Royal Arch

Royal Arch Freemasonry in Surrey

Discover the Royal Arch

Royal Arch Freemasonry is often described as the natural progression of a Freemason’s journey, offering deeper insights and a richer understanding of the Craft.

Known as the final step in “pure ancient Masonry,” the Royal Arch provides a profound and symbolic experience that complements and enhances the lessons learned in Craft Freemasonry.

It is open to those who wish to explore the deeper meaning of Freemasonry and discover the rich symbolism and teachings that lie at its heart.

What is the Royal Arch?

The Royal Arch is a distinct and integral part of Freemasonry. It builds upon the foundational principles of the Craft, offering a greater sense of fulfilment and completion. Through its unique ceremonies, the Royal Arch reveals more profound moral and spiritual lessons, centred around themes of discovery, dedication, and enlightenment. Joining the Royal Arch is often seen as completing the journey that began in Craft Freemasonry.

Who Can Join Royal Arch Freemasonry in Surrey?

Membership in the Royal Arch is open to those who have been a Master Mason for four weeks and upwards and those who wish to further their Masonic knowledge and understanding.

To join, you must:

Be a Freemason who has completed the third degree in Craft Freemasonry.
Be a member of a Craft Lodge under the United Grand Lodge of England.
Have a genuine interest in exploring the deeper symbolic teachings of Freemasonry.

Whether you are new to Freemasonry or have been a Craft Mason for many years, the Royal Arch welcomes those eager to continue their Masonic journey.

The benefits of joining the Royal Arch

Joining Royal Arch Freemasonry in Surrey offers a range of unique benefits, including:

Deeper Understanding: Gain a greater appreciation of the spiritual and moral lessons of Freemasonry.
Personal Fulfilment: Experience a sense of completion as you explore the symbolic conclusion of the Craft degrees.
Companionship: Build closer bonds with like-minded individuals who share your commitment to Masonic values and learning.
Tradition and Heritage: Be part of a rich tradition that has been an essential element of Freemasonry for centuries.

Royal Arch – Your questions answered

Below are some of the most common questions asked. To find out more please speak with your proposer, lodge mentor or Royal Arch representative.

What is Royal Arch?

The Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch of Jerusalem, more commonly known as Chapter is often called the completion of every Mason’s journey in pure and ancient freemasonry.

What is it about?

In Chapter the ceremony of initiation is called Exaltation and is based upon the rebuilding of King Solomon’s Temple after its destruction by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon in about 586 BC.

How can you tell if someone is in the Royal Arch?

Apart from the red socks! Chapter companions can be identified by a jewel that they are permitted to wear in Craft meetings.

Below are the three jewels that identify companions:

Royal Arch Jewels Surrey Freemasons

What does it teach?

It provides a spiritual dimension at which the Craft ceremonies can only hint, leading on naturally to consider what happens after the event so vividly re-enacted in the ceremony of raising.

Is it a Christian Order?

No it is open to all faiths

Can I join Chapter before going through the Chair in Craft?

Yes, you can join Chapter after you have been a Master Mason of one-month standing. You can also go through the Chairs of the Chapter before you have been through the Chair of a Craft Lodge.

How many times a year does the Chapter meet?

Chapter meetings are called Convocations and most Chapters meet three times a year.

Where do Chapters meet?

Most Masonic centres in Surrey hold Chapter meetings. It is possible that your Craft lodge has a Chapter attached to it by the same name, or encourages joining a local Chapter.

Some Freemasons prefer to join a Chapter at another Masonic centre to broaden their circle of friends.

The choice is yours!

Is there other involvement as in the Craft i.e. LOIs?

In a Chapter an LOI is called a Chapter of Improvement and is dependent on the particular Chapter; some have a COI once a month some only have one before a meeting, there is an expectation that by now you can assimilate the ritual that much easier; for example, there is less ‘floor work’ than the craft. If your Chapter does not have a COI there is a list of dedicated Chapter of Improvements in the Year Book, which you can attend as and when required.

I am progressing through the offices of Craft or another Order is there a lot of ritual to learn?

Within the last few years Supreme Grand Chapter has authorised a revised ritual, which lends itself to the work being shared by a number of Companions. A number of Chapters have adopted the revised workings and are sharing the ritual amongst a number of Companions resulting in less pressure on the individual.

How much will it cost me?

Costs vary but will average around £100 to £110 per year, inclusive of dining. Some Chapters charge the annual fee and take for the meal separately on attendance only (If your particular Chapter is different, give details).

Is it correct that you have to be in Royal Arch before you can join other orders?

There are a number of orders such as Knights Templar, Red Cross of Constantine and Royal & Select Masters where it is a prerequisite that you are a member of the Royal Arch but you should enquire from your proposer, lodge Mentor or Royal Arch representative to be sure.

I am interested in joining the Royal Arch. What is the next step?

The first option is to speak with someone in your lodge who is already a member.

Your lodge Mentor or proposer will also be able to guide you.

Each lodge is encouraged to have a Royal Arch representitive. They are the official link between the Craft and Royal Arch who will also be able to help.

You can also call the Provincial office on 020 8686 8388 and they will be able to help you.