In Search of that Which Was Lost: True Symbolism of the Royal Arch

In this book, the first since major changes have been made in the status and proceedings of Royal Arch Masonry, Duncan Moore attempts a fresh look at what is an essential part of our Craft and indeed of our lives. It is a definitive guide to Royal Arch Freemasonry and its evolution within the Craft.

The Royal Arch has been rightly described as the 'root, heart and marrow' of Freemasonry. Moore looks at the Degree from its somewhat obscure origins and possible ancestries, through its growth in the 18th century and the position after the Union of the two preceding Grand Lodges in 1813. The development of Royal Arch Masonry since then is considered with an analysis of its symbolism and the functions of its officers and an in-depth explanation of the lectures of the degree.

The book concludes with some advice to Companions new and old as to how to get the most out of your Chapter membership and some brief descriptions of how the Degree is practised in other parts of the world.

Duncan Moore grew up in Lancashire and was educated at Merchant Taylors' School, Crosby. He was bitten by the history bug at an early age and was a lifelong student of that subject. Initiated into Freemasonry in Cheshire in 1971, he held Grand Rank or equivalent in most Masonic Orders. He was active in various degrees in several English Provinces. He was also involved in Scottish, Irish and Belgian Freemasonry. In his adopted home on the island of Cyprus, he had been very proud to assist in the expansion of Masonry by serving as the first Master of the first Mark Lodge for 95 years and the first Commander of the first ever lodge of Royal Ark Mariners on the island. He was also a founder of two Rose Croix Chapters. In 2008 he had the honour of exalting (and becoming friends with) the first Turkish Cypriot to made a Royal Arch Mason on the island in forty years.

In 2009, Duncan Moore wrote A Guide to Masonic Symbolism, which was published by Lewis Masonic. In Search of That Which Was Lost is published in memory of Bro. Moore, who passed to the Grand Lodge Above shortly after completing the book.

Printed paper cased

Illustrated 192 pages

ISBN: 9780853184249