A Handbook of Royal Arch Masonry: A Guide for Chapter Officers [Revised Edition]

By Royal Arch Masons

The York Rite (sometimes referred to as the American Rite) is one of several Rites of Freemasonry. A Rite is a series of progressive degrees that are conferred by various Masonic organizations or bodies, each of which operates under the control of its own central authority. The York Rite specifically is a collection of separate Masonic Bodies and associated Degrees that would otherwise operate independently. The three primary bodies in the York Rite are the Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, Council of Royal & Select Masters or Council of Cryptic Masons, and the Commandery of Knights Templar, each of which are governed independently, but are all considered to be a part of the York Rite.

Royal Arch Masonry is the first part of the York Rite system of the Masonic degrees. Royal Arch Masons meet as a Chapter, and the Royal Arch Chapter confers four degrees: Mark Master Mason, Past Master, Most Excellent Master, and Royal Arch Mason.

This 1962 revised edition of A Handbook of Royal Arch Masonry: A Guide for Chapter Officers includes a detailed section on the ritual prescribed by The Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of Wisconsin, and revised by their Ritual Committees (1959-1962), for Constituent Chapters working towards one of the four degrees.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Borodino Books
• Release date: Dec 1, 2018
• ISBN: 9781789125214

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Text originally published in 1962 under the same title.

© Borodino Books 2018, all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted by any means, electrical, mechanical or otherwise without the written permission of the copyright holder.

Publisher’s Note

Although in most cases we have retained the Author’s original spelling and grammar to authentically reproduce the work of the Author and the original intent of such material, some additional notes and clarifications have been added for the modern reader’s benefit.

We have also made every effort to include all maps and illustrations of the original edition the limitations of formatting do not allow of including larger maps, we will upload as many of these maps as possible.

A HANDBOOK OF ROYAL ARCH MASONRY

A GUIDE FOR CHAPTER OFFICERS

BY

THE GRAND CHAPTER OF ROYAL ARCH MASONS OF

THE STATE OF WISCONSIN

REVISED BY

OFFICERS’ HANDBOOK COMMITTEE

[ALSO INCLUDES

RITUAL

Prescribed by

THE GRAND CHAPTER OF ROYAL ARCH MASONS OF THE

STATE OF WISCONSIN

For Constituent Chapters.

* * * * *

Mark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent Master, and Royal Arch Degrees

REVISED BY

THE RITUAL COMMITTEES

1959, 1960, 1961 and 1962]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS 3

FOREWORD 5

PART A—Setting the Craft at Work 6

I. OFFICER PERSONNEL. 6

II. CONVOCATIONS: STATED AND SPECIAL. 6

III. PROCEDURE IN OPENING AND CLOSING A CHAPTER. 7

IV. CONDUCTING THE BUSINESS MEETING. 8

V. MISCELLANEOUS ADMINISTRATION. 11

PART B—EXEMPLIFICATION OF RITUAL 16

I. Responsibility for the Supervision of Good Work. 16

II. The Purpose of Degree Work. 16

III. The Art of Memorizing. 17

IV. Understanding the Ritual Story. 17

V. Portrayal of Characters. 17

VI. Staging. 17

VII. Assignment of Work. 18

VIII. Rehearsals. 18

PART C—MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION—For the Good of the Craft in General 19

1. Masonic Etiquette and helpful Hints. 19

2. Reconsecration. 19

3. The General Grand Chapter. 20

4. Insurance. 20

5. The Financial Problem of the Chapter—Budgets. 20

6. Chapter Representation in Grand Chapter. 21

7. Order of High Priesthood. 21

8. Inter-Chapter Visitations. 21

9. Jurisdictional Boundaries. 21

10. Masonic Fellowship Assemblies. 22

11. Special Service Award by general Grand Chapter. 22

12. Interesting New Members in Service. 23

13. Balanced Programs. 23

14. List of Books and Plays. 23

15. Masonic Calendar. 24

16. DO’S and DON’T’S 25

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 27

RITUAL FOR CONSTITUENT CHAPTERS 29

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS—ALL DEGREES 29

MARK MASTER DEGREE 32

PAST MASTER DEGREE 75

MOST EXCELLENT MASTER DEGREE 93

ROYAL ARCH MASON DEGREE 127

MASONRY GLOSSARY 192

FOREWORD

To the men who have labored in the Quarries of Capitular Masonry and to those who are at present carrying on in their footsteps—this pamphlet is dedicated.

If it lightens the load and illuminates the way for Officers of our Constituent Chapters, then its purpose will have been accomplished.

Masonry is a Way of life and each branch is inter-related with the other. The work of the Chapter completes that which precedes it—and is also necessary for a proper understanding of that which follows. Should this material help to instill in the minds of our members, the importance of Capitular Masonry, for it is the Capstone of the Ancient Craft and occupies a place of high distinction, then our efforts will not have been in vain.

The word Fraternity has truly a significant meaning because we are bound together in a great Brotherhood whose mission is the upgrading of manhood by searching for the Truth. If we are united in this purpose, then in unity we shall find our greatest strength.

Officers: You are entrusted with the responsibility of perpetuating the Teachings of Capitular Masonry—give to it, your very best!

A complete knowledge of the subject, a sincerity of purpose, a belief in the tenets and an impelling desire to improve yourself as well as to extend a helping hand to others will result in untold accomplishments. The success of this depends on you—regardless of grade or rank.

Will you do Good Work, True Work and Square Work, such as is wanted for the Temple of Masonry? The Choice is yours!

C. F. Balch

Grand High Priest—1953

PART A—Setting the Craft at Work

I. OFFICER PERSONNEL.

Qualified leadership is the first essential to the success of every Royal Arch Chapter. It is the solution to almost every problem that confronts us. The selection of the men who fill the chairs is the most important job of every High Priest, for upon these men, ultimately will fall the responsibility of administering the affairs of the Chapter. Select the very best material available and be satisfied with nothing less.

The responsibility that goes with High Priesthood involves the executive duties of planning administration and supervision of social, financial and ritual functions.

Read and understand the By-Laws of your Chapter, the Constitution, Rules and Regulations and Edicts of the Grand Chapter of the State of Wisconsin (1952). A knowledge of the Masonic Code of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Wisconsin, known generally as The Blue Book, will also be helpful.

All the Officers of the Chapter should be part of the team and should be called together for business conferences. Matters of finance, budgeting, ritual and social activities should be discussed, together with the many problems which confront a High Priest. These meetings must be planned in advance and an agenda prepared.

This type of management constitutes valuable training for the officers and insures continuity of purpose.

II. CONVOCATIONS: STATED AND SPECIAL.

Convocations of a Chapter are of two kinds—Stated and Special. Both of these Convocations are governed by the By-Laws of the individual Chapter—these By-Laws having been approved, are in accord with the Constitution of the Grand Chapter.

Stated Convocations—A Stated Convocation is one which is held at a fixed time as specified in the By-Laws. Business can be transacted only at a Stated Convocation. Each Chapter under this Jurisdiction shall hold at least six (6) Stated Convocations in each year. (See Article VIII, Section 6. Grand Chapter Constitution 1952.)

Special Convocations—A Special Convocation is any meeting other than a Stated. It is called for the purpose of conferring degree work. No business can be transacted at a Special Convocation.

QUORUM—A Chapter can be opened or closed if nine regular Royal Arch Masons are present. However, no business other than the opening, closing and conferring of degrees can be conducted unless nine of its own members are present (See Edicts, page 35, Grand Chapter Constitution 1952)

III. PROCEDURE IN OPENING AND CLOSING A CHAPTER.

All Chapters shall be opened in regular form according to the ritual. The Chapters should be opened promptly at the hour specified in the Chapter By-Laws. If an Officer is late, fill his station for the opening by requesting a Companion from the side-lines to assume his duties. Time your work so that all meetings will be concluded by 10:00 p.m. If this policy is followed, better interest and attendance will result.

1. Clothing of Companions—The Apron must be worn by all members at all Convocations of the Chapter. Aprons are to be worn over other clothing. No one is properly clothed until he wears a smile. (Art. XIV, sections 1 and 2, 1952 Constitution)

2. Method of Purging a Chapter—There are two modes of avouchment in a Chapter.

a. By a Companion who has sat in open Chapter with the visitor.

b. By a Committee acting under the direction of the H.P.—after it has examined the visitor.

See respective sections of the Ritual for instructions on purging and communicating the Pass in each Degree. Also see special instructions in Ritual for calling down and up from one Degree to another.

The PS or RAC, or their counterparts in the other Degrees, should report all visitors to their superior officers prior to Opening.

If a visitor presents himself in the ante-room the Sentinel should immediately notify the H.P. who will appoint an examining committee of three. The examining committee will retire to examine the visitor. If more than one visitor is to be examined, each should have an examining committee. The committee should request the visitor to:

i. State his name, the name of his Chapter and its location.

ii. Present his receipt for dues, a Demit, or Certificate of Membership. (A receipt for dues or demit for not more than two years from date of issue may be accepted. It must be signed in ink by the member to whom issued. Verification of signature may be requested.)

iii. Take the Test Oath. (It should be administered on a Bible.)

I,................do hereby and hereon solemnly and sincerely swear, that I have been regularly initiated, passed and raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason, in a regularly constituted Lodge of such, and have been exalted to the Most Sublime Degree of a Royal Arch Mason in a regularly constituted Chapter of such; that I am not now under sentence of suspension or expulsion, and know of no just reason why I should not hold Masonic intercourse with my Companions, so help me God.

iv. Each member of the committee should satisfy himself as to the qualifications of the visitor.

v. The committee should escort the visitor to the Altar and salute. The committee Chairman presents the visitor giving his name, the name of his Chapter, its location and his official title, if any. The H.P. should give a word of welcome and extend greetings.

3. Prayers—A prayer should be given at the opening and closing of every Chapter meeting.

4. Opening the Bible—The Capt. of the Host or Senior Deacon should always reverently kneel at the Altar when opening or closing the Bible, and salute the Bible immediately after it is opened.

5. Correct Tiling Practice—The Sentinel or Tiler guards from without and the raps at the door alarm him and inform him of the degree which is in progress. The Officer will proceed as follows:

Rap after informing the Sentinel of the degree being opened and await his acknowledgement.

At other times, alarm him by the proper rap before opening the door and await his acknowledgement that he is on guard and all is clear.

When calling to another degree, alarm him in the degree which is being closed and await his acknowledgement that all is clear. After he is instructed, rap in the degree which is being opened and await his acknowledgement.

6. Presentation of Colors—When colors are presented, all arise, on order, place right hand over the heart and stand at attention until the Flag is placed in its standard on the right hand of the Grand Council in the East. The Pledge of Allegiance should be given after which one stanza of the National Anthem may be sung. The Flag should never be dipped, but carried aloft, left hand at the base of the staff, right hand nearest the colors. The Flag of the United States should be presented after the Chapter is opened and retired before the Chapter is closed. The Flag is your most distinguished guest.

7. Closing Ceremony—All Chapters should be closed in regular form according to the ritual.

Note: During the ceremonies of opening, closing, balloting or initiation—the Sentinel should not give an alarm, nor should one be acknowledged.

IV. CONDUCTING THE BUSINESS MEETING.

Some designated order is necessary in conducting the business meetings of a Chapter. A conference between the H.P. and Secretary before the opening of the Chapter is desirable. The following is a suggested order of business which might be followed:

Reading and Approving Minutes

Reading Referring of Petitions

Reports of Investigating Committees on Petitions

Balloting on Petitions

Communications

Reports of Other Committees

Unfinished Business

New Business

Sickness and Distress

Good of the Order

Suggestions for handling the above items of business together with some pertinent information pertaining to each is herewith presented. The following is a suggested procedure and may be varied or enlarged upon as the H.P. sees fit.

1. Reading and Approving Minutes—Minutes should contain the essential facts of the previous Convocation. After the Secretary has read the minutes the H.P. will ask the Companions if they have noted any errors or omissions. If none have been noted, he will approve the minutes as read, by a statement and one rap of the gavel.

If corrections or additions are necessary, they shall be made on the margin of the Minute Book. The minutes shall then be approved as corrected.

After minutes are approved, they cannot be altered.

2. Reading and Referring Petitions—Petitions for degrees, or for affiliation or plural membership must be presented in writing on prescribed forms and read by the Secretary. All items must be completely answered by the petitioner, and he must sign the petition with his full name.

Every petitioner must be recommended by two members of the Chapter, who shall sign his petition in the space provided. The prescribed fee must accompany the petition.

A petition must be received except for lack of jurisdiction.

Petitioners for degrees must reside in the State as prescribed by the Constitution. Rules, Regulations and Edicts of the Grand Chapter R.A.M. of Wisconsin (one year). They must have resided within the Jurisdiction of the Chapter for the prescribed time (90 days). (See Art. IX, Sections 1 and 2, Constitution 1952). If more than one petition is presented, time may be saved by the Secretary stating that he has another petition on same form signed by.......and stating that he is a member of.......Lodge, etc. After all are read, there being no objections, the petitions will be received and referred to the Investigating Committees. All Investigating Committees should be appointed in open Chapter at the time the petitions are received. The Secretary should notify the members of the Investigating Committees of their appointment in writing, or if a member of the Committee is present when petition is received, an oral appointment by the H.P. is sufficient.

Petitions for affiliation must be accompanied by a demit or a Certificate of Membership in another Chapter, and proof that the petitioner is a member of a Lodge in this or some other recognized jurisdiction.

Petitions for Plural Membership in a Chapter can be received from any Royal Arch Mason who is in good standing in his own Chapter and in a Lodge in this or some other recognized jurisdiction, and provided that the Grand Chapter having jurisdiction over the petitioner’s own Chapter permits plural membership.

3. Report of Investigating Committee—It should be the duty of the Investigating Committee to make inquiry as to the petitioner’s standing in the Lodge. It is important that the Committee actually call on the petitioner. He is entitled to this call and its omission degrades the importance of the Chapter degrees in his estimation. The Investigating Committee should promptly report at the next Stated Convocation. No action can be taken on a petition unless such report is made. If the Investigating Committee fails to report, the H.P. may appoint another Committee or replace any members who do not function.

4. Balloting on Petitions—The P.S. prepares the ballot-box. He should see that it is near his station. After the report of the Investigating Committee, the H.P. will discharge the Committee and order the ballot prepared. The P.S. prepares and passes the ballot-box and carries it so that the ballot is secret. No member shall enter or retire during balloting. The P.S. presents the ballot-box to the Scribe then to the King and then to the H.P. for inspection. The H.P. announces that ballot will be taken, instructs in balloting, then casts the first ballot, followed by the King, Scribe and the Companions who are entitled to vote. When balloting is completed, the P.S. stops West of the Altar. The H.P. in-quires of the P.S. if all have voted, and if so declares the ballot closed. The P.S. then presents the ballot to the Scribe and then to the King. The H. P. then asks Scribe and King, individually, how they find the ballot. After each has reported (clear or not clear), the H.P. examines the ballot, makes the declaration and destroys the ballot, by returning the contents to the usual repository. A ballot for the degrees must be clear for election.

A ballot for affiliation or plural membership is handled as above except that four-fifths of the ballots cast must be clear for election. A ballot for affiliation (not plural membership) must be accompanied by a demit. A demit expires after two years for all purposes except affiliation. Petitions for degrees may be balloted upon collectively and petitions for affiliation may be balloted upon collectively but the two types must be separated because of the differences in the terms of acceptance.

a. A Petition Involving Territorial Jurisdiction—When a waiver of Territorial Jurisdiction is required, the H.P. will instruct the Secretary to request same under the seal of the Chapter from the Chapter in whose jurisdiction the petitioner resides. If the waiver is granted, the petition may then be received and referred to an Investigating Committee.

b. A Petitioner who is in Default—If a candidate neglects for one year after election, or after taking any degree, to make progress, he is in default. A candidate in default, wishing to progress, must apply to the H.P. either personally or in writing. The H.P. shall report to the Chapter at a Stated Convocation, and order a ballot to be taken at a subsequent Stated Convocation. A ballot is then prepared which shall be secret and must be clear. If the ballot is not clear, the candidate stands rejected—but he may renew his application at the expiration of six months after such rejection.

c. Request for Courtesy Work—A Chapter may as a matter of courtesy, do work for another Chapter, both being Constituent Chapters of the Grand Chapter of Wisconsin. Any Chapter may confer degrees for a Chapter in another