The Royal Arch, and the side degrees included by the USGC, are a natural extension to the craft degrees, a capstone if you will, and an interesting investigation into a number of biblical events, and the moral instruction we hope to learn from them. I would recommend the Royal Arch to those wishing to further their masonic knowledge.

I have always been interested in human history and the mind, which in turn eventually led me to researching this thing called “Freemasonry” and eventually asking a member about this honourable tradition.

Eventually under my own will and accord I made the application and joining Masonry, to join this living history and learn to become a wiser man- this was one of the greatest decisions of my life.
The craft lodge is where I started my journey, learning about the traditions, symbols and building friendships that will last a life time, but in time I realised it was not the end but the beginning of pure and ancient freemasonry.
In due time, I felt it was necessary to explore further from the Craft lodge and enter the Mark and Royal arch.

The Mark degree filled in so many gaps and was a brilliant experience, I recommend it to all my Brothers and truly encourage all to at least pursue this degree.
As I approach entering the Royal Arch, I reflect upon my Friends in both orders and the amazing experiences we have had.

I have never seen such mentorship from one generation to the next, nor unspoken bond the crosses international borders and unites families.

I hope that these words may encourage everyone to look at the passion and community that is Masonry, while encourage those that are members to explore a little further and ask about The Mark and Royal Arch.

My interest in the Royal Arch started when I was presented with the Constitution and read that pure Ancient Freemasonry included the degrees of Mark Master Mason and the Holy Royal Arch.

On inquiring of my more learned Brethren what this meant, and gaining an understanding of the “Associated Degrees”, I decided that it made sense to join the Royal Arch first of all.

Since then I have found that the members of the Royal Arch are among the most dedicated Masons in the area.
This has also resulted in a great family friendly environment where the ladies are made to feel a part of the family.

I also found that the degrees within the Royal Arch fill in the picture provided by the three Lodge degrees and complete the picture.

I highly recommend the Royal Arch as the first step to any Mason looking to further their Masonic experience.

When it was suggested that I should progress to membership of Royal Arch Freemasonry I was told that it would complete my Masonic experience.

Certainly, the three basic degrees of the Royal Arch answered and explained so many things that had been mentioned or hinted at in the Craft degrees but not followed up or expanded upon.

What I was not told was that membership of the Royal Arch would provide access to a treasure trove of Masonic information contained in the supplementary degrees.

This rich tapestry of Masonic thought would have been lost to me had I not joined a Royal Arch Chapter…

I have always been sorry that I didn’t join Royal Arch Masonry earlier in my “Masonic Carrier”.

My Wife Elaine enjoys going with me to local Installations and to Grand Chapter Installations as we both find many beautiful friendships.

Yours Fraternally
Laurie J Byrne

I joined Royal Arch Freemasonry in 2011 when I became aware that a number of my friends from my Craft Lodge, who I respected very much, were active members within the Chapter.

While there was no pressure from these masons to join, I was aware that they obviously enjoyed their Royal Arch Freemasonry and I was very interested to learn more. My knowledge of the fraternity increased after I was invited to an open night, at which, I was surprised to see, the Grand First Principal and Grand Master. If I had known then what I know now about the Royal Arch I guess I would not have been surprised.

My first impressions of the Chapter was that it was somewhat different to the Craft Lodge and this impression only crystallized the more I interacted within the Chapter.

Chapter meetings seem to be much more relaxed, and as they tend to be smaller than the Craft meetings, this gives you both the opportunity to be more involved in the work and interact on a closer level with Companions, both within the Chapter and in the Festive Board.

Not long after joining the Royal Arch I was presented with a great opportunity when the Deputy Grand Treasurer position became vacant.
My background is in Accounting and Business Management and due to this, I was approached if I would be interested in applying for that position.
I did and as they say, the rest is history.

Not having ever held rank in a Grand Lodge or Chapter before I was unsure what to expect.
The Grand Chapter Team are a great bunch who welcomed me with open arms and went out of their way to help me and make me feel like one of the team.
The First Grand Principal and Grand Master and his Deputy are inspiring leaders who create an atmosphere throughout the Order that can’t help but expand and move the whole Royal Arch Order forward.

It is an exciting time for Royal Arch Freemasonry in NSW and joining the Order is one of the highlights of my Masonic career.
I recommend Royal Arch Freemasonry to all Masons who want to complete their journey in Masonry.

There are many and varied orders pertaining to and or about Freemasonry, each of which has their own set of Principals and opinions.
However the order of Mark and Royal Arch Masonry may be a standalone order but is definitely part of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masonry, in fact, it is not only an extension of the Craft Order, for example, the first three degrees in Masonry, but in fact is (as our esteemed leader proclaims) “the completion of the Masonic journey,” that is the fourth and fifth degrees, those being Mark and Royal Arch.

This order not only explores and explains the ancient activities of the building of King Solomon’s Temple, it touches on the fact that the Temple was in fact destroyed and a second Temple constructed.

Also during some ceremonies explains portions of craft ritual that has left the general craft mason hanging for further information.
One of the most interesting parts of the order is the manner in which the various ceremonies are actually acted out in a serious but light-hearted theatrical manner, creating not only deep interest but a high degree of enjoyment and pleasure, which to me is a major factor of being involved in this interesting, pleasurable and challenging order.

I enjoy Mark and Royal Arch Freemasonry because it is the most meaningful progressive degree from craft Masonry.
Its evolution relates the history of K.S.T together with the secrets, not revealed in the craft. The story of the R.A. is developed in the scriptures and illustrated by colourful role play.

Participation is less formal than the craft and ensures great enjoyment and learning.

Royal Arch and the craft interlock perfectly, fulfilling the Master Mason’s knowledge, and opening up pathways to further interesting degrees.
I’m glad I discovered the keystone of Freemasonry – and took the 4th step.

V Ex Comp Isaac McGill PDGIW
Bankstown Unity No.86

I enjoy associating with the Royal Arch as it is a very sociable order which encourages family involvement at its various functions and events.
I have made some wonderful friends through my husband’s interest in being in this order.

I would highly recommend any Freemason to join the Royal Arch and encourage their families to be involved whenever possible.

The Royal Arch was the first Order I joined after the Craft and since that time I have had many enjoyable evenings with the Companions.

The variety of degrees and ritual has always kept me interested (often when I see a degree we have not worked for a while it seems almost like the first time I have seen it).

The Order is particularly about companionship and having a good time.
Over the years I have made many new friends and my current role as an AGP takes me to many Chapters where I am always received in a very warm and friendly manner.

I can thoroughly recommend membership of the Order and I am sure you will enjoy the experience.

Yours fraternally,
Ivan Teager

I joined the Masonic Lodge in 1973 and after a long break from active Freemasonry due to career commitments I was invited to join the royal arch chapter in 1999 – and it was a great decision by me to accept!

It has been a revealing and refreshing period in my life where my Masonic principles have been re-invigorated and my knowledge of Freemasonry exponentially extended.

Royal Arch Freemasonry delivers a full explanation of the meaning and history of Freemasonry and at the same time gives the opportunity for an extensive participation for every member in a wide range of ceremonial activities.

The fraternal interaction afterwards allows me to enjoy a diverse cross-section of like-minded men.

I would encourage all Freemasons to give strong consideration to joining the Mark and Royal Arch Masons order – you will not be disappointed and it will allow you to complete the full journey!!