Jericho Chapter No. 11

What is Capitular Masonry?

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The Chapter of Royal Arch Masons is the culmination of the Master Mason’s quest for Light, where allegory gives way to revelation and that which was lost is at last recovered. Set amid the ruins and restoration of the Second Temple, the Chapter guards ancient mysteries that predate the written Craft. Here, the Brother becomes a Companion and dives deeply beyond symbolism into direct spiritual insight. Its degrees speak in the language of veils, names, and sacred geometry, revealing the hidden presence of the Divine and the eternal covenant between God and humanity. For the Mason drawn to the inner tradition of the Order, the Royal Arch offers not advancement, but awakening. A return to the source of Light long sought but seldom understood.

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MARK MASTER MASON

 

In point of time, this degree should follow that of Fellowcraft. Many Masonic students believe this degree is far older than any other Craft degree, and with considerable reason to support this belief. It was customary for our operative ancestors to cut their “mark” or signature into each piece of stone they hewed for the building, so that their work might be identified. These marks may be seen today on the stones of many the old cathedrals of Europe. From this ancient custom grew the present day registration and use of “trademarks.” We see them countless times each day, identifying the products of our modern industrial concerns, but few know the origin of this custom. In the Mark Master Mason degree, the candidate selects his own personal mark which is recorded in the Book of Marks, to be his own Masonic signature for all time. In this degree he learns the significance and symbolic meaning of the Keystone, the Chisel and the Mallet. In it, he receives his symbolic wage for good work, true work, square work.

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PAST MASTER MASON

 

Originally the Royal Arch Degree could not be conferred upon a brother who had not previously presided over a lodge. Eventually it was conferred upon all candidates for the Royal Arch Degree. It teaches that he who would rule others must first learn to rule himself.

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MOST EXCELLENT MASTER MASON

 

This degree is probably of more recent origin than the others in the Capitular series. It has been called the most spectacular in all of Freemasonry, and with good reason, for it is one of the most dramatic degrees conferred. Chronologically, it should follow the degree of Master Mason. It has for its theme the completion and dedication of King Solomon’s Temple, so long anticipated in the degrees of the Symbolic Lodge. It closely follows Biblical history, and completes the Temple legend upon which Ancient Craft Masonry is built.

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ROYAL ARCH MASON

 

The Royal Arch degree is the “Pilgrim’s Progress” of Freemasonry. Here we find the actual completion of the degree of Master Mason and the recovery of that which was lost. After the captivity of the Jews ended, many of them returned to Jerusalem and began the task of rebuilding the city and Temple. While this was going on and the rubbish of the first Temple was being cleared away, interesting and valuable discoveries were made which formed the backbone of this most important degree. The Royal Arch degree is unmatched in pageantry and is the keystone of Ancient Craft Masonry without which the complete understanding of all that has preceded it is impossible. It is a “must” for the brother who would complete that which he has begun.