What is Royal Arch Masonry?
The Royal Arch Masonry is the extension of Craft Freemasonry. The members of the fraternity, identified as the Companions, meet in particular Chapters under the assistance of a Grand Chapter. Each Chapter is directed by three leaders, called the Principals. Each Grand Chapter is governed by three Grand Principals. If a Royal Prince is the First Grand Principal, then a Pro First Grand Principal is required.
Home Chapters are classified as Metropolitan areas or Provinces, which are based on old counties. Alternatively, Chapters abroad are arranged in Districts. A Grand Superintendent rules the Metropolitan, Provincial and District Grand Chapters. The superintendent is selected by the First Grand Principal as his representative for these Chapters.
In the UK, the Royal Arch celebrates two events broken into four ceremonies:
· Exaltation Ceremony - a ceremony to herald new members of the Freemasonry. This particularly long ceremony presents the principles of the fraternity. The presentation will then be followed by three history Lectures that talk about the fundamental principles and symbolisms of the Royal Arch. The apologue of the exaltation ceremony is founded on the Old Testament story of the return to Jerusalem following Babylon’s captivity to restore the city and temple.
· Installation Ceremony - Each of the three Principals will be celebrated during this event.
Much like Craft Freemasonry, Royal Arch Masonry passes on ethical teaching and moral lessons to its members. A candidate is assigned a variety of functional rules of service to other people. But more than practicality, he must also self-discover a vital spiritual facet of his nature. The Royal Arch expands the latter facet by a careful consideration of the man's faith and spiritual dynamics. It is not a replacement of religion or faith, but more of supporting what the candidate has discovered from his own religious beliefs.