Who can become a Royal Arch Mason?
Master Masons
Having achieved the rank of a Master
Mason, a Freemason is then entitled, after one month has passed, to
be Exalted into a Royal Arch Chapter where he may further extend his
Masonic knowledge. He is then referred to as a Companion in the Royal
Arch. Although Royal Arch Chapters meet separately from Craft Lodges,
each Chapter is usually associated with one or more Lodges.
The Companions wear regalia of a different design from that of a Craft Lodge. The Apron has a red
and blue border, these colours being repeated on the Sash, which is
adorned with a special Jewel to denote the bond that exists between
Craft and Royal Arch. It is customary for Companions also to wear this
Jewel in their Lodge.
The ritual of the Royal Arch, in common with that of all Masonic degrees, takes the form of an allegory, prompting each Companion to consider his relationship with and the nature of his God, without compromising his own beliefs.
Among the numerous officers of each Royal Arch Chapter, the most important are the three Principals who together rule the Chapter for one year.
Each Chapter has an annual Installation meeting, at which a new team of officers is set in place. The Supreme Grand Chapter, which controls the
affairs of the Royal Arch at national level, appoints its officers at
an Annual Convocation.
