Although glimpses of Royal Arch vocabulary appear in Masonic literature from the 1720s, the first verifiable appearance of Royal Arch Masonry is in Ireland in the 1740s during a Dublin procession. According to Lodge No. 21's records, the “ Royal Arch” was carried in a procession by “ two excellent Masons” through Youghal, Ireland, on 27 December 1743. As for the origins of the Ritual itself, it is suitably shrouded in mystery. The Chapter of Improvement clearly started as a general Chapter of Improvement or Instruction and was not only for members of the Aldersgate Chapter. In 1904 it printed 300 cards setting out the programme.By the 1920's the average attendance was about 25. The first part was set in Jerusalem about 520 BC at the time when the descendants of the children of Israel, led by Zerubbabel are returning from their captivity by the Babylonians only to find that the Temple erected by King Solomon had been completely destroyed and the city in ruins. Special interest Lodges Formed by members to enjoy their shared interests and hobbies, there are many special interest Lodges you can join in Freemasonry

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Similarly to Craft Freemasonry, the Royal Arch conveys moral and ethical lessons. In the three degrees of the Craft, the candidate is presented with a series of practical principles of service to his fellow man and begins journey of self discovery. The Royal Arch completes this journey by developing this latter aspect. In the Chapter, the teachings of the Royal Arch are conveyed using a ritualised allegory 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. [3] By adding a further explanation to the practical lessons of Craft Freemasonry, the Royal Arch is seen as an extension of the preceding degrees [4] and the philosophical lessons conveyed are appropriate to that stage in a candidate's Masonic development. The symbol or Grand Emblem of Royal Arch Masonry is the Triple Tau. Denslow, Ray and Everett C. Turnbull. History of Royal Arch Masonry Part One. Kessinger. ISBN 1-4179-5004-8. pp. 3-4.

On 10 November 2004, the Grand Chapter of the Holy Royal Arch in England declared the Royal Arch to be a separate degree in its own right, albeit the natural progression from the third degree, and the completion of " pure, antient Masonry", which consists of the three Craft degrees and the Royal Arch. [34] Following this decision by the Grand Chapter in 2004, there are currently significant ritual differences between Royal Arch Masonry as worked in England and Royal Arch Masonry worked as part of the York Rite in the U.S. [ citation needed] Fraternal inter-relations remain as before. Also at the bottom of the pedestal were the initials of the three Grand Masters who presided over the building of the first Temple, namely, Solomon King of Israel, Hiram King of Tyre and Hiram Abiff. Tony Hall, responsible for the Chorley and District, Leyland and District, Ormskirk, Bootle and Southport Groups. With the exception of Scotland and Scandinavia (where Swedish rite is used), the English system of Royal Arch Masonry is also found in other European states, as well as in Australasia, and is currently being introduced to many eastern European states, including Russia and Serbia. [34] Due to the difference in organisation, notable restrictions apply to English members of the Royal Arch who wish to attend Royal Arch meetings in Scotland (see below). Whilst it is true that there are very many Old Testament references which can be quoted in support of Royal Arch explanations, the fact remains that much of the significance is open to interpretation – it is still veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols.Proceedings of the Grand Holy Royal Arch Chapter of Pennsylvania and Masonic Jurisdiction thereunto Belonging for the Year Ending 27 December 1910 Being Its One Hundred and Fifteenth Year Philadelphia: William & Marcus Co., 1911.

History of Freemasons' Hall Discover the important milestones that led to the construction of Freemasons’ Hall as we begin the journey more than 250 years ago Every US state has a Grand Chapter, which performs the same administrative functions for its subordinate Chapters as a Grand Lodge does for its subordinate Lodges. In other countries there are either national or state Grand Chapters. The Chapter also has its own equivalents of Grand Lodge Officers, modified from the titles of the officers of a Royal Arch Chapter: The head of Royal Arch is HRH the Duke of Kent who is known as The Most Excellent First Grand Principal. Find your nearest Masonic Centre Enter your postcode to locate your local lodge where you live, work or study Blog Welcome to our Blog, where you can keep up on the latest news and discover more about Freemasonry

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The joining and annual fees payable are generally proportionately less than those of a Lodge. Due to its close affinity with the Craft, the Royal Arch does not hold its own Charity Festivals but looks to support the Craft in its endeavours as best it can. Charity giving in the Royal Arch is therefore usually restricted to Alms Collections or very occasional special appeals such as the recent 2013 Bicentenary Appeal for the Royal College of Surgeons. There should be no pressure on any member to progress through the various offices of his Chapter until he is confident enough and ready to do so. Most new Companions are encouraged to attend, listen and observe as they learn more about the significance of the Royal Arch. They will cultivate new friendships in their Chapter whilst they continue their progress through the Offices of their Craft Lodge and, in time, we hope they will be ready to participate in the beautiful, colourful and profound ritual of the Holy Royal Arch. Early explanations stated that it referred to Templum Hierosolymae (the Temple at Jerusalem). In the Scottish Constitution, it shows that the wearer is a believer in the true God, the God of Israel. Thus the Royal Arch leads the candidate from the practical to the spiritual and completes “Pure Antient Masonry”, a fascinating journey of self-knowledge and even self-discovery beginning with the Entered Apprentice degree in the Craft and culminating in the First Principal’s chair of his Holy Royal Arch Chapter. After the Third Degree