About Royal Arch Masonry
A Fuller Understanding of the Craft
Royal Arch Masonry continues the story begun in the Blue Lodge and invites the Master Mason to explore its symbolism, history, and spiritual lessons in greater depth. Through four Capitular Degrees, the journey moves from faithful labor to discovery, restoration, and further light.
The Royal Arch
The next chapter in the Master Mason’s journey
Royal Arch Masonry is the first body encountered after the Blue Lodge in the American York Rite. It does not replace the Symbolic Lodge or diminish the importance of the Master Mason Degree. Instead, it develops themes already introduced and provides a broader perspective on the Masonic narrative.
Chapter Masonry is intended for Master Masons who wish to continue learning, strengthen their fellowship, and examine the moral and spiritual teachings of the Craft through a new series of ceremonies.
How Royal Arch Masonry Is Organized
Local fellowship supported by a wider Masonic family
Royal Arch Masons meet in local bodies called Chapters. Each local Chapter operates under the authority of the Grand Chapter in its jurisdiction, which provides leadership, governance, education, ritual guidance, and support.
The Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Nevada serves Chapters throughout the state and connects Nevada Companions with the wider international Royal Arch community.
- Local Chapters provide the day-to-day Masonic experience.
- The Grand Chapter supports ritual, leadership, education, and growth.
- Royal Arch Masons address one another as Companions.
- Chapter membership creates opportunities for service and fellowship.
The Connection to the Blue Lodge
One story, continued through another volume
The Blue Lodge establishes the foundation of the Masonic journey. Royal Arch Masonry returns to familiar themes and moves the story forward through a new historical setting.
The result is not a higher rank, but a broader field of education. The Chapter encourages the Master Mason to revisit what he has already learned and consider those teachings from a new perspective.
The Foundation
The Blue Lodge introduces the central symbols, moral duties, and dramatic themes of Ancient Craft Masonry.
The Continuation
The Chapter develops those themes through the work, completion, loss, rebuilding, and restoration associated with the Temple.
The Discovery
The Royal Arch Degree presents a powerful lesson in truth, perseverance, faith, and the recovery of that which was lost.
The Capitular Degrees
Four Degrees. One unfolding journey.
Each Degree contributes a distinct lesson and prepares the candidate for the discovery and restoration presented in the Royal Arch.
Mark Master Mason
The Mark Master Degree expands upon the Fellow Craft experience and teaches practical lessons concerning honest labor, personal responsibility, merit, and the value of every individual contribution.
It reminds us that worthy work may be misunderstood at first, but faithful craftsmanship will ultimately receive its proper recognition.
Past Master (Virtual)
The Past Master Degree introduces the responsibilities of leadership and the demands placed upon those entrusted with authority.
Its lessons emphasize humility, patience, restraint, wisdom, and service rather than the outward appearance of office.
Most Excellent Master
The Most Excellent Master Degree celebrates the completion and dedication of King Solomon’s Temple—an event not reached within the Symbolic Lodge.
It teaches gratitude, reverence, teamwork, accomplishment, and the importance of dedicating completed labor to a worthy purpose.
Royal Arch Mason
The Royal Arch Degree forms the culmination of Chapter Masonry. Set during the period of rebuilding after the destruction of the first Temple, it presents a dramatic lesson in discovery and restoration.
Its symbolism invites reflection upon truth, faith, perseverance, hope, and the recovery of that which had been lost.
Themes and Symbolism
Lessons that speak to every stage of life
Royal Arch Masonry uses the building, completion, destruction, and rebuilding of the Temple as a setting for lessons that reach far beyond architecture or history.
Faithful Labor
Work honestly and trust that worthy effort has enduring value.
Completion
Celebrate achievement with gratitude and proper dedication.
Loss and Recovery
Meet adversity with patience, courage, and hope.
Truth
Continue seeking understanding throughout the whole of life.
Who May Join?
Royal Arch Masonry begins with a Master Mason
Membership is open to Master Masons who are in good standing in a recognized Lodge and who meet the requirements of the local Chapter and Grand Chapter jurisdiction.
A prospective member submits a petition to a local Chapter. Local Companions can explain current fees, meeting schedules, Degree opportunities, and the petition process.
Membership Foundation
A qualified petitioner should:
- Be a Master Mason in good standing.
- Be properly recommended or vouched for.
- Possess a good reputation in his Lodge and community.
- Desire further Masonic education and fellowship.
- Be willing to support the work of the Chapter.
Continue the Journey
Discover Royal Arch Masonry in Nevada
The Royal Arch offers Master Masons a meaningful opportunity to continue learning, deepen their fellowship, and explore the fuller context of the Masonic story.