"Further Light in
Masonry"
from An Introduction to Royal Arch Masonry
by the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of
California
The Royal Arch Degrees were considered most important in the early years of Freemasonry and so dogmatic was the Mother Grand Lodge - from which all Speculative Masonry derives - that in 1813, when the two grand lodges in England [re]united, a firm and solemn landmark was adopted and placed in the Articles of Union to guide Masons throughout the world forever on this matter:
"Pure Ancient Freemasonry consists of but three degrees, viz., that of Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason, including the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch."
The landmark has never been changed and to this day no other
degree has been officially recognized by the Mother Grand Lodge
and every rite, system or additional degree in Freemasonry cannot
confer its degree on a Master Mason until he has received the
Royal Arch Degree. Naturally, this is as it should be, because a
man is not a Master Mason until he receives the Master's Word and
he can only receive it in the Royal Arch.
The Chapter of Royal Arch Masonry consists of four degrees, Mark
Master, Past Master, Most Excellent Master, and Royal Arch Mason.
THE MARK MASTER DEGREE
The Mark Master Degree is believed to have originated as a
ceremony of registering a craftsman's mark in those years
distinguished by operative craft masons and their temple building.
It was later developed into a full-fledged degree by the Masonic
fraternity as we know it today, Some scholars say it was the
earliest degree and may predate all others by many years. It is
highly regarded by students in all Masonry, teaching lessons that
have proven of value in all walks of life. Some Grand Lodges
place so high an eminence on the Mark Master Degree, that they
confine it to the jurisdiction of a separate grand body, the
Grand Lodge of Mark Masters.
THE PAST MASTERS DEGREE
The Past Master Degree came into being because originally the
degree of Royal Arch was conferred by the Symbolic (Blue) Lodge
only on actual Past Masters. This degree was instituted to make
it possible for all worthy Brethren to receive the Royal Arch
degree. The first record of its conferral is found in 1768 in
England.
THE MOST EXCELLENT MASTER DEGREE
The Most Excellent Master Degree is a product of American
innovation. It was conferred in a Royal Arch Chapter as early as
1783 in Middletown, Conn. It is by far the most spectacular
degree in all Freemasonry. It is the only degree that brings
forcibly to our attention the completion and dedication of King
Solomon's Temple. The very idea upon which all Masonic symbolism
has been based.
THE ROYAL ARCH DEGREE
The Royal Arch Degree is the climax of Ancient Craft Masonry and
Masonic Symbolism. It is described as "the root and marrow
of Freemasonry." It is the complete story of Jewish History
during some of its darkest hours. Jerusalem and the Holy temple
are destroyed, The people are being held captive as slaves in
Babylon. Here you will join with some slaves as they are set free
to return home and engage in the noble and glorious work of
rebuilding the city and the Temple of God. It is during this
rebuilding that they make a discovery that brings to light the
greatest treasure of a Mason --the long lost Master's Word.
Many historians have traced the earliest origins of the Royal
Arch Degree to Ireland, late in the 17th century and in England
in 1738. In 1752, ambulatory or military warrants for Lodges were
introduced. This was instrumental in placing the Royal Arch
Degree on a par with the Master Mason Degree.
Military lodges were greatly responsible for planting Freemasonry
in the Colonies and also gave birth to the use of the Mark and
Royal Arch degrees in the "New World." Lodge records
show that the Royal Arch Degree was conferred at Fredericksburg
No. 4 on December 12, 1753. George Washington was raised in this
lodge a few months prior to this date.
The value of Royal Arch Masonry will be appreciated by all who
are exalted to that most sublime degree, particularly by those
who are seeking to complete their Masonic education. It reveals
the full light of Ancient Craft Masonry, presents it as a
complete system in accordance with the original plan and justly
entitles you to claim the noble name of Master Mason.