The Royal Arch is the second largest Masonic organisation within the Province of Northumberland with over 40 Chapters spread over the whole of the county, Newcastle and North Tyneside.
In England and Wales there is an indissoluble link between Craft Freemasonry and the Royal Arch, with the Royal Arch being considered the completion of a Freemason’s journey in “Pure Antient Masonry” having been practiced for over 200 years.
Arguably, the ceremony known as exaltation where new candidates are brought in, is one of the most colourful, dramatic and thought provoking in Freemasonry. Membership of the Royal Arch is a prerequisite of many other masonic orders such as the Knights Templar, Royal and Select Masters as well as the Allied Degrees.
The Head of the Royal Arch in Northumberland is Ian Craigs who is also the Provincial Grand Master in the Craft. Again this demonstrates the link between the Craft and the Royal Arch. In the Royal Arch, Ian’s title is the “Most Excellent Grand Superintendent” or “Provincial Grand First Principle” and the appointment is by Supreme Grand Chapter in London.
Historically, a Royal Arch Chapter has been attached to a specific Lodge, using its name and number, although not all Lodges have a Chapter. There is no obligation to join the Chapter attached to your Lodge, as you are entitled to join any chapter of your choice. Indeed, joining a Chapter unrelated or at a different Centre gives you the opportunity of extending the circle of your Masonic friends. Candidates are able to join 4 weeks after completing their third degree.
The teachings of the Royal Arch are based on the Old Testament, telling of the return to Jerusalem from the Babylonian captivity to rebuild the City and Temple. In clearing the ground of Solomon’s Temple for the foundations of a new temple, the candidate makes important discoveries not just in a practical sense but also theological. Members of the Chapter, known as companions, come from many faiths, not just Christian. Each Chapter is ruled conjointly by three principals who normally change every year at an installation meeting.
The number of times Chapters meets varies between three and six times per year, including the installation. Meetings follow the usual format where the ceremony is followed by a meal during which charity fundraising raffles are held. One Chapter in Northumberland (currently at Byker), Per Diem, is held on a weekday for companions who find it easier to attend during daylight hours.
Royal Arch regalia consists of an apron, sash and jewel which can be obtained from the usual regalia sources, whether new or “pre-loved”. As you progress in your Chapter, the colours of parts of your regalia, e.g. the ribbon on your breast jewel, change to indicate your rank. The Royal Arch jewel is one of the few jewels permitted to be worn in a Craft Lodge.
