Freemasonry in Dorset: Holy Royal Arch Masonry

Holy Royal Arch Masonry

he preamble to the Book of Constitutions states that “Masonry consists of three degrees and no more, viz., those of the Entered Apprentice, the Fellow Craft, and the Master Mason, including the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch”. Master Masons of at least four weeks standing have the option of joining the Holy Royal Arch.

What it is
The Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch takes up and completes the Masonic narrative of King Solomon’s Temple, the subject of Craft Masonry, from a time some 450 years after completion of the Temple at Jerusalem. The admission of a Master Mason into the Holy Royal Arch is the ceremony of Exaltation, which is in two parts. The first is a dramatic presentation of the principles of the Order and is followed by three lectures explaining the history, symbolism and the mysteries and principles of Holy Royal Arch Masonry.

E. Comp. Derick Mayes
M. E. Grand Superintendent in and over the Province of Dorset

Why join?
Lawrence Dermott in 1752 described the Holy Royal Arch as “the root, heart and marrow of Freemasonry” clearly implying that without the teaching of the Chapter that of the Craft was incomplete.

The Holy Royal Arch is the climax of Freemasonry and is intimately blended with all that is nearest and dearest to us in a future state of existence. It has virtue for its aim, the Glory of God for its object and the eternal welfare of man is considered in its ineffable mysteries. In setting the principals of the Craft in the light of eternity while insisting that each of us is bound by the teaching of his faith and stressing the ties of support and co-operation across the bounds of nationality, colour and creed which are involved in the companionship of the Chapter, we can fairly claim that the Holy Royal Arch does complete our “system of morality” and concludes our journey through “Pure Ancient Freemasonry”.

Dermott’s words are as true now as when he wrote them and Grand Lodge, by the continued use of the original declaration, confirms that the teachings of the Holy Royal Arch enrich those of the Craft and vice versa. They are inextricably interwoven with the each other and no Brother’s Masonic experience can be considered truly complete unless he has been exalted into the Order of the Holy Royal Arch.

Next steps
The Dorset Masonic Calendar contains a section on the Holy Royal Arch and provides some information on the Chapters in Dorset. You will also find a list of Dorset Chapters on this page. Lodge agendas contain the name of the Holy Royal Arch Representative who will be able to answer any questions you may have.

Dorset Chapters
For more information about Chapters meeting in the Dorset area, see our list. For more information about Freemasonry in Dorset see our Provincial Grand Lodge pages.

Join Us
You must already be a Freemason to join the Royal Arch. If you are interested in becoming a Freemason and want to learn more, read the Is it for me? and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) pages first. The First Steps page will guide you in making that important first step towards becoming a member.

More Information
For more information about us, see What do we do? The Famous Freemasons page gives an insight into how widespread Freemasonry is in all walks of life.

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