The Capitular Degrees
Four Degrees. One Continuing Journey.
The Degrees of Royal Arch Masonry continue the education begun in the Blue Lodge. Each one contributes a distinct lesson—moving from faithful labor and leadership to completion, discovery, and restoration.
Chapter Masonry
A progressive system of Masonic instruction
The four Capitular Degrees are conferred under the authority of a Royal Arch Chapter. Together, they develop the Temple-centered narrative and moral instruction introduced in the Symbolic Lodge.
The sequence includes the Mark Master Mason, Past Master (Virtual), Most Excellent Master, and Royal Arch Mason Degrees. Each adds its own lesson while preparing the candidate for the discovery and restoration presented in the final Degree.
Explore Each Degree
Four gateways into a fuller understanding of the Craft
Select any Degree below to visit its individual page and learn more about its setting, lessons, and place within the Royal Arch journey.
Master Faithful Labor
Mark Master Mason
The Mark Master Degree expands upon the Fellow Craft experience and centers on the craftsmen laboring in the quarries and at the Temple.
Its lessons emphasize regularity, discipline, honesty, personal responsibility, and the lasting value of worthy work—even when that work is not immediately understood or recognized.
Master Virtual Degree
Past Master (Virtual)
The Past Master Degree preserves the ancient custom that a Mason should have served as Master before receiving the Royal Arch.
It confers no actual rank or authority. Instead, it presents lessons concerning harmony, patience, wise leadership, humility, and the responsibilities entrusted to those who preside.
Excellent Completion and Reverence
Most Excellent Master
The Most Excellent Master Degree portrays the completion and dedication of King Solomon’s Temple.
Its lessons emphasize reverence, gratitude, cooperation, accomplishment, and the proper dedication of completed labor to a worthy and sacred purpose.
Arch Discovery and Restoration
Royal Arch Mason
The Royal Arch Degree forms the culmination of Chapter Masonry and moves the story to the rebuilding of the Temple after the return from captivity.
It presents a powerful lesson in faith, truth, perseverance, discovery, and the recovery of that which had been concealed and lost.
The Learning Arc
Each Degree prepares the way for the next
The Mark Master Degree teaches the dignity of work and the value of individual contribution.
The Past Master Degree examines responsibility, harmony, judgment, and service.
The Most Excellent Master Degree celebrates achievement, dedication, and reverence.
The Royal Arch Degree brings the journey to discovery, truth, and renewed understanding.
How the Degrees Are Conferred
All four belong to the Royal Arch Chapter
In the American York Rite, Chapter business is conducted in a Royal Arch Chapter. The other Degree bodies are opened as needed for the conferral of their respective Degrees.
This structure reinforces the idea that the four Degrees are not isolated ceremonies, but parts of one progressive course of Masonic instruction.
- Mark Master Mason begins the Capitular sequence.
- Past Master preserves an ancient qualification in symbolic form.
- Most Excellent Master celebrates the completed Temple.
- Royal Arch Mason culminates the Chapter journey.
Continue Your Masonic Education
Experience the Degrees of Royal Arch Masonry
If you are a Master Mason seeking further light, the four Capitular Degrees offer a meaningful continuation of the story, symbolism, and lessons begun in the Blue Lodge.