. You will therefore see that Chapter members are not overly burdened with further Masonic commitments. If a Master Mason was to ask himself, ‘Do I want to further enrich and enhance my character and life with like-minded people in a fraternal environment?’ then membership of a Royal Arch Chapter could prove to be a most rewarding step on an exciting and enlightening Masonic journey.
Where does Royal Arch Masonry sit within the Fraternity?
Royal Arch Masonry is the next progression of a Brother of a Craft Lodge and it is only in the Royal Arch where the Master Mason degree is completed, this will all be explained during the exaltation ceremony. The Royal Arch also provides members of the Order with a closer tie to his fellow members, ensuring a greater level of kinsmanship and, appropriately enough, Companionship. Membership is smaller than the Craft, so meetings and gatherings may be regarded as being of a slightly more intimate nature than the Craft.
How is it organised?
Royal Arch Masonry is governed by the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Ireland. Under its jurisdiction, it has Chapters across Ireland and in many foreign countries.
Areas are organised into Districts, usually geographically, and these are governed by District Grand Chapters which has a full complement of officers to dispatch such business as may be required to aid and assist the subordinate Chapters within its District area.