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TH E

ROYAL ARCH COMPANION

'#annal of Soji»I ^t(h pasoaru :

CONTAININO

MONITORIAL INSTRUCTIONS

IN TIIR DEORBB8 OF

MARK MASTER, PAST MASTER, MOST EXCELLENT MASTER,

AND ROYAL ARCH ;

WITH ILLUSTRATIONS
TOGKTIIKR WITH TIIK

CEREMONIES OF CONSTITUTING AND DEDICATING
CHAPTERS AND INSTALLING OFFICERS.

FORMS FOR MINU^TES, BY-LAWS AND (3 RAND CHAPTER

RETURNS.

— COMPILED BT —

R. Ex. Comp. THOMAS SARGANT, 32*.

ADAPTED FOR THE DOMINION OF CANADA
Masonic Publishing Co.

TORONTO.

Kiitcrcd according' to tlie Act of tho Parliniiieiit of Canada, in tlic
year one thousand eight hundred and ciglity, hy Thomas
Sargant, in the Otfit-e of the Alinistcr of Agriculture and
Statistics at Ottawa.

PREFACE

The enquiry for a Manual of Royal Arch Ma-
sonry, which conforms strictly with the standard
work of tlie Cirand Chapter of Canada, is my chief
reason for publishin<j^ the present volume.

Knowing the great advantages reaped through
ihe assistance of such publications, by the Com-
panions o( other jurisdictions, and the increasing
desire amongst the Craft in Canada for a help
which would give them " light in their darkness,"
I have ventured to present this work, trusting that
it will accomplish that purpose for which it is in-
tended. ' '

Great care has been taken in compiling this
edition, to make it truly the " Companion" of those
desiring to perfect themselves in the degrees of
Capitular Masonry.

It contains fhe full arrangement of Ceremonies
for Consecration, Dedication and Institution of
Chapters, Installation of Officers, Forms for Keep-
ing Minutes, By-Laws, etc., and Grand Chapter
Returns.

Trusting that this "Companion" may be found
to meet the want referred to, the Author respect-
fully submits it to the favorable consideration of
the Craft.

THOMAS SARGANT, P.G.S.T.D.
Toronto, 1880.

(T^^^^i:^::^^

THE CHAPTER.

1. Mark Master.

2. Past Master.

3. Most Excellent Master.

4. Royal Arch.

ANCIENT CEREMONn^:S.

Constitution.
Consecration.
Dedication.
Installation.

Form for Keeping Minutes.

Form for By-Laws and Regulations.

Form for Grand Chapter Returns.

•

' I

CONTENTS.

— «- —

Makk Mastkr

l?ucupti«»i)

First liO'tun! . .

Ilistoriciil lA'ctiire

VVorkiii!^ Tools . .

('liiirj,'o

Kxlu'itation
Past Mastku -

Char-.Tt'

<)
1J»

20
•ifi
27
'M)
'A.\
35

:«>

Munr Kxi:i:m,knt Mastku - 4:{

Hect'i>tion 47

La.viiij; the ('oi)pstoiio Til

[iCfturo 5S

Char^o r>".»

Historiral Siuumary <>0

Royai- Akcii - .* 70

Oincors 71

•Icwels and nothinnf .' 73

Woik..f the Veils SO

First Scripture Kxtraet H(!

Seeond « « til

Ilistorieal Lecture 9'^

Svnibolieal n '.»(>

Mystical II Kri

Anciknt Ckkkmoniks— 124

iMstitiitioii of a Chapter 124

Conseerati(Hi n n 127

DiMlio.itio I II II V2\>

Installation of Otiicers 130

II II Z 132

H II H. 13S

II II J 143

II II other Officers Ifil

Masonic Calkn'dah- irwi

IU-Laws anp Rkoilations— 158

FoKMs Foil a Warkant OF Constitution — 1(W

Ft)r Exaltation H\\)

II Membership 170

II Demit 170

II Proxy 171

Form for Mini'te.s— 172

II II Grand CiiAPTKR Returns— 179

FORM OF A M. M. M. LODGK.

1. W. Master.

2. S. Warden.

3. J. Warden.

4. Secretary.

S. Deacon.
J. Deacon
J. Ov cTi^eor.
iS. Overseer.

1). M. Overseer.

10. I. (iiiard.

11. Tyler.

except iui^ the Cher seers.

r- —

FORM OF A R. A. CHAPTER.

♦
3

*- 4

1 z

2 H.

3 J.

4 S.E.

5 S.N.

6 P.S.

I *
9

7 S.S.

8 J.S.
J.

10 M. of 1 V.

M. of 2 V.

M. of 3 V.
13 M. of 4 V.

11
12

ROYAL ARCH COMPANION.

MARK MASTER.

This degree of Masonry was not less useful in its
original institution, nor are its effects less beneficial to
mankind, than those which precede it. By its influence
each Operative Mason, at the erection of the Temple of
Solomon, was known and distinguished by the Senior G.
Warden. By its effects the disorder and confusion that
might otherwise have attended so immense an undertak-
ing was completely prevented ; and not only the crafts-
men themselves, who were eighty thousand in number,
but every part of their workmanship, was discriminated
with the greatest nicety and the utmost facility. If de-
fects were found in the work, the Overseers, l^y the help
of this degree, were enable*-!, without difficulty, to ascer-

ivOYAL ARCH COMPANtON.

tain who was the faulty workman; so that its deficiencies
might be remedied without injuring the credit or dimin-
ishing the reward of the industrious and faithful among
the craft.

A MARK MASTER S LODGE

Consists of the members of the Chapter to which it is
attached, and the following oflicers, viz.: W. Mastt-r,
in the East ; Senior Warden, in the West ; Junior
Warden, in the South ; Treasurer, on the right, and Sec-
retary, on the left, near the chair; Master of Ceremonies,
on the left, in front of the Secretary ; Senior Deacon, on
the right of the W. M. ; Junior Deacon, at the right of
the Senior Warden ; Master Overseer, at the East Gate ;
Senior Overseer, at the West Gate ; Junior Overseer, at
the South Gate ; Stewards, on the left of the W. M. and
and S. Warden ; Chaplain, in the East, on the left of the
Master. I. G., inside the Entrance.

The officers of Chapters take rank in a Mark Master's
Lodge as follows, viz. : tlie First Principal Z., as W.
Master; Second Principal H., as Senior Warden; Third
Principal J., as Junior Warden; Principal Sojourner, as
Senior Deacon ; Senior Sojourner, as Junior Deacon ;
Junior Sojourner, as I. G.; Master of the Third Vail, as
Master Overseer ; Master of the Second Vail, as Senior
Overseer ; Master of the First Vail, as Junior Overseer ;
Scribe K., as Secretary. Tiie Treasurer, Chaplain, Stew-
ards, Director of Ceremonies, and Tyler, as officers of
corresponding rank, /

OPENING.

A candidate receiving this degree is said to be ** ad-
vanced to the honorary degree of a Mark Master."

OPENING.

* «

•ij -» * « •* * *

* *

A lodge of Mark Masters is opened in the pecu-
liar form, known only to the brethren of this degree.

INVOCATION.

B., the Lodge being thus duly formed, before I
declare it opened, let us invoke a blessing from
the Ci.G.O.T.U. upon all our undertakings. May
cur labors thus commenced in order, be conducted
in peace and closed in harmony.

Response by the B.—So mote it be.

SECTION I.

This section explains the manner of opening the Lodge.
It also teaches the stations and duties of the officers, and
the preparation and introduction of candidates. It exem-
plifies the regularity and good order that were observed

ROYAL ARCH COMPANION.

by the Craftsmen at the building of the Temple ; illus-
trates the method by which the idle and unworthy were
detected and punished, and displays one of the principal
events which characterizes this degree.

Here the initiate is informed of the proper materials
necessary in the construction of the Temple ; the place
whence they were obtained, and the manner in which
they were inspected, approved or rejected.

The stones of which the Temple was constructed were
of white limestone, or a species of marble. This mate-
rial is described as being soft, and easily worked, but
hardening by exposure.

Recent discoveries in Jerusalem leave no room for
doubt as to the precise place from whence those immense
stones used in the edifice were taken. A recent traveller
thus describes a vast excavation which had been discov-
ered about two hundred yards east of the Damascus gate
of the city : "This remarkable place, which is evidently

ik.j—

OPKNING.

nothing else than a vast underground quarry, large
enough, even as far as it has been explored, to have
furnished the materials for the building of the Temple,
and the walls of Jerusalem, extends south-east of Mount
Moriah in the direction of the Mosque of Omar.

"The roof of this enormous excavation, which took us
about three hours in perambulating, is supported at inter-
vals of about twenty, thirty, or forty yards, by scjuare,
massive, tower-like bastions, or pillars of various heights
and dimensions, formed out of the entire rock or rather
left there standing by the surrounding parts being cut
away. The marks of the chisel on the dry portions of
the rock looked as new and fresh as if the workmen had
only just retired."

Nothing but good work, -true work, — square
work is wanted for the building, and it must have
the mark of the craft upon it.

ill

ROYAL ARCH COMPANION.

At the building of the Temple, no work was suffered
to pass the gates but such as the proper officers had
orders to receive, and no Craftsman was entitled to
wages until his work had been approved. These wise
regulations were necessary in order to insure the recep-
tion of good, true, and square work only, and by them
we are symbolically taught to try all our actions by the
square of virtue, that thus being able to exhibit suitable
specimens of our labor on earth, we may be suffered to
enter the burnished gates of the new Jerusalem, and
prove our right to receive wages by the token of Faith.

The sixth hour of the sixth day of the week.

OPENING.

\ >■

The following song to be sung :

Music— (National Anthem).

Mark Masters, all appear
Before the Chief O'erseer,

In concert move ;
Let him your work inspect
For the Chief Architect ;
If there be no defect,

He will approve.

You who have passed the square,
For your rewards prepare,

Join heart and hand ;
£ac'/i with his mark in view,
March with the just and true ;
Wages to you are due.

At your command.

WAGES.

^ -if * -X- * -X- ■)(•

■Jf *

The Jewish week began with the Christian Sabbath or
Qur Sunday, and closed with their Sabbath or our Satur-
day. The sixth day of the Jewish week was, therefore,
our Friday. The Jews divided their day into twelve

ROYAL ARCH COMPANION.

hours, commencing at sunrise and ending at sunset. The
sixth hour was noonday or "high twelve." Tlie precise
time, therefore, alluded to here was Friday noon, when
the Craft, in Temple times, are said to have been called
from labor to refreshment. The labors of the week
being thus brought to a close, the faithful whose work
had been approved, at a given signal formed in proces-
sion, headed by the J.G.VV., and moving to the notes of
cheerful music, presented them.selves at the proper place
to receive their weekly pay. If any one demanded
wages when none were due him, he was at once, by the
wise precaution of King Solomon, detected and made to
suffer the penalty of an impostor. So we are taught the
important lesson that we should be particularly careful
never to take wages not our due, lest we should wrong a
brother by taking that which, in (7(?</'j- chancery, belongs
to him.

THE SEVENTH DAY.

^ h ^

The present moment *

•K-

For in six days GoD created the heaven and the
earth, and rested upon the seventh day ; the
seventh, therefore, our ancient brethren consecra-
ted as a day of rest from their labors, thereby

OPENING.

17 \

enjoying frequent opportunities to contemplate the
glorious works of creation, and to adore their great
Creator.

H YM N— 0/ii Hiimircd.

Another six days' work is done ;
Another Sabbath is begun ;
Return, my soul I enjoy the rest,
Improve the day thy God hath blessed.

In holy duties let the day —
In holy pleasures pass away !
How sweet a Sabbath thus to spend,
In hope of one which ne'er shall end.

The first hour of the first day of the week.

At the building of the Temple, according to tradition,
the craftsmen arose with the sun, and pursued their
labor with the same regularity that marks the course of
that luminary.

i'i

I r,

ROYAL ARCH COMPANION.

The time designated by the ** first hour of the first
day of the week," was the hour after sunrise on the day
succeeding their Sabbath, equivalent to what is now our
Sunday morning. This was the hour when the crafts-
men in the quarries of Zarthan and in the forests of
Lebanon resumed their weekly labor.

SECTION II.

Illustrates the foundation and history of the degree,
and impresses upon the mind of the candidate, in a strik-
ing manner, the importance of a strict observance of his
obligation to be ever ready to stretch forth his hand for
the relief of indigent and worthy brethren.

The number of workmen employed in building the
Temple of Solomon ; the privileges they enjoyed ; the
mode of rewarding merit and of punishing the guilty,
and the marks of distinction which were conferred on
our ancient brethren, as the rewards of excellence, are
named.

RECEPTION.

The Chisel and Mallet are used by operative
Masons to cut, carve and indent their work, but
we as F. and H. Masons, make use of them for a
more noble purpose, viz : we figuratively use them

t m

HI-

ROYAL AKCII CO.NJI'ANION.

to cut, carve and indent upon our minds the princi-
ples of moral truth and virtue. * ^ * * *

*********

The following passage of Scripture is appropriately
introduced :

The stone which the builders refused, is become
the head stone of the corner.— Psalms cxviii. 22.

O. B.
FIRST LECTURE.

The S. which the builders rejected, has l^ecome
the chief stone of the corner. Information was

RECEl'TION— KIRSr LECTURE.

brought to King Solomon that the Temple was
almost completed, but that the craftsmen were
thrown into confusion for the want of a certain
K. S., which none of them had been ordered to
make. King Solomon, believing that our worthy
G. M., Hiram Abiff, had completed it agreeably to
the original plan, ordered an enquiry to be made
amongst the M. O., if a stone bearing a certain
mark had been presented at any of their gates for
inspection. It was found that it had, but not
knowing the -^ -^^ * and deciding it to be unfit
for the building, had thrown it amongst the rub-
bish. King Solomon directed strict search to be
made, when it was found and placed to its intended
use. What that was, I am not at liberty to inform
you. You will have to advance further in Mason-
rv before vou can learn.

The color of it was white, on it were the initials
of the words H. T. W. S. S. T. K. S., placed thus
in a circle. These formed the original mark of
ourG. IM., H. A., and are now used as a general
mark of this degree.

I II.

I *'

R(»VAI. AKCIl C\»MI'ANr«).N.

And we will cut wood out of Lebanon, as much
as thou shalt need ; and we will bring it to thee in
floats by sea to Joppa, and thou shalt carry it up
to Jerusalem. — II. Chron. ii. i6.

Notwithstanding the difficulty and danger of the land-
ing, and the subsequent ascent up the steep banks of the
sea coast at that place, most of the materials for the
temple were landed here, when they were brought down
from Mount Lebanon. When the immense size and
weight of these materials are considered, it seems almost
incredible that they could have been conveyed to Jeru-
salem in that manner. But not only was this done at
the building of the first temple, but we learn from Holy
Scriptures that the same was true of the second temple,
for "They gave money also unto the masons, and to the
carpenters, and meat, and drink, and oil unto them of
Zidon, and them of Tyre, to bring cedar trees from

Lfbanon to the sea of Joppa, according to tlie grant that
they had of Cyrus, King cf Persia." — Ezra iii. 7.

Then he brought me back the way of the gate
of the outward sanctuary, which looketh toward
the east ; and it was shut. And the Lord said
unto me, Son of man, mark ,well, and behold
with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears all that I
say unto thee concerning all the ordinances of the
house of the Lord, and all the laws thereof : and
mark well the entering in of the house, with every
going forth of the sanctuary. — EzEKlEi. xliv. 1-5.

The Mark is the appropriate jewel of a Mark Master
Mason. The traditions of the Order are to the elTect
that there were three cla.sses of Fellow Crafts employed

ROYAL ARCH COMPANION.

at the building of King Solomon's Temple. One class
wrought in the clayey grounds between Succoth and
Zeradatha, the second in the forests of Lebanon, while
the third or principal class was employed in the quarries
of Zarthan. Those who wrought in the quarries were
80,000 in number, divided into Lodges of 80 each.
Over each of these Lodges presided a Mark Master and
two Mark Men as Wardens. Each of these craftsmen
was obliged to select a device, which was recorded in a
scroll kept for that purpose, and thereupon became the
"Mark" of the brother, and could not be altered or
changed. A copy of this mark the craftsman was re-
quired to put on all his work, and thus every person's
work could be readily distinguished, and praise or cen-
sure be correctly bestowed without mistakes. By this
"vrise precaution, such a vast body of men were easily
and correctly paid, and by its means the workmen were
enabled to put together with such facility and precision
the materials when conveyed from the quarries to Mount
Moriah. The *' Mark " may be made of any durable
material, and in any form to suit the taste or fancy of the
owner. On one side is generally engiaved the owner's
name, chapter, and date of his advancement. On the
other side must be engraved in a circular form these eight
letters : H. T. W. S. S. T. K. S. Within this circle of
letters is engraved the device selected by the brother,
and when once chosen, the whole should be drawn, or
recorded in a book kept for that purpose, and it is then
said to be recorded in the '* Lodge Book of Marks."

RECEPTION — HIS rORICAL LECTUl' K.

The selection of the '■'■ Bekah " or half shekel as the
equivalent of a "Mark," is probably an allusion to the
'* offering of the Lord " commanded to be made by the
Israelites. ** Every one that passeth among them that
are numbered, from twenty years old and above, shall
give an offering unto the Lord. The rich shall not give
more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel,
when they give an offering unto the Lord, to make an
atonement for your souls." — Ex. xxx. 14-15.

HISTORICAL LECTURE.

* * You have this evening represented one of
the F'. C. M. who wrought at the building of King
Solomon's Temple, ^vhose custom it was on the

J '.

ROYAL ARCH COMI'ANKJN.

sixth day of the week to carry up their work for
inspection.

The young C. discovered the key-stone in the
quarries, and from its singular form and beauty,
supposing it belonged to the Temple, substituted
it for his own work, and carried it up for inspec-
tion. It was rejected, thrown among the rubbish,
but subsequently found and placed to its proper
use.

He also attempted to receive wages without giv-
ing the •*■><■ -^ was detected, and about to be
punished, but King Solomon pardoned him, and
after a severe reprimand, ordered him to be taken
back to the quarries.

There were 80,000 craftsmen employed at the
building of the Temple, who at the sixth hour
of the sixth day of every week, formed a proces-
sion and repaired to the office of the S. Warden
to receive their wages. To prevent imposition.
King Solomon ordered that every Craftsman
should choose his particular mark, by which he
and his work was known and distinguished. They
each presented their right hand through a small
lattice window, with a copy of their mark in the
palm thereof, at the same time giving the token.
The S. W. looked at a corresponding mark in his

ItCEPTION — HISTORICAL LECTURE.

book, placed the wages * "^^ * and he passed
on. If any one attempted to receive wages with-
out giving the token, the S. W. seized the hand*
and cried an impostor, upon which an officer sta-
tioned there immediately inflicted the penalty.

This degree was originally founded by our three
Ancient Grand Masters, S. A", of Israel^ H. K. of
Tyre, and H. A. Not only for the reasons already
shown, but as an honorary degree to be conferred
upon all who had proved themselves meritorious in
the preceding degrees, and also to render it impos-
sible for a craftsman to suffer for the immediate
necessities of life, when the price of his mark would
procure them.

It was not less useful in its original undertaking,
nor were its effects less beneficial, than those de-
grees which preceded it. By its influence, each
operative Mason was known and distinguished at
the erection of the Temple.

By its effects, the disorder and confusion that
otherwise might have attended so immense an un-
dertaking were completely prevented, and not
only were the Craftsmen known, but every part
of their work was discriminated with the great-
est nicety and utmost facility. If defects were

y:2

■' I

■I !

ROYAL AKCII COMPANION.

found in the work, the overseers were enabled
to ascertain, withouc difficuhy, who was the fauUy
workman, so that deficiencies might be remedied
without injuring the credit, or diminishing the
reward of the industrious, and faithful of ihe craft.

WORKING TOOLS.

I now present you with the workifig tools of a
Mark Master, which are the chisel dind mallet.

THE CHISEL

Morally demonstrates the advantage of discip-
line and education. The mind, like the diamond
in its original state, is rude and unpolished ; but
as the effect of the chisel on the external coat soon
presents to view the latent beauties of the diamond,
so education discovers the latent virtues of the
mind, and draws them forth to range the large
field of matter and space, to display the summit
of human knowledge, our duty to God and to man.

THE MALLET

Morally teaches to correct irregularities, and
reduce man to a proper level ; so that, by quiet

RKCEPTION— CHARGE TO THE CANDIDATE. 29

deportment, be may, in the school of discipline,
learn to be content. What the mallet is to the
workman, enlightened reason is to the passions :
it curbs ambition, it depresses envy, it moderates
anger, and it encourages good dispositions ; whence
arises among good Masons that comely order,

- " Which nothing,' earthly gives, or can destroy,
Tlie soul's calm sunshine, and the heart-felt joy."

CHARGE TO THE CANDIDATE.

Brother : —I congratulate you on having been
thought worthy of being promoted to this honor-
able degree of Masonry. Permit me to impress
it on your mind, that your assiduity should ever be
commensurate with your duties, which become
more and more extensive as you advance in
Masonry.

The situation to which you are now promoted
will draw upon you not only the scrutinizing eyes
of the world at large, but those also of your breth-
ren, on whom this degree of Masonry has not been
conferred ; all will be justified in expecting your
conduct and behaviour to be such as may with
safety be imitated.

11 i

In the honorable character of Mark Master Ma-
son, it is more particularly your duty to endeavor
to let your conduct in the lodge, and among your
brethren, be such as may stand the test of the
Grand Overseer's square, that you may not, like
the unfinished and imperfect work of the negligent
and unfaithful of former times, be rejected and
thrown aside, as unfit for tliat spiritual building,
that house not made with hands, eternal in the
heavens.

While such is your conduct, should misfortunes
assail you, should friends forsake you, should envy
traduce your good name, and malice persecute you ;
yet you may have confidence, that among Mark
Master Masons, you will find friends who will
administer relief to your distresses, and comfort in
your afflictions ; ever bearing in mind, as a conso-
lation under all the frowns of fortune, and as an
encouragement to hope for better prospects, ///a^
the stone which the builders rejected, (possessing
merits to them unknown) became the chief stone of
the corner.

K ECKI'TION — Cl'.RKMON I ES — WAC. IS.

The sixth hour of the sixth day of the week.

CEREMONIES— WAGKS.

Music. — National A nthem.

Hiram, the widow's son
Seat unto Solomon

Our great key-stone ;
On it appears the name
Which raises high the fame
Of all to whom the same

Is truly known.

■ I

ROYAL ARCH COMPANION.

Now to the westward move,
Where, full of strength and love,

Hiram doth stand ;
But if impostors are
Mix'd with the worthy there,
Caution them to beware

0/ the ri^ht hand.

EXHORTATION.

Brethren : — It is my duty to exhort you to
receive the wages allotted you with thankfulness,
and to remember that the G. A. O. T. U. will
make no distinction of persons in the distribution
of his benificence, but will give alike to all who
endeavor to obey his Divine commands.

Even so Masonry regards the internal not the
external qualifications that recommend a man to be
a Mason, no matter what his work, the humblest
craftsman has a right to as great a reward as the
highest, provided he has faithfully performed the
task set before him.

RKCEPTION — EXHORTATION.

The nature of our institution ordains this, for
the youngest member may in reahty be more
earnest in his researches than the oldest, and be
rewarded with more light in Masonry in conse-
quence.

He, who like the young craftsman so recently
represented by our brother, having made a discov-
ery in Masonic science, renders more benefit to
the institution than a member who, though of long
standing, has learned nothing but the simplest
routine of the degree ; just as the Key-stone wns
of much greater importance to the building than
the ordinary stones.

It is not the length of time you have been a
Mason, but the proper use of that time, that will
entitle you to the wages of wisdom and knowledge.

Remember that the Key-stone found by our
brother at the eleventh hour, although at first re-
jected by the builders, became the chief stone of
the corner, while you who had wrought in the
quarries from the earliest hours, exhibited only
specimens of the skill of the ordinary workman.

Brethren, let me once more exhort you to receive
the wages allotted to you with thankfulness.

>5
si

k .1

ROYAL ARCH COMPANION.

Now to the praise of those
Who triumph'd o'er the foes

Of Mason's art ;
To the praiseworthy three,
Who founded this degree ;
May all their virtues be

Deep in our hearts.

The ceremony of closing a lodge in this degree,
when properly conducted, is peculiarly interesting.
It assists in strengthening tiie social affections ; it
teaches us the duty we owe to our brethren in par-
ticular, and the whole family of mankind in
general, by ascribing praise to the meritorious, and
dispensing rewards to the diligent and industrious.

PAST MASTER.

This degree is more closely associated with Symbolic
than Chapter Masonry. It was originally, and is to this
day, an honorary degree, and should be conferred only
on the newly-elected Master of a Lodge. But as it has
become a permanent component part of the Capitular
System, it is therefore useless to contend with what is
often termed the "inconsistency" of conferring an honor
where no equivalent services have been or are expected
to be rendered.

Those who receive the degree in the Chapter are termed
"virtual" Past Masters, in contradistinction to those who

have been elected and installed in a regularly constituted
Symbolic Lodge, who are called "aciual" Past Masters;
the former having no rights or privileges, as such, out of
the Chapter.

The regular officers of a Past Master's Lodge corres-
])ond with those of a Craft Lodge. The officers of the
Chapter taking their positions as follows: — Z. , as \V;
M. ; H., as S.W. ; J., as J. W.; Scribe E., as Secretary;
P. Sojourner, as S. D. ; S. Sojourner, as J.D. ; J. So-
journer, as LG. The Treasurer, D. of Ceremonies,
Organist, Stewards, and Tyler occu|iy the corresponding
stations.

The candidate receiving this degree is said to have
been " regularly seated in the Oriental chair of K' g
Solomon as a Past Master."

OPENING.

INvccA•no?^r.

The Lodge being thus duly formed, before I
decLire it opened, let us invoke a blessing from
the M. H. upon all our undertakings. May our
labors thus commenced in order, be conducted in
peace, and closed in harmony.

MARK MASTER.

•*■

I 1

DF.r.REE.

riil

RECEPTION.

Bro , do you promise to submit to the

ancient charges and regulations of our order, as
Past Masters have done in all ages?

The candidate after being duly seated in the chair of
the Lodge and being invested with the secrets thereto,
is presented with the various implements pertaining to
the degree.

1st. The Sacred Volume, that great light in Ma-
sonry, which will guide you to all truth ; direct your
paths to the temple of happiness, and point out to
you the whole duty of man.

2'^-d. The Squ ire^ which teaches us to regulate
our actions by rule and line, and to harmonize our
conduct by the principles of morality and virtue.

3rd. The Compixsses, which teach us to limit our
desires in every station, that rising to eminence by
merit, we may live respected and die regretted.

MARK M AST ¥. R — C H A R G K.

4th. The Ru/e, which directs that we should
punctually observe our duty, press forward in the
path of virtue, and, neither inclining to the right
nor to the left, in all our actions have eternity in
view.

5th. The L?Me, which teaches us the criterion of
moral rectitude, to avoid dissimulation in conver-
sation and action, and to direct our steps to the
Dath which leads to immortality.

6th, and lastly. The Gavel, an emblem of power,
with which, I doubt not, you are well acquainted.

CHARGE.

The conferring at this time of a degree which
has no historical connexion with the other capitu-
lar degrees, is an apparent anomaly, which how-
ever, is indebted for its existence to the following
circumstances :

Originally, when Royal Arch Masonry was under
the government of symbOi ic lodges, ' i which the
Royal Arch degree was then alwayj > >nferred, it
was a regulation that no one could receive it unless
he had previously presided as the Master of that,
or some other lodge ; and this restriction was made
because the Royal Arch was deemed too important
a degree to bQ confencd only on Master Masons.

ROYAL AkCH COMPANION.

But, as by confining the Royal Arch to those
only who had been actually elected as the presid-
ing officer of any C. lodge, the extension of the
degree would have been materially circumscribed,
and its usefulness greatly impaired, the Grand
Master often granted, upon due petition, his dis-
pensation to permit certain Master Masons, (al-
though not elected to preside over any lodge) " to
pass the chair," which was a technical term, in-
tended to designate a brief ceremony, by which
the candidate was invested with the mysteries of a
Past Master, and, like him entitled to advance in
Masonry as far as the Royal Arch, or that perfec-
tion and consummation of the third degree.

When however the control of the Royal Arch
was taken from the symbolic lodges, and entrusted
to a distinct organization, namely, that of chapters
the regulations continued to be observed, for it was
doubtful to many whether it could legally be abol-
ished, rmd as the law still requires that the august
degree of Royal Arch shall be restricted to Past
Masters, our candidates are made to " pass the
chair" simply as a preparation and qualification
toward being invested with the solemn instructions
of the Royal Arch.

The ceremony of passing the chair, or making
you in this manner a Past Master, does not how-

MARK MASTER— CHARGE.

'as

)0l-

ust
last
Lhe
Ion
ms

ever confer upon you any official rank outside the
chapter, nor can you in a symbolic lodge claim any
peculiar piivileges in consequence of having re-
ceived in the chapter the investiture of the Past
Masters' degree.

Those who receive the degree in symbolic lodges
as a part of the installation services, when elected
to preside, have been properly called " Actual
Past Masters," while those who pass through the
ceremony in a chapter as simrjiy preparatory to
taking the Royal Arch, are dirlinguished as " Vir-
tual Past Masters," to show that with the investi-
ture of the secrets they have not received the rights
and prerogatives of the degree.

With this brief explanation of thc^ reason why
this degree is now conferred upon you, and why
you have been permitted to occupy the chair, you
will retire and suffer yourself to be prepared for
those further and profounder researches in Mason-
ry; which can only be consummated in the Royal
Arch degree.

CLOSING.

■!|

INVOCATION.

B., before the L. is closed, let us with all rever-
ence and humility express our gratitude to the M.
H. for the favors already received ; and may He
continue to preserve our O. by cementing and
adorning it vith every moral ?.nd social virtue.

MOST EXCELLENT MASTER.

4'.'
1

This degree has special reference to that important
period when the Temple erected by King Solomon for
the worship of Jehovah was completed, and consecrated
in all its glory and beauty.

The Masonic tradition upon which the degree is
founded is described in the ancient IJook of Constitu-
tions, in the following words :

" The Temple was finished in the short space of seven
years and six months, to the amazement of all the world ;

mmmm'!

when the cope-stone was celebrated by the fraternity
with great joy. But their joy was soon interrupted by
the sudden death of their dear master, Hiram Abif,
whom they decently interred in the lodge near the Tem-
ple, according to ancient usage.

"After Hiram Abif was mourned for, the tabernacle
of Moses and its holy relics being lodged in the Temple,
Solomon, in a general assembly, dedicated or consecrat-
ed it by a solemn prayer and costly sacrifices past num-
ber, with the finest music, vocal and instrumental,
praising jeho'r h unow nxitig the holy ark in its proper
place, between the cherubim ; when Jehovah filled his
own Temple with a cloud of glory."

None "but those who, through diligence and industry,
have progressed far toward perfection ; none but those
who have been seated in the Oriental Chair by the
unanimous suffrages of their brethren, can be admitted
to this degree.

In its original establishment, when the Temple of
Jerusalem was finished, and the fraternity celebrated the
cope-stone with great joy, it is demonstrable that none
but those who had proved themselves to be complete
masters of their profession, were admitted to this honor;
and, indeed, the duties incumbent on every Mason, who
is "accepted and acknowledged" as a Most Excellent
Master, are such as render it indispensable that he
should have a perfect knowledge of all the preceding
degrees.

It was therefore a part of the wisdom and justice of
vSolomon's plan to bestow upon many of his most skillful
workmen some distinguishing mark o( his approval. No
higher appreciation of valuable services could have been
rendered to the worthy and meritorious than conferring
upon them an Order of Merit, with the honorable title
of " Most Excellent Master." And it is still retained by
us as a memorial of the method adopted by the King of
Israel to distinguish the most skillful portion of the
Craft, and to reward them for their services in behalf of
the fraternity.

OPENING.

The ceremony of opening this degree is very impres-
sive and peculiar in its character.

The following Scripture is read :

Thjs earth is the Lord's, and the fullness there-
of ; the world, and they that dwell therein. For
he hath founded it upon the seas, and established
it upon the floods. Who shall ascend into the hill
of the Lord? and who shall stand in his noly
place? He that hath clean hands and a pure
heart ; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity,
nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the bless-

IHHHMMi

ROYAL ARCH COMPANION.

ing from the Lord, and righteousness from the
God of his salvation. This is the generation of
them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob.
Selah. Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye
lift up, ye everlasting doors ; and the King of
Glory shall come in. Who is this King of Glory ?
The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty
in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates ; even
lift them up, ye everlasting doors ; and the King
of Glory shall come in. Who is this King of
Glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of
Glory. — Psalm xxiv.

The Most Excellent Master's degree is designed to
commemorate the completion, and dedication of the
Temple. Nothing could be more appropriate, therefore,
than setting at the very entrance of the degree, that
Key-stone which, rejected of the builders, was destined
to bind together the principal arch, and complete the
Temple. When the labor was brought to a successful
close, and this degree was established, a new tie was
created between the faithful craftsmen, and so in like

I-

MOST EXCELLENT MASTER.

manner we may learn the important lesson, that the
tenets of our Institution should bind, and cement us
together in the bonds of r.peculative Masonry, as one
common brotherhood.

RECEPTION.

The K.S. is placed in the centre of the Arch, to
preserve the other stones in their places, and se-
cure firmness and stability to the whole structure,
so will your reception be significant, that your
Masonic building (the foundations of which were
laid at your I.) is now complete, and that the prin-
ciples of morality and virtue, which have been
taught you, during your progress through the va-
rious subsequent degrees, have been cemented by
the K.S. of firmness, and stability.

The following Psalm may be read during the ceremony
of Reception :

I. I was glad when they said unto me. Let us
go into the house of the Lord.

I t:

2. Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Je-
rusalem. Jerusalem is builded as a city that is
compact together.

'mam

ROYAL ARCH COMPANION.

3. Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the
Lord, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks
unto the name of the Lord.

4. V 3r there are set thrones of judgment, the
thrones of the house of David.

5. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem : they shall
prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls,
and prosperity within thy palaces.

6. For my brethren and companions' sakes, I
will now say, Peace be within thee. Because of
the house of the Lord our God I will seek thy
good. — Psalm cxxii.

/ J^ /

MOST EXCELLENT MASTER.

O.B.

A MOST EXCELLENT MASTER.

The Holy Scriptures, as well as the traditions of the
Fraternity, relate "that David gave to Solomon the
pattern of all that he had by the spirit," for the con-
struction of the Temple, and all its varied furniture and
fixtures. It is also related traditionally that King Solo-
mon, having completed every part of the wor' .».• cording
to this pattern, resolved to reward the best inuanied and
most skillful of the Giblemites, by creating them Most
Excellent Masters. The traditions of the Craft contain
much information relative to the priveleges and duties of
those who were admitted to this hifjh rank. None were

^ i i

ROYAL ARCH COMPANION.

received but those who had proved themselves complete
masters of their profession, or, as we would now say,
had served as Mastgrs of Lodges. The labor on the
Temple was finished, and many of the Craftsmen were
soon to leave Judea in search of employment elsewhere.
They had labored long, and with unexampled fidelity
and zeal, encouraged and sustained by the hope that they
should become Master Masons at the completion of the
Temple. Providence, in a sudden and mysterious man-
ner, had prevented a full consummation of this hope,
though they had been permitted to receive the shadow in
lieu of the substance ; and now King Solomon resolved
still further to reward their fidelity. They were there-
fore set apart as teachers and masters of the art, and, as
such, were charged to dispense Masonic light and know-
ledge among the uninformed and ignorant. In this cha-
racter they were to travel into foreign countries, and
carry into those lands that sublime knowiedge of Mason-
ry which had, under the inspired wisdom of Solomon,
wrought out from the quarry and the forest the wondrous
beauties of Jerusalem's pride and glory.

This tradition is confirmed by the derivation of the
title conferred on them. The Jews had three titles of
respect which they gave to their doctors and teachers :
Rab, Rabbi, and Rabban or Rabboni. Our title, Most
Excellent Master, is equivalent to the designation Rab-
boni, which was the highest title of honor known to the
Jews, and one that implies the possession of the highest
rank and learning;.

MOST EXCICLLKNT MASTER.

The third hour of the sixth day of the week.

DEDICATION OF TIiE TEMPLE.

!i:l

Laying the Cope Stone.

Modern Masonic writers have indulged in much specu-
lation as to what particular stone was used in the grand
and imposing celebration of the completion of the
Temple.

The stone used in the older and correct rituals, is the
" Key-stone^^'' that identical stone ** which the overseers
threw over amongst the rubbish."

For the want of it, the Craft were at a stand : upon
it depended nothing less than the completion of the
Temple : it was found and applied to its proper use :
it bound together the principal arch and completed Kin^
SolomoiCs Temple."

li^^^'^WBW^gmi

\\\

ROYAL ARCH COMPANION.

BRINGING FORTH THE ARK OF THE COVENANT
WITH SHOUTING AND PRAISE.

The Ark was seated on a pedestal prepared for it and
placed in the centre of the Holy of Holies. This pedes-
tal was a sione rising there three fingers breadth above
tlie floor, and on either side of it were the cherubim,
fifteen feet high, wit^i their wings expanded so as to touch
thf side-walls on each side, and also in the centre over
•he Ark. The Ark was placed v/ith the ends toward

' I

mmmmmammm

the side-walls, and its side fronting the entrance of the
Sanctum Sanctorum, and the staves being drawn out,
reached downwards toward the holy place.

The Receptio?, and Acknowledgement.

When the key-stone had been placed in the principal
arch, the Temple finished, and the Ark safely seated in
the Sanctum Sanctonim, King SoLOMON, having already
conferred this honorable degree upon his most skillful
workmen, in further token of his satisfaction at the
successful conclusion of their laliors, publicly received
and acknowledged them as Most Excellent Masters, in
the presence and amidst the applause of the assembled
people. * *

B. assemble in form of procession on the north side
of L. in two ranks, facing the E. Aik at rear of
procession.

The following ode is sung:

AlA. hail to the morning,

That bids us rejoice ;
The Temple's completed,

Exalt high each voice.
The cop — stone is finish'd,

Our labor is o'er ;
The sound of the gavel

Shall hail us no more.

f m

"" «-JB8S!!

ROYAL ARCH COMPANION.

To the Power Almighty, who ever has guided
The tribes of old Israel, exalting their fame,

To Him who hath govern'd our hearts undivided,
Let's send forth our voices to pAtise his great
name.

Companions, assemble

On this joyful day ;
(The occasion is glorious).

The key-stone to lay ;
Fulfill'd is the promise,

By the Ancient of Days,
To bring forth the cop — stone

With shouting and praise.

B. open ranks, and the Ark is advanced and placed
below Arch.

Cope-stone placed in position.

"* *' -^JSm^Ui,. W mfa wi Wh *.

■a— **A>wi III ti inwiii

MOST EXCELLENT MASTKR.

CEREMONIES.

There is no more occasion for level or plumb-line,
For trowel or gavel, for compass or square :

Our works are completed, the Ark safely seated,
And we shall be greeted as workmen most rare.

Now those who are worthy,

Our toils who have shared,
And proved themselves faithful,

Shall meet their reward.
Their virtue and knowledge.

Industry and skill,
Have our approbation

Have gain'd our good-v/ill.

I? I

\: M

We accept and receive them, Most Excellent
Masters,
Invested with honors, and power to preside ;
Among worthy craftsmen, wherever assembled.
The knowledge of Masons to spread far and
wide.

fll

liiii

Almighty Jehovah

Descend now and fill
This Lodge with thy glory,

Our hearts with good will !
Preside at our meetings,

Assist us to find
True pleasure in teaching

Good will to mankind.

Thy wisdom inspired the great institution,

Thy streui^^ih shall support it till nature expire ;

And when the creation shall fall into ruin.

Its beauty shall rise through the midst of the fire.

When Solomon had made an end of praying
the fire came down from heaven, and consumed
the burnt-offering and the sacrifices ; and the glory
of the Lord filled the house. And the priests
could not enter into the house of the Lord, be-
cause the glory of the Lord had filled the Lord's
house. And when all the children of Israel saw
how the fire came down, and the glory of the Lord
upon the house, they bowed themselves with their
faces to the ground upon the pavement, and wor-
shipped, and praised the Lord, saying,

For He is good : for His mercy endur-

ETH for ever * * *

' * IMII

The C. IS then addressed:

My B — In the course of these ceremonies, you
have received a "^ * * in addition to those
given you at the * * * It is called the S. of
H., it alludes to the wonder and astonishment, ex-
pressed by those of our ancient brethren, who
were permitted to view the interior of that magni-
ficent edifice, which King SOLOMON had erected,
and was about to dedicate to the service of the
vSupreme Being.

The ceremonies in this degree are intended to
represent the completion and the dedication of

r ■ >1

wmmmmm

ROYAL ARCH COMPANION.

King Solomon's Temple. You have arrived at a
period in Masonry when the labor is over. The
Keystone has been placed in the principal arch,
the Temple finished, and the Ark which was so
long without a resting-place, has been at length
safely seated.

LECTURE.

degree

The ceremonies commemorated in this
refer to the completion, and dedication of the
Temple.

It was finished in the short space of seven years
and six months, to the astonishment of all nations,
and the Cope Stone was celebrated by the frater-
nity with great joy. The Tabernacle of Moses
and its holy relics, were lodged in the Temple.
King Solomon in a general assembly, dedicated or
consecrated it by solemn prayer, and costly sacri-
fice praising Jehovah, upon fixing the Holy Arch
in its proper place, where the Lord was pleased to
fill the Temple with a cloud of glory. When the
magnificent edifice was completed, King Solomon
determined to bestow some distinguishing mark
upon the skillful, and zealous builders who had
been engaged in the construction. He therefore
established an order of merit, with the honorable

MOST EXCKLLENT MASTER.

appellation of Most Excellent Master, and be-
stowed it upon those of the craftsmen who had
proved themselves complete masters of their pro-
fession. It was confined to the meritorious and
praiseworthy, to those who through diligence and
industry, had progressed far toward perfection.

Such is the traditional history of the origin of
this degree, and it is still retained as a memorial
of the method adopted by the wise King Solomon^
to distinguish the most skillful and faithful portion
of his builders, and to reward them for their ser-
vices, by receiving and acknowledging them as
Most Excellent Masters, at the completion of the
Temple.

CHARGE TO THE CANDIDATE.

Brother : Your admission to this degree of
Masonry, is a proof of the good opinion the breth-
ren of this Lodge entertain of your Masonic
abilities. Let this consideration induce you to be
careful of forfeiting, by misconduct and inattention
to our rules, that esteem which has raised you to
the rank which you now possess.

It is one of your great duties, as a Most Excel-
lent Master, to dispense light and truth to the
uninformed Mason ; and I need not remind you

mrnmm

mBmmsmmm.

",.'',.

)'i\

ROYAL ARCH COMPANION.

of the impossibility of complying with this obliga-
tion without possessing an accurate acquaintance
with the lectures of each degree.

If you are not already completely conversant
in all the degrees heretofore conferred on you, re-
member that an indulgence, prompted by a belief
that you will apply yourself with double diligence
to make yourself so, has induced the brethren to
accept you. Let it, therefore, be your unremitting
study to acquire such a degree of knowledge and
information as shall enable you to discharge, with
propriety, the various duties incumbent on you,
and to preserve, unsullied, the title now conferred
upon you of a Most Excellent Master.

HISTORICAL summary-
Brother : — The imposing ceremonies through
which you have just passed, are designed to com-
memorate one of the most important events in
the world's history — the completion and dedication
of the great Temple erected at Jerusalem by King
Solomon, our first Most Excellent Grand Master.
You have been permitted, like our ancient breth-
ren, to behold the interior of that magnificent edi-
fice, and to witness, with admiration, the sublime
manifestation of the Supreme Architect of the

MOST EXCELLENT MASTER.

Universe, when the fire came down from heaven,
and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices,
and the glory of the Lord filled the Lord's House.

You have arrived at a point in Masonry where
you may lest from labor. The Keystone has been
placed in the principal arch, the temple finished,
and the ark, which had been for many years with-
out a permanent resting-place, is at last safely
seated. We have imitated our ancient brethren
in assembling on that occasion, repairing to the
place designated, and participating in those solemn
ceremonies. We have imitated them in gathering
around the altar, of engaging in prayer, and have
witnessed a representation of the fire coming down
from heaven, consuming the burnt offering and the
sacrifices. We have also imitated their astonish-
ment on beholding it, by falling down upon the
ground, and exclaiming, "He is good: for His
mercy endureth forever !"

A perusal of the books of Chronicles and Kings
will give you a minute description of the temple,
and * * * ***"*■*■

You will there find that the foundations of the
temple were laid by King Solomon, in the year
of the world 2992, and the building was finished
in the year 3,000.

ROYAL ARCH COMPANION.

About seven years and six months were con-
sumed in its erection.

It was dedicated in the year 3001, with the most
imposing and solemn ceremonies, to the worship
of Jehovah, who condescended to make it the
place for the special manifestation of his glory.
The ceremonies lasted fourteen days. Seven days
of this festival were devoted to the dedication
exclusively, and seven to the Feast of the Taber-
nacle.

This structure, for magnificence, beauty and
expense, exceeded any building that was ever
erected. It was built of large stones of white
marble, curiously hewn, and so artfully joined to-
gether that they appeared like one entire stone.
Its roof was of olive wood, covered with gold ; and
when the sun shone thereon, the reflection from
it was of such refulgent splendor, that it dazzled
the eyes of all who beheld it. Its various courts
and other apartments were capable of holding
three hundred thousand persons. It was adorned
with 1,453 columns, of the finest Parian marble,
twisted, sculptured, and voluted ; and 2,906 pilas-
ters, decorated with magnificent capitals. The
oracle and sanctuary were lined with massive gold,

adorned with embellishments in sculpture, and set
with numerous, gorgeous, and dazzling decorations
of diamonds, and all kinds of precious stones. In
the emphatic language of Josephus, " the temple
shone and dazzled the eyes of such as entered it
by the splendor of the gold that was on every side
of them."

The multitude on beholding it were struck with
bewildering amazement, and raised their hands in
admiration and astonishment at its wondrous mag-
nificence, as well as to protect their eyes from the
effect of its exceeding brilliancy.

Nothing ever equalled the splendor of its conse-
cration. Israel sent forth her thousands, and the
assembled people beheld, in awful adoration, the
vast sacrifice of Solomon accepted. The flame
descended upon the altar, and consumed the offer-
ing ; the shadow an 1 glory of the Eternal pro-
claimed his presence between the cherubim, and
the voice of His thunders told to the faithful of
the Craft that the perfectness of their labor was
approved.

* * ^ * Blight was the hour,
When Israel's princes, in their pride and power,
Knelt in the Temple's court, the living flame,
The accepted sacrifice to all proclaim.
Hrightly the splendor of the God-head shone,

In awful glory, from His living throne ;
Then bowed was every brow — no human sight
Could brave the splendor of that flood of light
That vailed His presence — and His awful form,
Whose path the whirlwind is — whose breath the storm.

Our Mystic Temple is now completed and dedi-
cated. You have wrought more than seven years
with zeal and fidelity, and have been received and
acknowledged as a Most Excellent Master. You
are now invested with power to travel into foreign
countries, work and receive Master's wages, and
dispense true Masonic light and knowledge to all
uninformed brethren.

The temple which we have just completed rep-
resents the temple of the present life. Th^ foreign
country into which, after its completion, a Mason
is expected to travel, is that " undiscovered coun-
try from whose bourne no traveler returns." The
wages which he is to receive are the rewards of a
well-spent life, and the knowledge of divine truth,
which the Grand Master of the Universe will
bestow upon all who have faithfully perfc '
their task.

You have seen the foundations of the temple
laid good and strong. You have, as an Entered

MOST EXCELLENT MASTER.

Apprentice, served your Master with freedom,
fervency and zeal, and, as a bearer of burdens,
have brought up from the quarries of Zarthan
many a rough ashlar for the building. You have
wrought your full time as a Fellow Craft, and,
under the skillful touch of your working tools, the
rough ashlars have become perfect ashlars — stones,
we doubt not, fitted to adorn and beautify our
temple. As a Master-workman, you have watched,
with unceasing care, its wondrous beauties increase
under the skillful hands of the Widow's Son ; and
now you have at length seen the object of our hopes
completed, and the last arch bound together by
the rejected, though priceless key-stone. We have
now dedicated the temple to the service of the
Supreme Being. And although we know of a cer-
tainty that all earthly things are transient, and that
in process of time, even at the best, the decay of
ages will crumble our magnificent temple into
dust, yet we are persuaded that, if we have erected
the temple of our inner life by Square, Plumb-line
and Rule, its foundations shall never fail, and its
fabrics shall never crumble nor decay. Then let
us, my brother, take care that we so labor in the
erection of our temple here, that when we leave
this for that far-distant country from whence we
shall never return, we may there receive the wages
of faithful craftsmen.

' M

ROYAI- ARCH COMPANION.

CLOSING.

The ceremony of closing in this degree, when properly
conducted, is very intereating and instructive, having a
tendency of binding brethren more closely together in
that bond of fellowj-.hip and fraternal feeling which
sh(juld actuate all particijiating therein.

It is also desirable that every brother should take his
part, thereby giving him an opporlu.ilty of keeping him-
self acquainted with the peculiar method of closing the
Most Excellent Master's Lodge.

THE FOLLOWING PSALM IS READ AT CLOSING.

" The Lord io my shepherd ; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pasttues ; he
leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth
my soul ; he lerdeth me in the paths of righteous-
ness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, I will
fear no evil : for thou art with me ; thy rod and
thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table
before me in the presence of mme enemies ; thou
anointest my head with oil ; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the
days of my life ; and I will dwell in the house of
the Lord for ever." — Psalm xxiii.

A BRIEF DESCRIPTION

KING SOLOMON'S TEMPLE,

This structure, for beauty, niagnificeMce and expen>-e,
exceeded any building which was ever erected. It was
built of large stones of white marble, curiously hewn,
and so artfully joined together, that they appeared like
one entire stone. It inner walls, beams, posts, doors,
floors and ceilings, were made of cedar and olive wood,
and planks of fir, which were entirely covered with
plates of gold, with various beautiful engravings, and
adorned with precious jewels of many colors. The
nails which fastened those plates were also of gold, witii
heads of curious workmanship. The roof was of olive
wood, covered with gold ; and when the sun shone
thereon, the reflection from it was of such a refulgent
splendor, that it dazzled the eyes of all who beheld it.
The court in which tlie Temple stood, and the courts
without, were adorned on all sides with stately buildings
and cloisters ; and the gales entering therein, were ex-
quisitely beautiful and elegant. The vessels consecrated
to the pcipelual use of the Temple, were suited to the
magnificence of the edifice in which they were deposited
and used.

i=^

ii-

ROYAL ARCH COMPANION.

Josephus states, that there were one hundred and forty
thousand of those vessels, which were made of gold, and
one million three hundred and forty thousand of silver ;
ten thousand vestments for the priests, made of silk, with
purple girdles ; and two millions of purple vestments for
the singers. There were also two hundr'^J thousand
trumpets, and iorty thousand other musical instruments,
made use of in the Temple, ami in worshipping God.

According to the most accuiate computation of the
number of talents of gold, silver and brass, laid out upon
the Temple, the sum amounts l'» six thousand nine hun-
dred and four millions, eight hundred and twenty-two
thousand and five hundred pounds sterling ; and the
jewels are reckoned to exceed this sum. The gold ves-
sels are estimated at five hundred and forty-five millions,
two hundred and ninety-six thousand, two hundred and
three pounds, and four shillings sterling ; and the silver
ones, at four hundred and thirty-nine millions, three hun-
dred and forty-four thousand pounds sterling; amounting
in all, to nine hundred and eiglity four millions, six hun-
dred and thirty thousand, two hundred and thirty pounds,
four shillings. In addition to this, there were expenses
for workmen, and for materials brought rom Mount
Libanus, and the quarries of Zeradatha. There were
ten thousand men per month in Lebanon, employed in
falling and preparing the tim.bers for the craftsmen to
hew them ; seventy thousand to carry burdens ; eighty
thousand to hew the stones and timber ; and three thou-
sand three hundred overseers of the work ; who were all

DESCRIPTION OF KING SOLOMON S TEMPLE.

employed for seven years ; to whom, besides their wages
and diet, King Solomon gave as a free gift, six millions,
seven hundred and thirty-three thousand, nine hundred
and seventy-seven pounds.

The treasure left by David, towards carrying on this
ncble and glorious work, is reckoned to be niue hundred
and eleven millions, four hundred and sixteen thousand,
two hundred and seven pounds j to which, if we add
King Solomon's annual revenue, his trading to Ophir
for gold, and the presents made him by all the earth, we
shall not wonder at his being able to carry on so stupen-
dous a work ; nor lan we, without impiety, question its
surpassing all other structures, since we are assured that
it was builr by the immediate direction of Heaven.

1 4

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'■ i iijii

ROYAL ARCH.

This degree is indescribably more august, sublime and
important than all which precede it ; and is the summit
and perfection of ancient Masonry. It impresses on our
minds a belief of the being and existence of a Supreme
Deity, without beginning of days or end of years, and re-
minds us of the reverence due to his holy name. It also
brings to light many essent'.als of the Craft, which were,
for the space of four hundred and seventy years, buried
in darkness, and without a knowledge of which the Ma-
sonic character cannot be complete.

I .

OFFICERS.

A Chapter of Royal Arch Masons consists of any
convenient number of members (not less than iiine)»
including the following officers, viz. :

1. The First Principal, who represents "Zf-
7'ubbabel the Prince of the Peopie^^ who was the
leader of the first colony of the Jews that returned
from the Babylonish captivity to rebuild the Temple.
He is seated in the east, clothed in a scarlet robe-
His jewel of office is a crown irradiated in a trian-
gle ; his title is '" Right Excellent."

2. The Second Principal, who represents
" Haggai the prophet, ivho^ in accordance with his
ditties, did aid and assist in conipietin<r the Lord^s
work.''' Hlo station is at the right hand of the First
Principal, clothed in a purple robe. His jewel of
office is an all-seeing eye irradiated in a triangle;
his title is " Excellent."

3. The Third Principal, who represents "Jo-
shua, the son of Jozadak, the High Priest, who^ in
accordance tvith his duties, did aid and assist in car-
rying on the Lord^s workP His station is in the
east, at the left of the First Principal, clothed in a
blue robe. His jewel of office is the volume of the
Sacred Law irradiated in a triangle ; his title is
" Excellent."

4. The Scribe E., who represents "Ezra the
Scribe, whose duty it is to record all latt's, acts, and
tratisactions for the good of the Chapter T

5. The Scribe N., who represents " Nehemiah
the Scribe, whose duty it is to assist Scribe E. in his
duties atid to receive all candidates for exaltatioft^
Tlie jewels of office of the Scribes E. and N. are
cross pens within a triangle.

6. The Principal Sojourner, situated " in
the west," whose duty it is " to see that the assist-
ant Sojourners perform their <uty, a7id to prepare
and conduct candidates through the ce7'e?nony of
their exaltation^ His jewel of office is a square
irradiated in a triangle.

7. The Senior Sojourner, situated "at the
right of the Principal Sojourner," whose duty it is
" to allow fione to cjiter the Chapter, but those who
are clothed as Royal Arch Masons and in possession
of the •»<••»<■* -^^ and not then without acquaint-
in<^ the Council.''^

8. The Junior Sojourner, situated "at the
left of the Principal Sojourner," whose duty it is
" to see that the portals of the Chapter are properly
guarded.''^ The jewel of the S. and J. Sojourner
is a square in a triangle.

ROYAL ARCH.

9. The Janitor, situated "outside the portals
of the Chapter," " to guard the approaches thereto^
to prevent intrusion or interruption to our myste-
ries." The jewel of the Janitor is a sword.

10. Master of the First Veil.

II. Master of the Second Veil.

12. Master of the Third Veil.

13. Master of the Fourth Veil.

The Treasurer, Chaplain, Sword-bearer, Stand-
ard-bearer, Director of Ceremonies, and Stewards
occupy their respective positions.

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\ly

JEWELS AND CLOTHING.

The Jewels of a Chapter are of i^old, or yellow
metal.

The symbolic color of this degree is scarlet.

The Apron of a Royal Arch Mason is made of
white lambskin, with an indented crimson and
purple border two inches wide, the crimson part
pointing to the centre of the apron, the border of

ROYAL ARCH COMPANION.

the flap to be only one inch wide, with a triple tau
of embroidery or gilt metal upon the centre of the
flap, and two gold tassels suspended by a white
ribbon two inches wide, the lining and strings to
be white.

The Sash to be of four inch crimson and purple
ribbon, with silk fringe on the ends.

Candidates receiving this degree are said to be
" exalted to the supreme degree of the Holy Royal
Arch."

A Royal Arch Chapter represents the Taberna-
cle erected by our ancient brethren near the ruins
of King Solomon's Temple, and is a type of the
Sanhedrim of the Jews.

The jewel of this degree is a double triangle,
within a circlet of gold, with symbols and inscrip-
tions engraven on it. It is worn on the left breast,
suspended by a white ribbon.

The three Principals bear sceptres emblematic
of the regal, prophetical, and sacerdotal officers.

The Warrant or Charter empowers a Royal Arch
Chapter to confer the subordinate degrees of Mark
Master, Past Master, and Most Excellent Master.

ROYAL ARCH.

All general business of a Chapter of R. A. M.
must be done in the Royal Arch degree. In sub-
ordinate lodges degrees only are conferred.

The Minute book must state distinctly when
such lodges were opened severally for the Mark,
Past, and Most Excellent, and who were the res-
pective officers in each lodge.

:ip-

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[ark
iter.

THE LECTURE

Of this degree is divided into sections, and should be
well undert«tood by every Royal Arch Mason ; upon an
accurate acquaintance with it, will depend his usefulness
at our assemblies ; and without it, he will be unqualified
to perform the duties of the various stations in which his
services may be required by the Chapter.

SECTION I.

This section furnishes us with many interesting partic-
ulars relative to the state of the fraternity, during and
since the reign of King Solomon ; and illustrates the
causes and consequences of some very important events
which occurred during his reign. It explains the mode
of government and organization of a Chapter ; it desig-
nates the appellation, number and situation of the several
officers, and points out the purposes and duties of their
respective stations.

-■-i'l

III'

OPENING.

OPENING PRAYER.

O God, Thou great and grand Architect of the
Universe — grand Prince and Ruler of the world —
first and only cause of all existence — at Thy Word
the pillars of the sky were raised, and its beau-
teous arch formed ; Thy breath kindled the stars,
adorned the moon with silver rays, and gave to the
sun its resplendent lustre. We are assembled in
Thy great Name, to acknowledge Thy power, Thy
wisdom. Thy goodness, and to implore Thy bles-
sing. For this great end we pray Thee, O
Gracious God, to bless us in all our undertakings
through life — endue us with a competency of Thy
most Holy Spirit, that we may be enabled to trace
Thee out in all Thy most wonderful works, as far
as it is agreeable to Thy Divine Will, that Thy
praises may resound with the fervent love of Thy
creatures, from pole to pole, and rebound from the
vaulted canopy of heaven through universal na-
ture. Grant this, O God, for Thy great Name's
sake. Amen.

ROYAL ARCH.

In the Name of Jehovah, the Most High, the
Chapter of Royal Arch Masons is declared duly
opened.

K-:i

igs

SECTION II.

This section is fully supplied with illustrations of his-
torical truth. It amplifies, in beautiful atid striking col-
ors, that prosperity and happiness are the sure attendants
of perseverance and justice ; while dishonor and ruin
invariably follow the practice of vice and immorality.
It contains much that is beautifully illustrative of the
preceding degree; a perfect knowledge of which is
essential to 'he accomplished and well-informed Mason.

RECEPTION.

HOSEA II. I.

I/e that Immbleth himself shall be exalted.

ROYAL AKCH COMl'ANION.

At every stage in Masonry, great moral truths are
presented to the neophyte, and enforced V)y imjiressive
lessons. So here, at the very threshold of this supreme
degree, we are taught to put our trust ** in the True and
Living God Most High," and are assured that in this
degree there is nothing inconsistent with our civil, moral,
or religious duties.

EXALTATION PRAYER.

O Almighty and eternal Lord God, at whose
command the world burst forth from chaos to per-
fection — the protector of all who put their trust in
Thee, and without whom nothing is strong, nothing
holy — we Thine unworthy servants humbly implore
Thee to look on this Convocation assembled in
Thy most holy Name, and grant that he who now
kneels before Thee as a candidate for the sacred
mysteries of this Supreme Degree, may so con-
sider his present undertaking, that he proceed
not in it lightly, nor recede from it dishonorably,
but pursue it steadily, ever remembering the ;reat
object of this Institution — obedience to Thy most
sacred laws. Grant unto us the knowledge of Thy
truth, that. Thou being our Ruler and Guide, we
may so pass through things temporal as finally not
to lose the things which are eternal. Amen.

ROYAL ARCH.

The True and Living God Most High.

The candidates are advanced by seven regular
steps.

O. B.
ARRIVAL AT JERUSALEM.

The children of Israel, after their arrival at
Jerusalem, erected a Tabernacle similar in form to
that of Moses. Tradition, however, informs us
that the Tabernacle of Zerubbabel differed from
that of Moses in many particulars. The most holy
place of the original Tabernacle contained the Ark
of the Covenant, and the whole structure was
designed wholly for the worship of God. That of
Zerubbabel was used as a temporary place of wor-
ship, and the Sanctuary was also used for the
meetings of the Grand Council, consisting of Zerub-
babel, Haggai and Joshua. This tabernacle, ac-
cording to Masonic tradition was divided into
apartments by cross-veils of blue, purple, scarlet,
and white, at which guards were stationed.

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II!

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FIRST VEH, p,i,UE.

Elite is emblematic of universal friendship and benev-
olence, and teaches us that those virtues should be as
expansive in tha breast of every Mason as the blue vault
of heaven itself.

And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they
v/ill not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice :
for they will say, The Lord hath not appeared unto
thee. And the Lord said unto him, What is that
in thine hand ? And he said, A rod. And He said,
Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the
ground, and it became a serpent ; and Moses fled
from before it. And the Lord said unto Moses,
Put forth thine hand, and take it by the tail. And
he put forth his hand, and caught it, and it became

RURAL ARCH.

a rod in his hand, that they may beheve that the
Lord God of their fathers, the God of Abraham,
the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob hath ap-
peared unto thee. — Exddus.

The Ark of Safety.

The first Ark, or as it was called, the Ark of
Noah, was constructed by Shejr,^ Ham and Japhei^
under the direction of Noah and in obedience to
the command of God.

SECOND VEIL— inJRPLE.

Purple, beiiig formed of" a due admixture of blue and
scarlc, In intended to remind us of the intimate connee-
tion which exists between symbolic Masonry and the
Re 'al Arch degrees.

And the Lord said furthermore unto him, Put now
thy hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand
into his bosom ; and when he took it out, behold,
his hand was leprous as snow^ And he said. Put
thine hand into thy bosom again. And he put his
hand into his bosom again ; and plucked it out of
his bosom, and, behold, it was turned again as his
other flesh. And it shall come to pass, if they will

ROYAL AKCH COMPANION.

not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice of
the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the
hitter sign - ExoDUS.

The Ark of Alliance.

The second Ark, o»* the Ark of Alliance was
constructed by Afoses, Aholiab and Besaleel, in
accordance with a pattern given by God. It was
the first constructed, as it was the first in import-
ance of all the furniture of the original tabernacle.
Its chief use seems to have been to contain invio-
late, the Divine autograph of the two tables, and
to serve as the visible seat of the Divine Presence.
It was also a pledge to the people of Israel of the
solemn covenant which GoD had made with his
chosen servants.

r", n r',

THHM) VEIL -SCARLET.

Scarlet is emblematic of tliat fervency and zeal which
should actuate all Royal Arch Masons, and is peculiarly
characteristic of this degree.

And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe
also these two signs, neither hearken unto thy voice,
that thou shalt take of the water of the river, and

ROYAL AR':H.

pour it upon the dry land : and the water which
thou takest out of the river, shall become blood
upon the dry land. — ExODUS iv. 9.

The Ark oj Ifiiihition.

Here, too, we have an illusion to the third ark,
which fills so important a place among the relics
and symbols of the higher degrees of Freemasonry.
It was an exact copy of the Ark of the Covenant,
and, after its recovery was placed in the new
sanctuary of the new tabernacle by Zerriibbabel,
HiKT'Lii and yoshiia.

FOUKTII VEIL WHITE.

Whitk is emV>lematic of that purity of life and recti-
tude of conduct, by which alone we can expect to gain
admission into the Holy of Holies above.

Tfte Sii^uet of T7-uth.

HOLINESS TO THE LORD.

In that day will I taice thee, O Zeriibbabcl, My
servant, the son of Shcaltiel, saith the Lord, and
will make thee as a signet, for I have chosen thee.

;

ROYAL ARCH COMPANION.

None were permitted to engage in the construction of
the second temple who could not give the evidence that
they were the descendants of those faithful Giblemites
who had wrought at the building of the first temple ; at
its completion and dedication were received and acknow-
ledged as Most Excellent Masters, and who, at its des-
truction by Nebuchadnezzar, weie carried captives into
Babylon.

Three M. E. M., from Babylon, children of the
captivity, having heard that the Temple of the
Lord God was about to be rebuilt at Jerusalem,
came up and desired to sojourn amongst the
people, at the same time offering their services, to
assist in the completion of that great and glorious
undertaking.

They were interrogated by the Council, as to
their lineal descent, the enquiry being made of
them whether they were descended from those who
had basely fled when the Holy City and Sanctuary
were oppressed, or if they were of that menial tribe
who were left behind to till the ground.

They replied, that they scorned to be descended
from those who basely fled when the Holy City
and Sanctuary were oppressed, nor were they of
that menial tribe left behind by the Babylonians

to till the ground, but were nobly born. That
they were descended from the Princes and Rulers
of the House of Judah, who for their sins were
delivered into captivity, with their King J'^hoichim,
by Nebuzaradan, captain of the guard of Nebu-
chadnezzar, King of Babylon, where they had
remained for seventy years.

Good News ! — Good News !

In the first year of Cyrus, King of Persia, the Lord
stirred up ("yrus, King of Persia, that he made a pro-
clamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also
in writing.

PROCLAMATION.

Thus saith Cyrus, King of Persia, The Lord
God of Heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of
the earth, and he hath charged me to build him an
house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is
there among you of all his people? his God be
with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which
is in Judah, and build the house of the Lord God
of Israel, (he is the God) which is in Jerusalem. -
Ezra i. 1-3.

■fiSi

They were congratulated upon their no.»le an-
cestry, and being recognized as brethren of the

HT^

■i!

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i !

ROYAL ARCH COMPANION.

tribes and families of Israel, were directed to pre-
pare for the foundations of the Most Holy Place.
Being furnished with the proper implements of
labor, after a strict caution they were permitted to
retire.

The folloiuing Scripture is read :

FIRST SCRIPTURE EXTRACT.

My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide
my commandments with thee, so that thou incline
thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to
understanding; yea, if thou criest after knowledge,
and liftcst up thy voice for understanding ; if thou
seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for
hid treasures : then shalt thou understand the fear
of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For
the Lord giveth wisdom : out of his mouth cometh
knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound
wisdom for the righteous : he is a buckler to them
that walk uprightly. He keepeth the paths of judg-
ment, and preserveth the way of his saints. Then
shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment,
and equity, yea, every good path. . . . Happy
is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that
getteth understanding; for the merchandise of it is
better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain
thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than

ROYAL ARCH.

rubies; and all the things thou canst desire arc not
to be compared ui)to her. Length of days are in
her right hand ; and in her left riches and honor.
Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her
paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that
lay hold upon her ; and happy is every one that
retaineth her. The Lord by wisdom hath founded
the earth ; by understanding hath he established
the heavens. By his knowledge the depths are
broken up and the clouds drop down the dew. —
Proverbs ii. 1-9; iii. 13-20.

1 1

THE DISCOVERY.

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AN ANCIENT TRADITION.

Early one morning, upon the Sojourners repair-
ing to their labor:>, they discovered a pair of pillars
of perfect symmetry and exquisite workmanship ;
proceeding onwards they discovered five other
pairs of equal beauty ; these, from their situation,
appeared to have supported the roof of a subter-
ranean passage communicating with the Mos^
Holy Place. Their progress being obstructed by
the fragments of the roof of the former structure,
they cleared them away and arrived at what In the

KOYAL ARCH COMPANION.

first instance appeared to be a solid rock. But one
of them accidentally striking it with the crowbar,
remarked a hollow sound, the workman laboring
with the pick loosened the earth, while the other
with the shovel cleared it away, when they per-
ceived that instead of a solid rock the»*e was a
series of stones in the form of a dome. Knowing
who had been the architect of the former structure,
and imagining tliat no pait of it had been con-
structed in vain, they determined to examine it ;
for which purpose they removed two of the cope-
stones, when a vault of considerable magnitude
appeared in view. All being equally anxious who
should descend, they cast lots ; the lot fell upon
, and lest any noxious vapor or other circum-
stance should render his position hazardous, his
companions fastened a life-line round his w^iist, by
means of which they could lower him into the
vault, or raise him out of it, according to the signal
which he should give them. In this manner he
descended through the aperture which they had
made, and on arriving at the bottom and giving
the signal his fellow-workmen gave him more line,
which enabled him to encompass the vault. He
^hen discovered what appeared a pedestal of a
column and could also feel figtires or characters
engraven thereon, but from the want of sufficient

RGRAL AKCH.

li<^ht was unable to ascertain what tliey were. lie
also laid hold of a scroll, but from the same rea-
sons was unable to read its contents ; remember-
ing the caution they had received, he secured it to
his person, and giving the signal was drawn up out
of the vault, having covered the aperture they came
as in duty bound to report their discovery to the Ex-
cellent Council, and were informed "That the want
of light should remind them, that man by nature is
the child of ignorance and error, and as such,
would have forever remained under the darkness
of the shadow of death, had it not pleased the
Almighty to call him to light and immortality by
the revelation of his most Holy Will and Word."

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//I ihe begi?uiini^ Cod created the heai^cn and the
earthy and the earth was without form and void
and darkness was upon the face of the deep ; and
the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters;
and God said let there be light^ and there was tight.

Being requested to read the scroll, they were
informed that such were the first words of that
Sacred Volume, which contained the treasure of
God\^ revealed Will and Word, and were exhorted
to praise and magnify his Most Holy Aa/ne, for
the knowledge of himself which he had vouchsafed

to them, and to worthily walk in that lij^ht which he
had shed around them.

They were again directed to retire and prosecute
their researches^ with the same strict caution as
before.

The discovery of that precious treasure stimu-
lated their further search, and they increased the
aperture by the removal of the third copestone,
when the workman again descended into the vault-
ed chamber. By this time, the Sun having gained
its meridian altitude, darted its rays immediately
into the aperture, and he then perceived in the
centre of the vault a pedestal of pure marble, in
the form of an altar of incense, being a double
cube. On the plinth, or front of it, were engraven
certain mystic characters, and the initials of our
Three Grand Masters who presided over the Second
or Sacred Lodge ; whilst a veil of curious workman-
ship covered the face of the altar. Approaching
with reverential awe, he lifted up the veil and
beheld there a plate of pure gold, on which were
certain letters forming words, which he humbly
conceived to be the Sacred Word itself. Having
made this discovery, he re-veiled the sacred ped-
estal and giving the signal was again raised up
out of the vaulted chamber, and (with the assist-

ance of his fellcw-workmen), having closed up the
aperture, came as in duty bound to report the facts
to the Council. Being desired to communicate the
word he had discovered, he refused, stating that
according to Jewish law, it was not lawful for any
one to pronounce the Sacred and Mysterious Name
of tihe Most High, excepting the High Priest, and
then only once in the year, when he stood before
the Ark of the Covenant to make propitiation for
the sins of Israel.

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SECOND SCRIPTURE EXTRACT.

In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth
day of the month, came the Word of the Lord by
the Prophet Haggai, saying, Speak now to Zerub-
babel, the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and
to Joshua, the son of Josedech, the high prit it, and
to the residue of the people, saying, who is left
among you that saw this house in her first glory ?
and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes in
comparison of it as nothing ? Yet now be strong,
Oh ! Zerubbabel, saith the Lord ; and be strong.
Oh! Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and
be strong all ye people of the land, saith the Lord,
and work ; for I am with you, saith the Lord of

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ROYAL ARCH COMPANION,

Hosts. According to the word that I covenanted
with you, when ye came out of Egypt, so my spirit
remaineth among you : fear ye not. For thus saith
the Lord of Hosts ; yet once, it is a little while, and
I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea,
and the dry land. And I will shake all nations, and
the desire of all nations shall come, and I will fill
this house with glory, saith the Lord of Hosts. The
silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord
of Hosts. The glory of this latter house shall be
greater than of the former, saith the Lord of Hosts ;
and in this place will 1 give peace, saith the Lord
of Hosts. — Haggai ii. 1-9.

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The s "^ *■ * in reward for their zeal and
fidelity are called to the rank of their ancestors,
and being invested with the insignia of the degree,
their attention is called to the

HISTORICAL LECTURE.

There are three epochs in Masonry which par-
ticularly merit our attention. The history of the
First or Holy Lodge, Second or Sacred Lodge,
and Third or Grand and Royal Lodge.

The First or Holy Lodge was opened A. L. 2515,
two years after the departure of the Israelites from

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their E^\ ptlan bondaj^e,by Moses, Aholiab, and He-
zaleel, on consecrated ground, at the foot of Mount
Horeb in the wilderness of Sinai, where the hosts
of Israel had pitched their tents, and assembled to
offer up prayer and thanksgiving for their signal
deliverance from the bondage of the Egyptians.

In this place the Almighty had revealed himself
before that time to his faithful servant Moses,
when he commissioned him his high ambassa-
dor of wrath to Pharoah and his people, and of
freedom and salvation to the house of Jacob. Here
were delivered those mysterious prototypes, the
'J\ibi'yfiacie, and the Ark </ the Covenant. Here
were also given the Sacred Tables of the I.aw^
engraven by the hand of the Most Hii^h, with those
sublime and comprehensive precepts of moral and
religious duty. Here also were dictated by his
unerring wisdom, those peculiar forms of a reli-
gious and civil polity, which by separating his
favorite people from all other nations, consecrated
Israel a chosen vessel to his service. For these
reasons we designate this the J-^'rst or Holy Lodi^^e,

The Second or Sacred Lodi^e was opened A.L.
2992, by Solomon A'inji^ of Israel^ Hiram Kinii of
Tyre^ and Hiram Ahiff^ in the bosom of the Holy
Mount Moriali, npf»n the very centre of the place

wiiereon the Sanctum Sanctorum was afterwards
erected.

On this consecrated spot Abram proved his in-
tuitive faith, by leading his only and beloved son
Isaac a destined victim to the altar of his God.

Here on the threshing-floor of Oman the
Jebusite^ David offered the mediatorial sacrifice,
by which the plague was stayed ; and here he re-
ceived in a vision, the plan of that glorious Temple,
which was afterward completed by his illustrious
son Solomon ; and in this place had God declared
he would establish his most Holy Name forever.

Therefore we designate this the Second or Sa-
cred Lodge. ,

The Third or Grand Royal Lodge was opened
at Jerusalem^ A.L. 3469, after the return of the
Israelites from the captivity in Babylon, under
Zerubbabel the Prince of the People and Governor
of Judea, Haggai the Prophet^ and Joshua the son
oi Jozadak the High Priest.

Then it was that the kingly power was restored
in the person of Zerubbabel of the Royal House of
David, and the Princely tribe of Judah ; nor was
it again effaced until after the destruction of Jeru-
salem by the Romans under Titus, in the 70th year

ROYAL ARCH.

of the present era, thus verifying the prediction of
the Patriarch Jacobs "that the sceptre shall not
depart from Judah nor a lawgiver fro.a between
his feet until Shiloh comes."

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To commemorate this the restoration of the
Royal power, we designate this the Grand and
Royal Lod^e, In every regular Chapter of Roya!
Arch Masons, we preserve the remembrance of
the three Great Originals, as the acknowledged
representatives of the Grand and Royal Lodge at
Jerusalem.

The three Principals represent Zenibbabel^ Hag-
gaidiXi^ Joshua^ vhose names they bear. T'^^ Scribes
represent £'^rrt and Nehemiah^ihQ expounders of the
Sacred Law; and attendants on the Sanhedrim, by
whose names they are also designated. And the three
Sojourners represent those by whom the S * * *
of the Royal Arch were discovered and for which
they were honored with a seat in that august as-
sembly, composed of the Rulers and Princes of
the people, which are represented by the rest of
the Companions.

i'lH ifi

ROYAL ARCH COMPANION.

SYMBOLICAL LECTURE.

The forms, symbols and ornaments of Royal
Arch Masonry, as well as the riles and ceremonies
at present in use amongst us, were adopted by our
predecessors at the building of the second Temple,
and are continued by us to preserve in our minds
the providential means by which the great discov-
ery was effected, and also to impress upon our
hearts those lessons of exalted morality, v^'hich as
members of this supreme degree we are bound to
practise.

The first illustration of these principles is the
form in which the Companions of every R A.
Chapter are arranged, approaching as nearly as
circumstances will permit to that of a true Catena-
rian Archy whereby we preserve the memorial of
that vaulted shrine in which the S. W. was depo-
sited ; whilst from the impenetrative nature of this,
the strongest of all architectural forms, we learn
the necessity of guarding our mysteries from pro-
fanation, by the most inviolable secresy. It also
typifies that strict adherence to order, and fraternal
union which has given energy and permanency to
the institution of Masonry, thus enabling it to sur-
vive the wreck of mighty empires, and resist the
destroying hand of time, for as the subordinate parts

ROYAL ARCH.

of every Ca/emirianArc/tnaturaWygraviitiie towards
the centre or Copestone, which compress, or cements
the whole structure, so are we taught to look up with
reverence, and submit with cheerfulness to every law-
fully constituted authority, whether Masonic or civil
regulation.

The Copestones are represented by the three
P.'s of the Chapter, for as the knowledge of the
secrets contained in the V. C. could only be ob-
tained by the removal of the three Copestones, so
the complete knowledge of this Supreme degree
can only be obtained by passing through these
several offices.

In this degree we recognize six lights. The
three lesser representing the Light of the Iaiw and
the Prophets^ and by their number allude to the
Patriarchal, Mosaical and Prophetical Dispensa-
tions. The three greater represent the Sacred IVord
itself, and the Triune essence of the Deity in his
creating, preserving, and annihilating form as
Creator^ Redeemer and Judge of mankind.

The three greater lights are placed in the form
of an equilateral triangle, the three lesser inter-
secting the lines formed by the three greater, thus
geometrically dividing the greater triangles into
three lesser triangles on their extremities, which

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ROYAL AUCH COMTAN loN.

by their union forms a fourth triangle on the centre,
all of them equal and equilateral, emblematical of
the four divisions of Masonry, viz.: E.A., F.C., M.
M., R.A.

This symbolic arrangement corresponds with

the mysterious ._] 1 or Triple T^itz//, which forms

two right angles on each of the exterior lines, and
two others by their union in the centre, for the
three angles of a triangle are equal to two right
angles. .

This illustrates the Jewel worn by the Com-
panions of the Order, which by its intersection
forms a given number of angles,

The Ribbon worn by the Companions of the
Order is a sacred emblem, denoting light, being
composed of its two principal colors, purple radi-
ated with crimson, with which the veil of the Tem-
ple was also interwoven. This is further signified
by its irradiated form, and in both these respects
it has ever been considered as an emblem of royal
power and dignity.

The Ensigns which the C. bear on the staves
were the distinguishing bearings of the twelve
tribes of Israel and figurative of a peculiar blessing

ROYAL ARCH.

bequeathed to each by the Patriarch Jacobs who
on his death-bed assembled them together for that
purpose, as we find recorded in the xiiv. Genesis.
The four large banners represent the standards of
the four divisions of the army of Israel^ and unit-
edly bear a device of an angelic nature, under the
combined figures of a Man^ a IJon^ an Ox and an
Eagle. A Man to represent integrity and under-
standing, a Lion to personify strength and power, an
Ox to denote patience and assiduity, and an Eagle
to display the promptness and alacrity with which
the will and pleasure of the Great I Am are ever
executed. A detailed account of the tribes attached
to each division with the names of their comman-
ders, will be found in the ii. Numbers.

The bearings on the sceptres used by the Three
Principals denote the Regal, Prophetic and Sacer-
dotal offices, which are and ever ought to be con-
ferred in a peculiar manner, accompanied with the
possession of particular secrets.

The Bible, Square, and Compasses are consid-
ered as appropriate emblems of the Three Grand
Masters, who presided over the building of the
first Temple.

The Bible denotes the wisdom of Solomon King
of Israel, the Square the power of Hiram King of

lOO

ROYAL ARCH COMPANION.

Tyre, and the Compasses the exquisite skill of
Hiram Abiff. But the truly speculative Mason
regards them as the mysterious symbols of the
wisdom^ truths ^x\i[ Justice of the Most Hi[[h. His
wisdom is most amply exemplified in the Holy
Volume, which contains the records of his mighty
acts, and the treasure of his revealed word. His
truth is justly represenced by the Square, it being
the acknowledged symbol of strength, and crite-
rion of perfection, and his unerring and impar-
tial justice, which having accurately defined the
limits of good and evil, and assigned to each its
due proportion of pleasure and pain, is properly
exemplified by the Compasses, by which we are
enabled to ascertain the limit of all geometrical
forms, and reduce our ideas of their proportion or
equality to a certain standard.

The Sword and Trowel are adopted by R. A.
Masons to commemorate the valor of those worthy
masons who carried on the building of the second
Temple, with a trowel in their hand and a sword
by their side, that they might be ever ready to
defend the Holy City, and Sanctuary against the
unprovoked attacks of their enemies, whereby they
have left a sacred and impressive lesson to suc-
ceeding generations, that next to obedience due to
lawful authority, a manly and determined resist-

I4 :^

ROYAL ArViI.

lOI

ance to lawless violence is the first step to social
duties.

The Pick^ Croivba}\ and Shovel were the iniplc-
ments used by the sojourners to clear a place for
the foundations of the Sccoid Tanple. The Pick
to loosen the earth, the Crowbario take purchases,
and the Shovel to clear away the rubbish. These
may be spiritualized thus : The sound from the
stroke of the J^ick reminds us of the sound of the
last trumpet, when the graves shall be shaken,
opened, and deliver up treir dead. The Crowbar
being an emblem of uprightness, alludes to the
erect manner in which the body of the just made
perfect, shall be raised on that last day to meet its
tremendous but merciful judge. The mortal state
in which the body is laid in the grave is powerfully
depicted by the S/iovei, that when the remains of
this body shall have been properly disposed of, we,
with humble but holy confidence, hope that it will
arise in a glorified state to immortal and everlast-
ing life.

I02

ROYAL AftCII CO'»!rAN(ON.

MYSTICAL LECTURE.

INVOCATION.

Supreme and Incomprehensible Jehovah, may
the sincerity of our feeble exertions meet with Thy
Divine approbation, and may our endeavors to dis-
seminate the knowledge and light of Thy Most
Holy Wordhft crowned with success through Thy
all powerful protection. Amen.

Response. — So mote it be.

The mystical knowledge of the Supreme degree
comprehends the form and explanation of the signs,
the nature and import of the inefifable word, and
the manner to be observed in sharing and commu-
nicating our secrets. There are ♦ * * * in
Royal Arch Masonry, corresponding in number
with the * * * ^«^ of fellowship, in which the
M. M. is instructed, and as they have reference to
our duties, toward each other, so do the ♦ * •*

* of a Royal Arch Mason mark, in a peculiar
manner, the relation we bear to the Almighty, as
frail creatures of the dust, offending against his
most holy will and word, yet the adopted children
of his mercy.

.L_..

ROYAL ARCH.

103

The * * * * of Royal Arch Masonry are

liar
as

Ihis
ren

I. The * * * * marks our * * * ♦
and reminds us of the fall of A {/am, and the dread-
ful penalty entaile ' on all his posterity; that the
stiff neck of the Jiiobedient shall be cut oiT from
the land of !■ living b^ the judgment of God,
even as * * * ^ by the sword of human jus-
tice, to avert which we are taught by the

2 * * * -x- to bend with resignation, be-
neath the chastening hand of the Ahviighty, and at
the same time to engraft his law in our hearts. In
this expressive form did the Parent of the human
race present himself before the face of the Most
High, to receive the denunciations of his just but
terrible judgment ; and so did Moses, when the
Lord appeared to him in the B. B. on Mount Mo-
riah * * * •»<■ which was afterwards accounted
to him for righteousness.

2^ * * ^(- * justly denotes that fervency of
heart and mind, without which our prayers and
oblations of praise wou-ld not be acceptable at a
throne cf grace. For how should a frail and erring
creature of the dust appear before his Master,unless
with * * * * betokening his humility and

■ • ^

VVsmi

104

ROYAT, ARCH COMPANION.

dependence? In thi§ humble posture did Adam
first * * * * before Almighty God to bless
the Author of his being ; thus did he bend with
contrite awe before the face of his offended Judge,
to avert his wrath, and supplicate his mercy, and he
has thereby transmitted this sacred form to his
posterity forever.

^ -x- * ■)(• -x- reminds us of the weakness of
human nature, unable of itself to withstand the
power of darkness, unless assisted by that Power
which is from above. By this defenceless posture
we acknowledge our frailty, and confess we can do
no good or acceptable service, but through him,
from whom all good counsels and just works
proceed, and without whose aid we shall ever be
found unprofitalle servants in his sight. There-
fore we adopt the manner of our ancestors and the
atoning priests of the Temple, by this outward form
of contrition and humility.

^ * ■)(• -x- * admonishes us that we should
throw ourselves upon the mercy of our Creator and
Judge, looking forward with holy confidence to his
gracious promises, by which we hope to pass
through the ark of our redemption into the pre-
sence of Him who is the Grcal / Am^ the Alpha
and Omcij^a^ the first and the last, the beginning
and the ending.

■JtiM

ROYAL ARCH

105

The Trianjrle was, in the days of Pythagoras,
esteemed the most sacred of all emblems, and
when any oath was required, it was always admin-
istered on the Triangle^ and when thus taken,
none were ever known to have violated it.

The Egyptians called it the sacred number —
three, or number of perfection, and with them it
was an object of worship, as the grand principle of
animated existence, they also gave it the sacred
name of God, — representing the animal, vegetable
and mineral kingdoms. It was called " Avolet,"
that is to say, the Soul of Nature. The Greek
Delta, or A, is usvally placed in the midst of
squares and circles, indicating the vivifying prin-
ciple extending its ramifications through all created
matter. It is called the Summum Ijonum, the Great
All, or Word, the symbol of perfection.

This supreme degree is the climax of Masonry,
and is intimately blended with all our affairs,
human and divine ; having virtue for its aim, the
glory of God for its object, and the eternal welfare
of man being considered in every point and letter
of its ineffable mysteries. It is founded on the
name of Jehovah, who was from all eternity, is
now, and shall be the same forever.

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ROYAL ARCH COMPANION.

This Supreme degree should inspire its members
with the most exalted ideas of Go^/, and lead them
to the practice of the most pure and sublime piety
and reverence for the incomprehensible Jehovah.
The Eternal Ruler of the Universe, the element of
life, the premordial source of all its principles, the
very spring and fountain of all its virtues.

CLOSING.

The ceremony of closing a R. A. Chapter is very
impressive, and should be remembered by every
newly exalted Comp. It teaches them where the
First or Holy Lodge ; Second or Sacred Lodge,
and the Third or Grand and Royal Lodge were
held and who duly presided at each. It also puts
them to the test of that peculiar method to be ob-
served in sharing and communicating the secrets,
&c.

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ROYAL ARCH.

107

CLOSING PRAYER.

O Almighty and everlasting God, whose servant
David thus prophesied, " Blessed are ihey who fear
the Lord and walk in his ways," — may we walk in
Thy ways and follow in the paths of righteousness ;
and, ever considering whose Representatives we
are, may our hearts rejoice — may the Spirit of
Peace guide us in all our ways, and raise our eyes
to that holy and spiritual temple, where we shall
praise and glorify Thee, O God of Israel, for ever
more. Amen.

In the name of Jehovah, the M. H.the Architect
and Creator of heaven and earth, the R. A. Chapter
is then closed.

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ROYAL ARCH COMPANION.

GENERAL CHARGE BY Z.

Companions — We are about to quit this sacred
retreat of friendship, and to mix with the outside
world. Amidst all its cares and employments, for-
get not the sacred duties that have been so fre-
quently inculcated, and so strongly recommended
within the precents of this Chapter.

Therefore be ye prudent, discreet, and temper-
ate, ever remembering that around this altar you

have voluntarily and solemnly promised to befriend
and relieve with unhesitating cordiality so far as
may be within your power, every worthy brother
who shall need your assistance ; that you have
promised to remind him in the most gentle manner
of his failings, to aid his reformation, to defend and
vindicate his character whenever wrongfully tra-
duced, and to suggest the most candid, palliating
and favorable circumstances, even when he is
justly liable to reprehension and blame. Thus
shall the world see how dearly Masons love each
other.

But, my brethren and companions, you are to
extend those noble and generous sentiments still
further. Let me impress upon your minds, and
let it be instilled into your hearts, that every hu-

KoaEJE-aBn! - y i| i i M m i i^ ^ fqm m

man being has an undoubted claim to your kind
offices.

We therefore strictly enjoin you to do good to all,
while we more particularly recommend to your
care the household of the faithful ; that by diligence
and fidelity in the duties of your respective avoca-
tions, liberal benevolence and diffusive charity,
constancy and sincerity in your friendship ; and
being kind, just, amiable and virtuous in your
intercourse with your fellow creatures, you will
demonstrate to the world the happy and beneficent
effect of our ancient and honorable institution.
Let it not be supposed that you have labored in
vain, and spent your time for naught, for your work
is with the Lord, and your recompense is with your
God.

Finally, my Brethren and Companions, be ye all
of one mind, live in peace, and may the God of
love and peace delight to dwell with you and bless
you for evermore.

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ROYAL ARCH COMPANION.

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HISTORICAL SUPvIMARY.

THE EQILATERAL OR PERFECT TRIANGLE.

Is emblematical of the three essential attributes
of Deity — namely, Omnipresence, Omniscience
and Omnipotence ; and as the three equal sides or
equal angles form but one Triangle, so these
three equal attributes constitute but one God.

This emblem was adopted by the ancients as a
symbol of the Deity — as embracing in Himself the
three stages of time — the Past, the Present, and tht
Future. Among the Hebrews a yod, or point in
the centre of an equilateral triangle, was one of
the modes of expressing the incommunicable name
of Jehovah. For this reason, the number three

ROYAL ARCH.

Ill

has always been held in high estimation by the
Fraternity. We find it pervading the whole ritual.
There are three degrees of ancient craft Masonry,
three principal officers of a lodge, three supports,
three ornaments, three greater and three lesser
lights, three movable and three immovable jewels,
three principal tenets, three rounds of Jacob's lad-
der, three working-tools of a Fellow Craft, three
principal orders of architecture, three important
human senses, three ancient Grand Masters, &c.

In short, the allusion to the triancjle may be
found wherever we turn our steps in Freemasonry.
It is held in still higher estimation by all Royal
Arch Masons. There are three principal officers
who compose the Grand Council, three Sojourners,
three, and only three, can be exalted at the same
time.

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112

ROYAL ARCH COMPANION.

THE ROYAL ARCH HANNER.

Which should be displayed in every regular
Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, is composed of
the four standards used to distinguish the four
principal tribes of the Children of Israel, who bore
their banners through the wilderness, viz : Judah,
Ephraim, Reuben and Dan ; and under each of
these principal standards were assembled three
tribes. There were consequently four Divisions,
with three tribes in each, numbering 150,000,
making in all 600,000 fighting men^ or men of war.
They marched in a hollow square in traveling
through the wilderness, in order to guard and pro-
ject on every side the sacred ark of the coven-
ant. The escutcheon or shield on the banner

is divided into four compartments by a green cross,
over which a narrow one of yellow is placed. On
each compartment formed by the limbs of the cross
is delineated the peculiar emblem of one of these
tribes, to wit : in the first quarter, a golden lion on
a field of blue, representing Judah ; in the second,
a black ox on a field of gold, representing Eph-
raim ; in the third, a man on a field of gold, re-
presenting Reuben ; and in the fourth, a golden
eagle on a field of blue, representing Dan. Each
of these is a component part of the hieroglyphic of
the Cherubim, which represent the children of
Israel ; and they teach us that, in the erection of
our second temple of " Holiness to the Lord," as
well as in the prosecution of every great and im-
portant undertaking, we should display, as did our
ancient brethren in the erection of the first temple,
the strength and boldness of the lion, the patience
of the ox, the swiftness of the eagle, and the intel-
ligence of an upright and perfect man. As a crest,
the banner is surmounted by the covenant, guarded
by two Cherubim, with their wings touching in the
centre.

■m

M:; iL

THE ARK OF THE COVENANT.

The ark of the covenant was a small chest
or coffer, made by Moses, Aholiab and Bezaleel,

ii' I

and was three feet nine inches iong — two feet three
inches wide and deep. It was constructed of
shittim wood, covered with fine gold, and over all
were the Cherubim with expanded wings. In the
ark were placed the pot of manna, Aaron's rod and
the tables of stone, containing the decalogue
written by the finger of God. It was at first placed
in the sanctuary of the tabernacle, and afterwards
deposited by King Solomon in the sanctiitn sanc-
torum of the temple, at the completion and dedica-
tion of that edifice, as you have seen represented
in the Most Excellent Master's degree.

When the Temple was destroyed by the Chal-
deans, the ark likewise shared its lamented fate ;
but we are informed that King Solomon — fore-
seeing that the children of Israel would, in process
of time, deviate from the laws of God, and provoke
His displeasure, and that in consequence thereof
their city would be taken by their enemies, the
Temple destroyed, and thus would forever perish
the sacred treasures contained in the S.'.S.'. — built
a secret vault underneath the Holy of Holies, where
our Grand Masters held their meetings, and in
which they deposited an exact imitation of the ^rk
of the covenant, wherein were placed precise resem-
blances of the pot of manna and of Aaron's rod, as
also a true copy of the Book of the Law, with the

writings of Moses and the prophets up to tha. time.
On the sides of the ark they placed their names,
and the time when, and for what purpose deposited.

The ark was placed on the Masonic Stone of
Foundation, which Masonic tradition says, was
a perfect cube of white oriental porphyry, and on
which was inscribed, in precious stones, the inef-
fable name. These characters were placed within
an equilateral triangle, and all within a circle.

»-':■«(

It was deposited in the sacred vault under the
S.'.S.'. by our Grand Master, and answered as a
pedestal upon which the imitation of the ark of the
covenant might rest ; and there it remained until,
at the rebuilding of the Temple by Zerubbabel, it
was found by three zealous sojourners, and subse-
quently made the corner-stone of the second Tem-
ple. It was perfectly cubical in its form — all its
sides being equal — symbolizing DivineTruth, which
must alone direct and sustain us in our search after
God and the true light.

Thus, within this imitation of the sacred ark of
the covenant, were deposited and safely kept the
sacred treasures, for the space of 470 years, which

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ROYAL ARCH COMPANION.

should constantly remind us that our own breasts
should afford an equally safe repository for the
mysteries of the order, that they may be handed
down pure and unimpaired to the latest posterity.

The Cherubim guarding the ark of the covenant
are to remind us that the sublime principles of our
Royal art have always had the immediate approval
of Heaven, and encourages us to redouble our
assiduity in the practice of all those virtues which
we are taught within the inner vail of the sanctuary.

The motto of Royal Arch Masonry, emblazoned
on its banner, is the same which was on the fore-
front of the High Priest's mitre : " Holiness to the
Lord."

Up to this time, and during the progress of the
several degrees through which you havj passed,
you have been addressed and have addressed each
other by the title of brother or brothers. You will
now be called Companions. And, Companions, I
trust that it has not been an idle curiosity, that
merely grasps at novelty, which has induced you
to seek admission into this most sublime degree of
Masonry, infinitely more important than all which
have preceded it. Its ceremonies are calculated
to impress upon our minds a tirm belief in the
existence and attributes of a Supreme Being, and

r -fcftr

they teach us a due reverence for His great and
holy name. They also bring to light many valua-
ble treasures belonging to the Craft, after they had
lain buried in darkness for the space of 470 years,
and without a knowledge of which the masonic
character is not complete.

The great, mysterious and sacred name of Deity
was communicated to Moses at the B.'.B.'.

Hill

Thus promulgated to their law-giver by the
Almighty, as His special appellation, this name of
God became invested among the children of Israel
with the profoundest veneration and awe ; so much
so, that they never presumed to pronounce it, except
in a particular manner, and then only with solemn
ceremonies and with the greatest reverence. Hence,
in a long course of time, its true pronunciation be-
came lost, except by the High Priest, who once a
year, on the day of atonement, pronounced the
word three times in the sanctuary of the tabernacle.

ich

ted

the

jnd

After a series of important events, of which you
will find a particular account in the history of the

'""7"''~:^JB »fe ' MIMII l iiUiit^^

m m

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Kings of Judah and Israel, for the space of 416
years from the consecration of the first temple to
its destruction by Nebuchadnezzar, we find that in
the eleventh year of the reign of Zedekiah, king of
Judah, Nebuzaradan, Captain of the Guard of the
king of Babylon, went up, besieged and took the
city of Jerusalem, seized all the holy vessels, the
two famous brazen pillars, and all the treasures of
the king's house, his palaces and his princes. He
then set the temple and city on fire, overthrowing
its walls, towers and fortresses, and totally leveling
and razing it, until it became one thorough desola-
tion ; and the remnant of the people that escaped
the sword, he carried away captive to Babylon,
where they remained as servants until the reign of
Cyrus, king of Persia, who, in the first year of his
reign, issued his famous proclamation, libe ating
the Hebrew captives, with permission to return to
their native country, and rebuild the city and
temple.

Accordingly the principal people of the tribes of
Judah and Benjamin, together with the priests and
Levites, immediately departed for Jerusalem. They
travelled over rough and rugged roads, over rivers
and mountains, until they arrived at that city, where
they erected a tabernacle near the ruins of the old
temple. This tabernacle, like that built by Moses,

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ROYAL ARCH.

119

js of

and

'hey

I vers

Ihcre

old

)ses,

was an oblon j", situated due east and west, inclosed,
and divided into apartments by four cross vails,
the colors of which were blue, purple, scarlet and
white ; and they allude to the four principal tribes
of the Children of Israel, who bore their banners
through the wilderness. Guards were stationed at
those vails, to see that none passed but such as
were duly qualified — none being admitted into the
presence of the Grand Council but the true descend-
ants of the twelve tribes of Israel, who made them-
selves known by the same signs and words given
by the Lord to Moses when He commanded him
to conduct the children of Israel out of the land of
Egypt, and from the House of bondage.

In the tabernacle, they set up the altar, and
burned incense thereon day and night.

In the sanctuary, the G;and Council, consisting of
Zerubbabel the Prince of the People, Haggai the
Prophet, and Joshua the son of Jozadak the High
Priest, held their sessions and formed their plans.

Among those who returned were three of our
ancient brethren, who were left behind in Babylon
by the main body under Zerubbabel, and who after-
wards went up to Jerusalem, to help, aid and assist
in the gre?.t and glorious work of rebuilding the
house of the Lord, without the hope of fee or rc-

! |-| ^^

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ill I

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iiii

1 20

ROYAL ARCH COMPANION.

ward. Those three sojourners discovered and
brought to light, as you have seen represented, the
same treasures which had been buried by King
Solomon, after they had lain in darkness from "* *
* * until the erection of the second temple ; and,
as a reward for theii valuable labors, they were
exalted to the great and glorious rank of their
ancestors. Those three worthy Companions, you
have had the honor to represent.

And now. Companions, you have received all
the instruction that pertains to our noble Craft.

You have ascended by regular gradations, to the
summit of our sublime and royal art.

You have been conducted around the outer
courts of the Temple, viewed its beautiful propor-
tions, its massive pillars, its starry-decked canopy,
its Mosaic pavement, its lights, jewels, and furni-
ture.

You have been introduced into the middle cham-
ber, and learned, by the example of our ancient
brethren, to reverence the Sabbath day, and to
keep it holy.

ROYAL ARCH.

121

the

rni-

ent
to

You have entered the unfinished S.'.S.*., and
there, in the integrity and inflexible fidelity of the
illustrious Tyrian, witnessed an example of firm-
ness and fortitude never surpassed in the history
of man.

You have wrought in the quarries, and exhibited
suitable specimens of your skill, and have been
taught how to receive, in a proper manner, your
Masonic wages.

You have been regularly placed in the Oriental
chair of King Solomon, and learned its important
duties.

You have been present, and assisted at the com-
pletion and dedication of our myscic temple ; and,
for your zeal and fidelity to the Craft, have received
the congratulatory title of Most Excellent Master.

You have now witnessed the mournful desolation
of Zion, the sack and destruction of the city and
Temple of our God, and the utter loss, as the world
supposed, of all those articles contained in the
Holy of Holies.

You have seen the chosen people of God forced
by a foreign despot from the pleasant groves and
peaceful vineyards of their native Israel, and drag-

5 ( i

II- !

ill ill

<■■

ill

122

ROYAL AkCH COMPANION.

ged into captivity on the banks of the far-off Eu-
phrates.

But you have seen those afflicted sons of Zion
visited, in the darkest night of their adversity, by
a peaceful light from heaven, which guided them
over rough and rugged roads to the scene of their
former glory.

You have seen them enabled, by the signet of
eternal truth, to pass the vails that interposed be-
tween them and their fondest hopes.

You have seen them successfully engaged in the
great and glorious work of rebuilding the house of
the Lord.

And, finally, you have seen the sacred treasures
cf the first Temple brought to light, and the bless-
ed book restored to the longing eyes of the devout
Israelites, to be the rule and guide — the comfort
and support — of the people of God throughout all
future time. ^

And, my Companions, if, in all these things, you
have seen only a series of unmeaning rites — if the
spirit of truth has not applied to your hearts the
morals of these ceremonies — then, indeed, have we
labored in vain, and you have spent your strength
for nought.

■"*•* ■ -^i m mmm^

out

But I am persuaded to believe better things of
you. I trust that you have entered into the spirit
of these solemn ceremonies, and understand the
full import of these interesting symbols ; that all
the forms and ceremonies through which you have
passed, from the moment you first trod the outer
courts of the Temple until your final reception
within the vails, have impressed deeply on your
minds the great and fundamental principles of our
time-honored institution ; for ,V<^«, and only then^
can you justly claim the noble name of Mason ;
then, and only then^ can you feel that friendship,
that union, that zeal, and that purity of heart,
which should actuate every one who would appro-
priate to himself the proud title of a workman that
needeth not to be ashamed.

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ANCIENT CEREMONIES.

CONSECRATION AND DEDICATION,

AND ALSO

INSTALLATION OF THE OFFICERS
OF A CHAPTER. ' '

Note. — T/te Grand Z. grants a Dispensation,
The Grand Chapter grants the Warrant,

No Consecration should take place until the
Warrant is issued by Grand Chapter.

I. The new Chapter will meet in its hall and
open on the R. A. Degree.

Hon,

the

and

2. The Grand Chapter will meet in an adjoining
jooni and organize.

3. A Committee from the new Chapter will in-
form the Grand Officers that their Chapter is pre-
pared to receive them.

4. The Grand Officers will move in procession,
conducted by the committee to the hall of the
Chapter in the following order :

Grand Janitor.

Representatives of Subordinate Chapters according

to seniority.

Grand Masters of the Veils.

Grand Chaplains.

Grand Scribe E. Grand Treasurer. Grand Scribe N.

Grand P. and Assist. Sojourners.

Grand Superintendents.

One Companion carrying the Pot of Incense.

Four Companions carrying the Ark.

Three Companions carrying Lights triangularly.

Grand J . Grand Z. Grand H.

'■II

fcii i^

ill
I

H'l '
I

ill

126

ROYAL ARCH COMPANION.

5. When the Grand Z. enters, the grand honors
are given, and the officers of the new Chapter re-
sign their seats to the Grand Officers.

6. An ode may be sung.

7. The Grand Superintendent of the District
addresses the Grand Z. thus : M. E. a number of
Companions duly instructed in the mysteries of
Royal Arch Masonry, by virtue of a charter granted
thern, in accordance with the laws and constitution
of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of
Canada, now desire to be consecrated into a
regular Chapter, agreeably to the ancient usages
and customs of the fraternity.

Grand Z. Comp. Grand Sup. will present the
charter.

Grand Z. Upon mature deliberation the Grand
Chapter has granted the companions of this Chap-
ter a charter, establishing them in the rights and
privileges of a regular constituted Chapter, we shall
therefore now proceed according to ancient usage
to consecrate this into a regular Chapter, and in-
stall the officers. I now enquire if the com-,
panions of this Chapter are ready to signify their
approval of the officers named in the charter.

{They assent their williuirness or otherwise).

'»^

ANCIENT CEKEMONIF.S.

127

fi :|

lir

CONSECRATION.

The Officers and Members form into two
columns in advance of the pedestal. The Jewels
and Collars of the Chapter are placed in the front,
and the elements of consecration at the base of it.
The Pedestal is unveiled and the Companions give

the ■* * * * sign.
Ode to be sung.

Hail, Universal God,

By Heaven and Earth adored,

All Hail ! Great God !
Before thy Name we bend,
To us thy Love extend,
And to our prayer attend ;

All hail ! Great God !

Prayer by Grand y.

Almighty and Supreme Governor and Ruler of
Heaven and Earth, who is there in Heaven but
thee, and who upon Earth can stand in competition
with thee ? Thy Omniscient Name brings all things
in review, — past, present, and to come ; thine Om-
nipotent Arm directs the movements of the vast
creation ; thine Omnipresent Eye pervades the
secret recesses of every heart ; thy boundless beni-
ficence supplies us with every comfort and enjoy-

'-■ I ■ !

128

ROYAL ARCH COMPANION.

ment ; and thine unspeakable perfections and
glory surpass the understanding of the children of
men.

Grand Z. — Sprinkles the Corn, Wine, and Oil
upon the pedestal, saying : May plenty,-prosperity
and unanimity attend this Chapter until time is no
more.

Grand H. — Passes the censor over it.

Grand y. — Prayer.

Our Father who art in Heaven, we invoke thy
benediction upon the purposes of our present as-
sembly. Let this Chapter be established to thine
honor ; let its officers be endowed with wisdom to
discern, and fidelity to pursue its true interests ;
let its members be ever mindful of the duty they
owe to their God ; the obedience and love they
owe to their equals, and the goodwill they owe to
mankind. Let this Chapter be consecrated to thy
glory, and its members ever exemplify their love
to God by their benificence to man.

General response, — Glory be to the Most High.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall
be, world without end. — Amen. So mote it be.

Invocation by Grand H.

2 Chronicles vi. — verses 12 to ji.

DEDICATION.

Grufid Z. — To the Most High and his service we
dedicate this Chapter, and in memory of the Xine
Original Grand Masters^ under whose distinguish-
ed patronage many of our Masonic mysteries ob-
tained sanction. May every companion review their
character, and imitate their virtues.

General response. — Glory be to the Most High.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall
be, world without end. — Amen. So mote it be.

Invocation by Grand H.

Psalms cxxxiii. or cxxii. — verses i to g.

Grand Z. — In the name of the Grand Chapter of
Canada, we now constitute and form you, our Ex-
cellent Companions, into a regular Chapter of
Royal Arch Masons. From henceforth we em-
power you to act as a regular Chapter, constituted
in conformity with the rites of the Supreme Degree,
and may the Great I Am prosper, direct, and coun-
sel you in all your doings. So mote it be.

■i

•:

if''

130

ROYAL ARCH COMPANION.

INSTALLATION.

After Installing Z. takes the chair, he requests the
Scribe E. to read that portion of the minutes relating to
the election of Officers for the ensuing year, and then asks
the Companions :

Are you satisfied with your choice of Officers .''

The Companions replying in the affirmative, the In-
stalling Z. addressing the Past Z., who is to present the
Principals elect, says :

Companion P.Z, — Have you examined the Prin-
cipals elect of this Chapter, and do you find them
well skilled in the Royal Art, and duly instructed in
the mysteries of the Holy Royal Arch.?

P.Z, — I have so done and found them.

l.Z. — Present them to us.

P.Z. — (1 aJHng them from amongst then' fellows).
M. E. Principals, I present these my Excellent
Companions, whom I know to be of great skill,
true and trusty, and lovers of the whole fraternity
wheresoever dispersed over the face of the earth,
to receive at your hands the benefit of Installation
as Excellent Principals of this Chapter.

I.Z, — {The Companions betniiplnud on his left).
By the unanimous consent of the Companions
already expressed, we dechire you the Excellent
Principals of this Chapter, not doubtinj( your capa-
city and care to preserve the cement of this Chap
ter. Previous however, to your Installation and
Investiture, it is necessary that you should signify
your assent to the Regulations of Royal Arch
Masons.

Do you therefore submit to the Regulations as
laid down by the Grand Chapter of Canada ?

Principals Elect. — We do.

i,Z.- -All Companions who are not installed First
Principals will retire. *

OPENING COUNCIL OF INSTALLED PRINCIPALS.

1,Z. — Excellent Principals, assist me to open a
Council of Installed First Principals.

I declare this Council of Installed First Principals
of Royal Arch Masons of Jerusalem to be duly
opened in the name of Jehovah.

J" J* J*

-V

iti

132

ROYAL ARCH COMPANION.

First Chair Z.

I.Z. — Let the Ex-Principal Z. .elect enter and
stand in the W.

Z. elect enters. Exodus iii. verses 3, 4, 5, are
read.

I.Z. to P.Z. 0/ Chapter. — You will now present
to me our Companion ist Principal elect.

P.Z. — I present to you my worthy Com p. ,

to be installed as ist Principal of this Chapter.

I.Z. — Let the Excellent Principal Z. elect ad-
vance to the E.

(Stands on W. side of A., giving sign of * '*' )^

Excellent Comp., I congratulate you on the
honor which has been conferred upon you by
your Companions, no doubt by reason of your
faithful services, integrity, and the knowledge you
have acquired ; the manner in which you have
discharged the duties of the offices in which you
have been placed in your progress through the
various degrees, sufficiently manifest your zeal,
and is a tokf;n of future exertions, and I hope
that you are inspired with holy zeal, to declare
you are ready to fill the office of Z. It is the high-
est honor which can be conferred by a Chapter, on
any of its members, consequently the Companions

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Ins

have a right to expect that by exemplary conduct,
not only in, but out of the Chapter, the Companion
exalted to so important a station will set an ex-
ample to all mankind, as well as to his brethren
of moral and religious rectitude ; it is only by
such demeanor that you can expect to receive in
return the homage, and respect due to the individual
filling the exalted station in which you are about
to be installed, as well as the good-will and affec-
tion of the Companions. Before however, you are
placed in your chair, it is my duty to require, and
I must now demand in the presence of this Council
of Installed First Principals, whether you are will-
ing to enter into a solemn O.B. of fidelity to keep
inviolate the secrets of your office ? (Z. elect. — I
am).

I.Z, — P'or this purpose you will kneel and place
your H. on the V. of the S. L. and the T.

O.B, — I in the presence of the Almighty,

the all powerful anvl \ \ *rlasting God, and before
his sacred and mysterious Name, in this assembly
of Princes and Rulers of the Supreme Degree of
the Holy Royal Arch, Installed Principals here as-
sembled, do solemnly promise and swear that I
will for ever preserve inviolate the S. entrusted to
the office of Z. That my B. shall be the sacred
repository of these secrets, that I will never di-

'34

ROYAL ARCH COMPANION.

vulge them to any individual, unless it be to him
who shall be fully entitled thereto according to the
ancient regulations of the Order, and then only in
a Council of installed First Principals, regularly
constituted.

I furthermore promise that in the dis':h.irge of
the duties of that office, I will observe impartiality,
and never appoint a companion to any aubc Jinate
office, but under a full conviction that he will faith-
fully discharge his duty.

I do furthermore promise to act, in conjunction
with the two other principals, thereby to promote
obedience to the laws, ^md regulations of the Grand
Chapter, and preserve that bond of union and fra-
ternal love, which has ever been the foundation of
our Masonic structure. To these several points I
pledge fidelity under the P. of all or any of my
former O. B., and I pray the Eternal Ruler of the
Universe to keep me steadfast therein. (Salute S.

v.).

I.Z. — I now call your attention to the emblems
on which you have been obligated, viz. : The S. V.
and the T. The S. V. is given to us as the guide of
our faith to animate our hope, and awaken our
charity. The T„ in the days of Pythagoras, v a«
considered the most sacred of all emblems, and
when any oath or O. B. had to be administered it

;«l»i4i.

/ i

was given on the T. and was never known to be
violated.

Rise duly O.B. representative of Z.

Raised by * * * *

l.Z. — The sign of your chair is * * *
The P. W. is * * * and it means * * *
The sacred word is * * * which is to be
mentally pronounced by you when ascending the
T. and salutir.g your sceptre of office.

The following extracts of Scripture ar^ read :

1st. Samuel iii., ver. 21 ; ist. Samuel xvi., vrs. i
to 13.

I.Z. — Excellent Comp. we find in these portions
of Scripture that the Almighty looks not on the
outward appearance of man, but on the heart.
He therefore selected David, anointed and in-
vested him with kingly power. You have this day,
according to the ancient rites of our order, been
prepared to enter on the kingly office held by our
illustrious ancestors, and, may the Great I Amy
whose eternal existence is comprised in \\\^ Sacred
Word itself, preserve you for evermore. Let us
pray. Companions makes * * * and caiuii-
date kneels facing chair.

lii

131

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136

ROYAL ARCH COMPANION.

Prayer by J. — We unite in heartfelt thanks to
thee, Ahnighty P'ather, for the manifold blessings
received from thy inexhaustible store ; grant that
our labors may produce the fruits of wisdom, sanc-
tity and love, th^t while we are laboring to erect,
T)reserve our earthly tabernacle to thy name
aii< .^'ory, we may at the same time prepare our
path to thine eternal temple where peace and joy
reign for e^'ermore. So fnofe it be.

Investiture by I. Z.

I feel much satisfaction on the present occasion,
by installing you in the office of Z. of this Holy R.
A. Chapter. I now invect you with the robe of the
First Principal. The Scarlet Robe is emblematical
of that fervency of zeal which should ever actuate
all R.A. Masons, and is pecuharly characteristic of
this degree. I next invest you with the Jeiuel and
Badge of your office, a T with an irradiated crown
in the centre, an emblem of royalty. The T. was
the signet of Zerubbabel, and denotes supreme pow-
er, or the chosen of the Almighty. Being thus in-
vested, I now place you in your chair according to
ancient custom, and hereby constitute you a P. and
R. of Judah and the representative of Zerubbabel the
Prince of the People of Israel.

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Lastly, I place in your hand this Sceptre, and in
doing so, 1 wish to remind you that to reign sove-
reign in the hearts and affections of men, must be
more gratifying to a generous mind, than to rule
over their livco and fortunes ; and to enable you to
enjoy that pre eminence with honor and satisfac-
tion, you must subject your own passions and pre-
judices to the' dominion of reason and charity. Let
the bright example of your illustrious predecessors
stimulate you to a faithful discharge of your duties,
that when the King of kings shall summon you to
his immediate presence, you may receive from his
hand a Grown of Glory which shall never fade away.

lustallitig P.Z.

I.Z. — You will now present the Immediate P.Z.
for investiture.

Z. — I present to you my worthy Companion ,

to be invested as the I. P.Z. of this Chapter.

LZ. — Investing witji Jewel, says: — You have
now drawn forth all the Cote-stones^ and dis-
charged ihe highest office of the last, and most
sublime degree of Freemasonry, the Holy Royal
Arch. You now answer completely to the charac-
ter of a Perfect Master, and may justly claim for
yourself the word 'k ^ ^ ^ or "k ^ ^k ^
as your reward and P.W.

The Comps. Z. greet the newly installed Z.

'f-

\ l\

138

ROYAL ARCH COMPANION.

Second Chair H.

All Second and Past Second Principals may be
present.

I.Z. — Let the Ex. Principal H. elect enter and
stand in the W.

Scripture extract, Exodus iii. vs. 3, 4, 5, read.
I.Z. — You will now present to me your Second
Principal elect.

P.Z. — I present to you my worthy Comp.-

to be installed as Second Principal of this Chapter.

I.Z. — Let the Ex. Principal H. elect advance to
the A.

Ex. Comp., it cannot but be gratifying to you as
a man and a Mason, that your Companions have
evinced their feelings of respect and esteem, by
having elected you to the exalted station of H. In
your previous Installation, the duties of a Principal,
or chief of a R.A. Chapter were fully explained, and
I am happy to say, so far as we can judge of their
effect, they have made a deep impression on your
mind. 1 therefore deem it unnecessary to enlarge
upon them, feeling assured that you will not swerve
from the path of rectitude, which has thus led you
forth to honor and promotion. It is however my

duty, before I place you in your chair, to require that
you should enter into a solemn O. B. of fidelity.
I must now demand therefore, in the presence of
this Council of Installed Principals, whether you
are willing to enter into such an O. B. to keep
inviolate the secrets of your ofiice? (H. — I am).

I.Z. — For this purpose you will kneel, and place
both hands on the V. of S.L. and the T.

as
ive
by
In
)al,
md
leir
)ur
irge
Irve
rou

I-

O.B.
-, in the presence of the Almighty, All-

powerful and Everlasting God, and before his
sacred and mysterious Name, and this assembly
of Princes, and Rulers of this supreme degree of
the Holy R.A. Installed Principals here assembled,
do solemnly promise and swear that I will steadily
adhere to the several engagements entered into by
me during my progress in Freemasonry, and above
all, under the penalty of all or any of my former
O.B., never to divulge the secrets of the Second
Chair to any individual, unless to one who has
been regularly elected and installed in that chair
and in a Council of Installed First Principals
regularly assembled and constituted ; that I will
exert myself to the utmost to discharge the duties
of the office to which I have been elected ; and I

\' i

140

ROYAL ARCH COMPANION.

pray the Most High to support me by his strength,
in my endeavors, and keep me faithful in this my
solemn O.B. (S. V. 3).

I.Z. — I now call your attention to the emblems
on which you have been obligated, viz. : the Sacred
Volume and the T. The V. of S. L. is given us as the
guide to our faith, to animate our hope and awaken
our charity. The T. was, in the days of Pythago-
ras, considered the most sacred of all emblems,
and when an oath or O.B. had to be administered,
it was given on the T., and was never known to be
violated.

Rise duly O.B. representative of H. -

Raised by * * ''^ "^ .

I.Z. — The sign of your chair is **''*■* .

The P.W. is * -^ -^ * and it means "^ *
* * . The Sacred Word is •'^ •* -^ ^ and
is to be mentally pronounced by you when ascend-
ing the Throne, and saluting your sceptre of office.

The following texts of Scripture may be r-ead : —
Exodus vi. vs. i to 6 ; i Samuel Hi. vs. i to 10.

I.Z. — Ex. Comp., you have already invoked the
Most High to support you by his strength and to

■•<**t,i

ANCIENT CEREMONIES.

141

preserve you faithful to your O.B. By the portions
of Scripture just read, we are taught to 1 ave suffi-
cient willingness to assist such of his creatures as
love, fear and obey him. Let me therefore entreat
you to observe a steady adherence to hiy Will and
Word, so that you may be ever ready, ifi the lan-
guage of the Prophet, to say : " Speak, Lord, for thy
servant heareth" ; because his arm is always stretch-
ed forth to succor, and assist us when we with a
fervent and sincere heart call upon him. Therefore
now let us with humility bend before his Holy
Name.

Companions make

■X- -H- *

C.K. before Chair.

Invocation by y. — Almighty Father, who in the
hour of peril and persecution didst assist the peo-
ple of Israel and subdue their enemies, we pray thee
to continue thy kindness and protection unto us,
grant that our knowledge of thy goodness and
power may impress us with gratitude for the mani-
fold blessings which thou hast already bestowed,
that during our sojourn in this world of sin, we
may be raised above the power of darkness and
live according to thy sacred Will, to the glory of thy
most Holy Name. — So mote it be.

Investiture. — I feel much satisfaction in per-
forming my duty on the present occasion, by in-

'r-^-r^

i ■ •

! ■

•;

i 1!

Stalling you into the office of H. of this Holy R. A.
Chapter. I now invest you with the robe of a
Second Principal. The purple robe is an emblem
of union, and being formed by a due admixture of
Blue and Scarlet, is intended to remind us of the
intimate connexion that exists between symbolic
Maso7try and the Royal Arch degree. I invest
you with the Jewel and Badge of your office, — a
T. with the All-seeing Eye irradiated in the cen-
tre, which should remind you that the Almighty
God is ever present, and not only beholds your
actions, but knows your most inmost thoughts, for
which at the last day he will call you to account.
Being thus invested, I now place you in your chair
according to ancient custom, and hereby consti-
tute you a Ruler in Israel, as the representative of
H. the Prophet, and Second Principal of this Chap-

ter.

Lastly, I place in your hand this sceptre, and in so
doing, let me remind you that the Eye of God is
in every place, for the purpose of taking a strict
and impartial cognizance of all human actions.
This expressive emblem of the omniscience and
omnipresence of the Almighty, will recall to your
remembrance that the Deity is watching over all
mankind, and will weigh in the balance of Truth
every action, thought and word.

ANCIENT CER?:M0NIES.

143

lis
let

IS.

ill

Ith

Third Chair J.

A// Principals and Past Principals may be
present.

I.Z. — Let the Ex. Principal J. elect enter and
stand in the West.

J. enters. Exodus xxz. vs. ly to 21 are read.

y. kneels in silent prayer^ at endings says Amen.

I.Z. to P.Z. — You will now present to me your
Third Principal elect.

l^.Z. — I present to you my worthy Comp.

to be installed as Third Principal of this Chapter.

I.Z. — Let the Ex. Principal J. elect advance to
the A. (Done).

I.Z. — Excellent Companion, having been elected
Third Principal of this Chapter, and the represen-
tative of Joshua the son of Jozadak the High Priest,
"whose duty it was to aid n i assist in carrying on
the Lord's work," so it is your duty to assist your
chief in the sacred duties of his office, and dissemi-
nate the knowledge of the Sacred Law promulgated
at the foot of Mount Horeb in Ihe wilderness of
Sinai. The honor conferred upon you proves that
your zeal and talent as a Mason, and your charac-

4.;,

^tiitiii

ter and conduct as a man, have gained ' vou the
approbation of your Companions and tlic^t they are
anxious to reward you. It is however my duty to
enquire :

1. Whether you are wiUing to undertake the
duties of the distinguished office to which you have
been elected, and to discharge those duties with
fidehty and zeal to the utmost of your ability ?

2. Do you promise to observe to the utmost of
your power, enforce and cause to be enf-^rced and
observed, the laws and regulations of Grand

Chapter of as well as those laws established

for the government of your own Chapter ?

3. Do you promise to act and co-operate with
the two other Principals in supporting the dignity
of the Order, and the peace, harmony and security
of the Chapter over which you are elected thus to
preside ?

4. Do you promise to admonish with impartiality,
and to reprove the disobedient with firmness and
reason, at the same time never forgetting that
mercy is the attribute of our Heavenly Father, to
whom our Second Temple is dedicated ?

5. Are you willing and prepared to enter into an
O.B. of fidelity never to improperly reveal the se-

id
lat

crets which may now, or at any future time, be
entrusted to your keeping as a Principal of the
Chapter?

(/am). ' -

I.Z. — For this purpose you will K., place 13. H.
on the V. of S.L. and the T.

O.B. — I , in the presence of the Almighty,

All-powerful and Everlasting God, and before his
sacred and m iterious Name, and in this assembly
of Princes and Rulcis of the supreme degree of
the Holy R.A., Installed Principals here assen'^bled,*
do solemnly promise and swear, never to reveal the
secrets of the Third Principal's chair to any but an
Installed Principal, or a Companion who shall have
been duly elected to that office in open Chapter, and
not even then, unless assisted by two or more In-
stalled Principals for that purpose in Council
regularly assembled. I furthermore promise and
swear that I will ever maintain the Laws, and

Regulations of the Grand Chapter of , and

conform to the established rules and ceremonies,
and never admit any candidate for Exaltation,
unless with a firm conviction that he is deserving
of that honor.

To these several points I pledge fidelity, under
the penalty of all or any of my former O.B., and I

i ,

1 1

til

146

ROYAL ARCH COMPANION.

pray the Most High to keep me steadfast therein.

(S.V. 3).

/.Z. — I now call your attention to the emblems
on which you have been obligated, the V. of the
S.L. and the '^. The V. of S.L. is given us as
a guide to our faith, to animate our hope and awa-
ken our charity. The T. was, in the days of Pytha-
goras, considered the most sacred of all emblems,
and when an oath or O.B. bad to be administered,
it was given on the T., and was never known to
be violated. Rise duly O.B. representative of
Joshua. Raised by "^ ^-^ *" * The sign of your
chair is ■'^ -^ ^ ■'<■ The P.W. is -^ -^ * •*
and it means * * "^ ^ The wSacred Word *

"^ * * and is to be mentally pronounced by
you when ascending the Throne, and saluting your
sceptre of office. '

A/ij^ or all of the following Scripture extracts
may be read .• ♦

Genesis xxxiii. v. 20 ; Leviticus viii. vs. i to 12 ;
Numbers xvi. vs. 46 to 48.

l.Z. — Ex. Comp., at your Initiation into Free-
masonr> you were recommended to study the S.V.
as a guide to your faith and conduct, and I doubt
not from the proficiency you have made in the

ANCIENT CEREMONIES.

147

various degrees through which you have passed,
you have not been unmindful of that recommenda-
tion. I do not feel it necessary to detain you, by
any attempt on my part, to explain or expound the
various passages of the S.V. which have been read
to you, T shall therefore content myself with ob-
serving that our Grand Master Moses has thus
handed down to us and posterity, a record of the
great mercy of our Heavenly Father, evinced by
sending forth a High Priest amidst the dying and
the dead, to stay the plague which had visited his
sinful and rebellious people. Let me now invite
you, with the rest of the Comps., to join in prayer.

Comps. give
ing chair.

Candidate kneels, fac-

Invocation by J.

:/s

)t
le

Almighty (jOvI who hath assembled with us this
day to number our worthy Comp. among the
P.ulers of our Order, be graciously pleased to grant
that this future life may be at all times regulated
by his Holy Law. Inspire him and us with
humility, make us obedient to Thy commands.
Vouchsafe those mercies to us which thou didst
not withhold from Thy ancient people, so that at
the close of this our mortal career, we may be
numbered amongst those whom Thou shall be

■ \^

^^SSSB

I '.1

pleased to admit into Thy Temple of Eternal Bliss
and Glory.

So mote it be.

/.Z. I feel much satisfaction a performing my
duty on the present occasion by installing you in
the office of J. of this Holy R.A. Chapter. I now
invest you with the robe of a Third principal. The
blue robe is of the approximate color of the Three
Symbolic degrees of ancient Craft Masonry. It is
an emblem of universal friendship and benovelence,
and instructs us that in the mind of a Mason those
virtues should be as expansive as the arch of
heaven itself. I next invest you with the Jewel and
Badge of your office, a T. with the V. of the S. L.
irradiated on the C, reminding you that the S. V.
is the guide to your faith, and that it contains the
revealed will and word, which it is your duty to
promulgate. Being thus invested, I now place you
in your chair according to ancient custom, and
hereby constitute you a Ruler in Israel, as the re-
presentative of J the H. P. and Third Principal of
this Chapter.

Lastly I place in your hand this Sceptre an
emblem of power and denoting the Priestly office.

Let it remind you of the dignity of the office
you sustain, at the same time impressing
upon your mind a sense of your dependence upon
God, and showing you that perfection is not at-
tained on this side of the grave, but that perfect
holiness belongeth to God alone.

CLOSING COUNCIL.

I.Z. Ex-Companions assist me to close this
Council of Installed Principals and resume the
Chapter of R. A. Masons.

I declare this council of Installed Principals
closed and the Chapter resumed.

id
e-
of

The Companions enter and salute the Principals.

I.Z. Companions, behold your Principals, and
recollect that the prosperity of your Chapter will
as much depend on your support, assistance and
obedience, as on their assiduity, information and
wisdom.

The Comp. form procession and pass the newly In-
stalled Principals salutiDg with the * * * sign.

J.Z. Ex-Comps. I now deliver into your care the
warrant, which is your authority for holding this
Chapter, you will receive it as a sacred trust, and
never permit i^t to be used for any other purpose
than those expressed in it.

To your care and custody Ex Z. it is especially
entrusted. I present you once more with the V.
of the S.L., the great light in every degree of Free-
masonry, also with the laws and regula-
tions of the Grand Chapter, and the By-laws of
your own Chapter. You will cause them to be
frequently read and punctually obeyed. Ex.
Z. it is your in especial charge to see that the
officers of this chapter faithfully perform the duties
of their respective offices, and are examples of
diligence and industry to their Companions. That
true and accurate records of all the proceedings of
the Chapter are kept, the regular returns to
Grand Chapter are made, and the dues punctu-
ally paid.

You will now enter on the active duties of your
office, and present to me for Investiture the respec-
tive officers of the Chapter.

The Z. elect presents each ofificer respectively, com-
mencing with Scribe E. saying, I present to you my

worthy Comp. to be invested of this

Chapter.

ANCIENT CEREMONIES.

151

lour
)ec-

|om-

Ithis

/ ■

Scribe e.

LZ. Comp. having been elected the repre-
sentative of Ezra the Scribe. I have much pleasure
in investing you with the Jewel of your office, a T.
with crossed pens inscribed, which sufficiently
point out your duty in keeping the records, issuing
summonses, and making returns to the Grand
Chapter. I have no doubt that you will fulfil these
important duties, with benefit to the Chapter and
credit to yourself.

Scribe N.

Comp. — having been elected the representative
of Nehemiah the Scribe, I have much pleasure in
investing you with the jewel of your office. It is
similar to, and has the same import as that of
Scribe E. Your immediate duties are to receive
and report all candidates for Exaltation, to assist
Scribe E. and in his absence, perform the duties
pertaining to his office.

Principal Sojourner.

LZ. Comp. — having been elected to fill the
office of P. S. of this Chapter, one equal in im-
portance to any therein, (The Principals excepted)
as by the performance of the duties appertain-
ing thereto, rests in a great measure the prosperity

) t:

i I

lil

152

ROYAL ARCH COMPANION.

of the Chapter. I trust that you will be zealous in
the discharge of them, so as to reflect credit to your-
self, and bo honorable to the Chapter. I have
much pleasure in investing you with the Jewel of
your office, which is a T. with an irradiated right
angle thereon. The T. has ever been considered
a Sacred emblem, and the Right Angle is an em-
blem of Truth ajid Pc7'fection^ which being irradi-
ated, denotes that these are Divine attributes
not to be obtained by the fallen of the human race,
yet by the aid of the Divine power thus depicted,
we hope you will approach near perfection,
and finally be made perfect in Grand Chapter
above.

Assistant Sojourners.

Companions — you are nominated Assistant So-
journers, oftices of much importance, for in the
absence of the P.S. you are to fulfil his duties, you
will therefore see the necessity of perfecting your-
self therein. I now invest you with the Jewels of
your office, which you have already heard
explained to the P.S., let those emblems of truth
and perfection, ever stimulate you to render your-
selves wcrthy of the trust reposed in you.

Comp. J. S. your especial duty is to prove the
Chapter close guarded, and report all alarms at
the door.

ANCIKNT CEHEMONIKS.

153

)0-

the

'OU

lur-

ird

uth

|ur-

Itbe
at

Comp. S.S. your especial duty is to allow none
to enter the Chapter, but those who are properly
clothed, and in possession of the P. W. of the
Order, and not then without first acquainting
the Principals.

Treasurer.

Comp. — you have been elected Treasurer of this
Chapter, and I have pleasure in investing you with
the Jewel of you office, a T. with a Key
inscribed, which sufficiency denotes your duty.
The qualities to be recommended are accuracy and
fidelity, and I entertain no doubt but that you will
justify the confidence reposed in you by your com-
panions.

Chaplain.

Ex. and Rev. Companion — you have been elected
Chaplain of this Chapter, and I now invest you
with the jewel and badge of your office. It is
emblematical of eteinity, and reminds us that this
is not our abiding place. You inclination will un-
doubtedly conspire with your duty when you
perform in the Chapter those solemn services,
which created beings should constantly render to
their infinite Creator, and which when offered by
one whose holy profession is " to point to heaven

154

ROYAL ARCH COMPANION.

•* " i il'

and lead the way," may, by refining our morals,
strengthening our virtues, and purifying our minds,
prepaie us for admission into the society of those
above, whose happiness will be as endless as it is
perfect.

Janitor.

Comp. — you have been elected Janitor of this
Chapter, and I now invest you with the Jewel
of your office. Let it remind you never to
swerve from your duty. You are to be regular in
attendance at all meetings of the Chapter. I pre-
sent you with this implement of your office which
will enable you to " guard the approaches to the
Chapter, so as to prevent intrusion and interrup-
tion to our mysteries," and enforce our laws and
customs, and I doubt not but you will perform your
duty with promptness and fidelity.

GENERAL ADDRESS.

Ex. Princi^ais, the stations you are called to fill,
are important, not only respecting the correct
practice of our rites and ceremonies, and the in-
ternal economy of the Chapter over which you pre-
side, but the public reputation of the Institution
will be found to rise or fall according to the
skill and discretion, with which its concerns are

ANCIENT CEREMONIES.

155

^our

fill,
Irect
in-
Ipre-
Ition
the
are

managed, and in proportion as the character and
conduct of its principal orikers are estimable or
censurable.

Companions in Office.— Precept and example
should e\ '^ r advance with equal pace. Those moral
duties which you are required to teach unto others,
you should never neglect to practice yourselves.

Companions, — May our Chapterh^com^ bemttt-
ful as the Temple, peaceful as the Ark, and sacred
in its most Holy Place. May the exercise of your
Charity be as constant as the returning wants of
the distressed widow and helpless orphan. May
the approbation of Heaven be your encouragement,
and the testimony of a good conscience your sup-
port. May you be endowed with every gqod and
perfect gift while travelling through the ruirf^ed
path of life, and finally may we all be admitted
within the veil oi Heaven to the full enjoyment of
life eternal.

Response — So mote it be.

The Ex. Z. then appoints the rest of the officers
and committees of the Chapter, and this finishes
the Installation.

•-li

MASONIC CALENDAR,

The ordinary calendar, or vulgar era, is not pfenerally
used by Freemasons in dating their official documents.
They have one peculiar to themselves, differing according
to their various rites. The Masons in all parts of the
world working in the York or French rites, add 4000
years to the Christian era, calling it Anno Lucis — Year
of Light ; abbreviated A.'. L. '. ; thus the year 1880,
would be A. '.L. '. 5880.

Masons practising in the Ancient and Accented rite
use the Jewish Calendar, which adds 3760 to the vulgar
era, styled Anno Mundi — A.". 'M.\~year of the world.
Or they sometimes use the Hebrew year, which begins on
the 17th of September, or 1st of Tisri, using the initials
A.*. H.'. — Anno Hebraico — Hebrau Year.

Royal Arch Masons date from the building of the
second temple — 530 years before Christ. Their style is
therefore Anno Inventionis — A. . Inv. '. — in the year of
the Discovery.

Royal and Select Masters frequently use the comn^on
Masonic date — Anno Lucis — but projierly they should
date from the completion of Solomon's Temp . which
would add icxx) to the Christian era. Their style ig
Anno Depositionis — A.*. Dep. *. — in the yaar of the De-
posit,

MASONIC CALENDAR.

157

Knights Templars date from the organization of the
Order — Iii8. Tlicir style is therefore Anno Ordinis—
A.'. O.'. — in the year of the Order.

Those of the rite of Mizraim add four years to the usual
computation of the age of the world : thu'i the year 1884
would stand A.*. L. '. 5884.

Masons of the York rite begin the year on the first of
January ; but in the French rite it commences on the
first of March.

Dr. A. G. Mackey, in his ^^ Lexicon of Freemasonry^^''
gives the subjoined rules for discovering the different
dates :

1. To find the date for the York rite, add 4CXX) to the
present year.

2. 7o find (he date for the Ancient and Accepted rite,
add 3760 to the present year.

To find the date for the Royal Arch, add 530 to the
prcbcnt year.

4. To find the date for the Royal and Select Masteis,
add 100 to the present year.

5. To find the date for the Knights 7t7/;//ar, subtract
1 1 18 from the present year.

6. To find the dale of the rite of Mizraim, add 4004 to
the present year.

I M

BY-LAWS AND REGULATIONS,

' J^REAMBLE.

For the purpose of securing order and regularity, and
with the view of promoting harmony and decorum, the
Companions of Chapter No agree to the follow-
ing By-Laws : ,

Article I. — DUTY TO GRAND CHAPTER.

This Chapter acknowledges the supremacy of the
Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of * * * and
will at all times pay respect and obedience to its Laws,
Rules, Orders and Regulations.

Article IL — NAME.

This Chapter shall be ki own as Chapter

of Royal Aich Masons, No

feilhlfJ

Article IIL— MEL sG.

The Regular Convocation of this C ha] er shall be

held on the of every month, at such hour

as may be named by the First Principal Z.

BY-LAWS AND REGULATIONS.

159

Articlk IV.— election.

The First, Second, and Third Principals, Scribes E.
& N., Principal Sojourner, Treasurer, and by an open
vote of the Chapter, the Janitor, shall be elected at the
Rej^ular Convocation in , whom with the fol-
lowing appointed officers, viz.: — Senior and Junior So-
journers, Masters of Veils, .Standard-bearer, Master of
Ceiemonies, Sword-bearer, two Stewards, and three
members of the Executive Committee, shall be installed
and invested at the Regular Convocation in

Articlk v.— scribe E.

le
d

The Scribe E. shall issue all notices for meetings,
seven days previous to each ; notify all accepted candi-
dates, record all proceedings proper to be recorded, pre-
pare the returns for the Grand Chapter, receive all fees,
dues, iind other moneys of the Chapter, keep a faithful
account of the same, pay them over to the Treasurer,
taking his receipt therefor. In the absence of the Scribe
E., these duties shall devolve upon the Scribe N.

Article VL- TREASURER.

The Trea'^urer shall receive all moneys from the Scribe
E., and give receipts therefor, pay all orders drawn upon
him by the E.Z., and shall have his books and vouchers
ready at all times for inspection. He shall also, on the

iiili

^I'ii

1 60

ROYAL ARCH COMPANION.

night of installation of officers, hand over all moneys and
vouchers in liis possession to his successor.

Article VII.— J AN [TOR.

Thfi Jrnilor shall attend every meeting, and prepare
tho roop therefor. He shall also discharge every other
duty usually devolving upon his office, for the due per-
formarce of which he shall be paid by the Chapter. He
may at any time be removed by a vote of the Chapter
for neglect of duty or ether sufficient cause; It shall be
his especial business, aided by the Assistant Sojourners,
to see that all Companions, whether Visitors or Mem-
bers, come properly clothed as Royal Arch Masons.

Article VIII.— COMMITTEE.

An Executive Committee, consisting of the Three
Principals, the Scribe E., the Principal Sojourner, the
Treasurer, and two Companions, to be appointed at the

Annual Convocation in , shall superintend the

finances, audit the accounts, report upon the standing; of
every Candidate, and take into consideration all matters
affiicting the interest of the Chapter. They shall meet
whenever notified by the E.Z. Four to form a quorum,
and the result of their proceedings shall be reported in
writing at each regular meeting. They shall present a

report at the Annual Convocation in , of each

year, showing the progress made in the Chapter during

the preceding year, the state of its finances, the names
of a) I Companions twelve months in arrears, together
with any suggestions for the future government thereof,
as ihcy may think desirable to place before the Chapter.

Article IX. -EXALTATION.

Every Candidate for Exaltation shall sign a petition in
accordance with the form prescribed by the Grand Chap-
ter, and shall be proposed and seconded at a Regular
Convocation. The petition shall be referred to the
Executive Committee for their consideration, and when
reported on, a ballot shall be taken for the Candidate at
a Regular Convocation. If after being accepted the
Candidate does not come forward for Ex.iltalion fc;r six
(or twelve) months, another ballot shall be taken.

le
le
of
;rs
iet

m
a

Articlk X. -affiliation.

Any Royal Arch Mason in good standing desirous of
becoming affiliated in this Chapter, shall be proposed
and l>all«>ted for, and must at the time of his application
produce his Cirand Chapter certificate, or give a satisfac-
tory reason for its non-producti( n.

Article XI.— BALLOT.

No Candidate shall be exalted in, nor any Companion
become a member of this Chapter, if on the ballot being

111

l62

ROYAL ARCH COMPANION.

Vi-

taken, black balls shall be found against him. No

rejected Candidate canbeagiin proposed and balloted
for (in this Chapter) within twelve months of the time of
his rejection. •

Article XII.— FEES AND DUES.

1. The fees for exaltation and the subordinate degrees

shall be Dollars, payable in advance, which

shall include the cost of registration and Gi^and Chapter
certificate, but a candidate who has taken one or more
of the subordinate degrees in another Cliapter, shall be
entitled to a reduction of $ . . . .for each degree so taken,
and a Companion who has already been exalted without
having taken the subordinate degrees, shall have the
same conferred upon him for the sum of Dollars.

2. The fee for Companions affdiating shp.ll be $

3. The monthly dues of Companions shall be

cents ; but any Companion residing three or more miles
from the place of meeting, may be placed on half dues.

4. Any Companion twelve months in arrear, after
having been duly notified and summoned by the Scribe
E., shall, after due trial, be liable to suspension, and his
name be re[)orted to the Grand Scribe E. In peculiar
circumstances, advanced age, inability, or unavoidable
absence, the Chapter may remit a portion or the whi;)le
of such arrears.

BY-LAWS AND REGULATIONS.

163

Article XIII.— WITHDRAWAL.

Any Companion desirous of withdrawing from AfTiJia-
tion, may do so on paying up his dues and signifying
such wish in writing, \^hen he shall be entitled to a
receipt from the Scribe E., under the seal of the Chap-
ter, showing that he retires in good standing. He shall
not be re-admitted unless by ballot and in regular form.

Article XIV.— RE- ADMISSION OF MEMBERS.

1. Should any member resign, he shall not be re-
admitted without a ballot and a joining fee.

2. Should any member who has been excluded, or
suspended for an indefinite period, desire to be re-ad-
mitted, he may petition the Chapter for its recommenda-
tion to Grand Chapter that he be restored ; and if at
the next regular meeting, the Chapter by a two-third
vote by ballot conGur, the petition shall be endorsed
under seal, and transmitted to the Grand Scribe to be
presented to Grand Chapter. Should the action of
Grand Chapter be favorable, he shall be re-admitted
without a ballot or joining fee.

3. Any member who has been suspended for non-
payment of dues, shall be immediately restored without
ballot, on payment of all arrears owing at the time of
his suspension, and of the regular Chapter dues for the
period he was so suspended.

■

h >

164

ROYAL ARCH COMPANION.

4. Any member who has been suspended for a definite
term, shall be restored to membership without ballot, at
the expiration of the term defined in his sentence.

Article XV.— CHAPTER PROPERTY.

The Robes, Jewels, Furniture and other property be-
longing to the Chapter shall be, and are hereby vested in
the Council for the time being, in trust for the use and
benefit of the Chapter,

Article XVI.— RULES OF ORDER.

1st. The Chapter shall be governed by the following
Rules of Order. The Chapter being opened in due
form, the following shall be the order of business :

(i). Reading and Confirming Minutes, v

(2). Reports of Executive Committee.

(3). Reports of General Committees.

(4). Passing Accounts. '

(5). Reading Correspondence.

(6). Receiving Petitions.

(7). Balloting for Candidates.

(8). Conferring Degrees.

(9). General Business.

lite
, at

be-
1 in

due

2nd. No question shall be entertained unless it be put
in writing, with the names of the mover and seconder
thereon.

3rd. Every brother desirous of speaking shall stand
up in his place, and address himself to the 1st Principal
Z.

4th. When two or more brethren rise to speak at the
same time, the 1st Principal may decide as to the one
who in his opinion is entitled to the floor.

5th. No brother shall speak twice on the same ques-
tion, unless by permission of the 1st Principal.

6th. No brother shall be so unmasonic as to interrupt
another while speaking ; or disturb him by hissing, ap-
l)lauding, unnecessary coughing, loud whispering, or
other unseemly noise. •

7th. No personal or abusive remarks, or other impro-
per language shall be used by any brother in debate.

8th. All matters not otherwise provided for in the
Constitution or these By-laws, shall be decided by a
majority of open votes, each Companion having one, and
the E.Z., besides his own vote the casting vole in case
of a tie. Provided always that this cannot interfere with
or supersede any ruling of the First Principal, from
whose decision there is no appeal except to a higher
authority.

I*- '

1 66

ROYAL ARCH COMPANION.

Article XVII.— DISPOSAL OF FUNDS,
PROPERTY, ETC.

, I. No part of the funds of the Chapter shall be ex-
pended, except for monthly or other necessary expenses,
unless on a notice of motion given at one regular meet-
ing, and inserted in the summonses for the next regular
meeting, when, if a majority of the members present
approve, the expenditure may be incurred.

2. No portion of the furniture, jewel*^, paraphernalia,
or other properly of the Chapter shall be sold, alienated,
or in any way disposed of, except by the unanimous
consent of the members present at a meeting to be spe-
cially called for that purpose.

" Article XVIII.— AMENDING BY-LAWS.

No alterations, additions or amendments, shall be
made to these By-laws, except at a Regular Convocation
of this Chapter, of which one month's notice shall have
been previously given in writing, and be subject to two-
thirds majority of the Companions then present.

Article XIX.— SIGNING BY-LAWS.

Every Companion shall »-ign these By-laws in token of
his submission thereto, when he shall receive a printed
copy of the same for his guidance.

I I

VISITOR'S TEST, OR TYLER'S O. B. FOR R.A.

' flo hereby and hereon solemnly

and sincerely swear, that I have been advanced to the
honorary degree of a Mark Master, regularly presided in
the Oriental chai. of King Solomon, received and ac-
knowledged as a Most Excellent Master, and regularly
Exalted to the supreme degree of the Holy Royal Arch ;
that I do not stand suspended or expelled, and know of
no reason why I should not hold Masonic communica-
tion with my Companions.

CLOTHING.

The Constitution strictly requires that all Officers and
Companions, whilst in Chapter, shall wear the insignia
of the Order, according to their rank; and no Companion
shall be admitted, on any pretence, without his proter
clothing.

FORMS.

! -I

APPLICATION FOR A WARRANT
OF CONSTITUTION.

To THE MOST EXCELLENT GRAND PRINCIPALS,
AND THE GRAND CHAPTER OF ROYAL ARCH
MASONS OF CANADA.

We, the undersigned, being registered Royal Arch
Masons, of the Chapters mentioned against our
names, pray for a warrant of constitution, empower-
ing us to meet as a regular chapter at to be

called on the day of and

there to discharge the duties of Royal Arch
Masonry, in a constitutional manner, according cO
the forms of the order, and the rules and regula-
tions of the Grand Chapter ; and we have nomin-
ated and do recommend Companion

to be First Principal, Z., Companion

to be Second Principal, H., Companion

to be Third Principal, J.

The prayer of this petition being granted, we
promise strict conformity to the ancient landmarks
of the order, and the rules and regulations of the
Grand Chapter.

Dated at , <Sr^r., &*c.

( To be signed by at least nine R. A. Mason.s)

APPLICATION FOR EXALTATION.

To THK Excellent

The JrhicipaJs, Officers and Companions of the
CJiaptcr of Royal Arch Masons, Xo

The undersigned, a Master Mason, and raised

in Lodge, No. . . ., under the jurisdiction of

the Grand Lodge of , respectfully ofters him-
self as a candidate for advancement to the degrees
of Mark Master, Past Master, and Most Excellent
Master, and exaltation to the supreme degree of

the Holy Royal Arch, in Chapter, No

Should his petition be granted, he promises a
cheerful compliance with all the forms iand usages
of I lie order. • .

Da fed at, c^v., c>^t'.,

(Signed),

A. 13.

Reconnnoi icd bv

C. D

E. F

{Residence) .

(Profession).

(Age).

\i • i

170

ROYAL ARCH CUMF'ANION.

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP.
To THE Excellent

7Vif Principals, Officers and Companions of the
Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, No

I, of the . . . . of . . . . {projession or addition)

....aged...., being a Royal Arch Mason, am
desirous of becoming a member of the Chap-
ter, No. ...

I was exalted in. . . .Chapter, No. . . ., and am
now in good standing in the Royal Craft.

Recommended by )

(

CERTIFICATE OF WITHDRAWAL FROM

A CHAPTER.

To all Royal Arch Mason* (0 ivhom these presents shall
come, greeting :

This is to Certify that Companion , who

hath signed his name in the margin hereof is a
regular Royal Arch Mason in good standing at
this date, and is, at his own request, regularly dis-
charged from membership in the Chapter,

No , under the jurisdiction of the Grand Chap-
ter of Canada.

Given under my hand and the seal of the Chap-
ter at , &c'

SEAL.

Scribe E.

FORMS.

171

PROXY FOR A CHAPTER APPOINTING

ITS DELEGATE TO GRAND

CHAPTER.

This is to Certify,

That at a.... convocation of the. .. .Chapter,

^o....,heldonthe....dayof....,A.D....Com.

P?"''''' ^^s delegated to represent the said

^ftapteratthe annual convocation of the (irand

Chapter, to be held at. . . ., on the day of. . . .,

and there to perform any and all acts which could
be done by the duly qualified officers of the said

Chapter were the personally present ; promis>

ing to ratify and confirm all that the said delegate 1
may lawfully do under such authority

Skal. I

First Principal Z.

Scribe E.

i^liiti

• •

FORM OF MINUTES

— yoR

PRIVATE CHAl^TERS.

Minutes of a-

Convocalion of-

-Chapter

of Royal Arch Masons, No. , (j.K.C, held al ,

on day 18 — .

OFFICERS PRESENT.

(FoUoiv with Officers and Titles).

COMPANIONS PRESENT.

{ Folloio xvith names of Companions).

VISITING COMPANIONS.

(FolUno with names of Visitors).

OPINING CHAPTER.

The Chapter was opened in the Royal Arch degree,
at o'clock.

FORM OF MINUTKS.

173

CONFIRBIATION OF MINUTES.

The Minutes of the Regular Convocation, held ,

(and subsequent emergencies, if any, giving date,) were
read and confirmed.

REPORT OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

The following Report of the Executive Committee Mas
received and adopted.

(Here follow with report in full, which should include
a report on Petitions for Admission or Membership).

REPORTS GENERAL.

The Committee appointed to take into con-^ideration

(here state the subject) submitted their report, which,

on motion of Comp. , seconded by Comp. , was

received.

( The adoption of the report having been put to the Chap-
I ter^ it 7c>as, as the case viay be^ adopted as presented^
i amended^ or rejected ). ., •,

PASSING ACCOUNTS.

On the motion of Comp. , seconded by Comp. .

The sum of $ , in full of account for , (or in

part payment, as the case may be) was ordered to be paid.

wgnyyjry

174

ROYAL AKCII C<J.MI'AM()\.

READING CORRESPONDENCE.

The following Conespondence was read.

(Here follow with the subject matter of each).

RECEIVING PETITIONS.

It was moved by Comp. , seconded by Comp. ,

and adopted (or rejected, as the case may be).

That the application of Bro. , M.M., member of

Lodge, No. , for Exaltation and intermediate

degrees, be received, referred to the Com., and the name
placed on the minutes, to he balloted for at the next
Regular Convocation.

(Each Petition must be entered separately),

(The same form is to be used for joining Comp., sub-
stituting the word "Comp." for "Bro.", and "to be-
come a member" instead of for "Exaltation," etc.; also
stating the Chapter from whence he hails).

BALLOT.

The Report of the Executive Committee being favora-
ble, the R.E.Z. ordered the Ballot to be passed for Bro.

, member of Lodge, No. , for Exaltation and

intermediate degrees, which was taken, and upon exam-
ination, declared in favor of (or against) the Brother, as
may be.

ill

(The : ame form will apply to joining niembeis, using
the term '* Companion" for '* Bro.", and tlie words ** to
become a member" for " Exaltation," etc.).

EXALTATION.

Bros. , having received the degrees of Mark Mas-
ter, Past Master, Most Excellent Master? and being duly
prepared, were Exalted to the supreme degree of the
Holy Royal Arch.

GENERAL BUSINESS.

If Committees are appointed for special purposes, after
motion has been moved and adopted, state the fact, also any
other general business which may have transpired and is
proper to he recorded.

APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEE.

The R.E.Z. appointed Companions as a Commit-
tee (here state the nature of the business), and to report
at the next Regular Convocation of this Chapter.

CLOSING.

No further business comi' g before the Chapter, it was
closed in due form at o'clock.

Read and Confirmed in open Chapter, this day of

18-.

Scribe,

lyS

ROYAI. AKCH COMPANION.

(IF) INSTA.t.LATION OF OFFICERS.

It being the Annual Convocation of this Chapter for
the Installation of Officers, the Installing Z. assumed the
chair, after confirmation of minutes relating to the elec-
tion of Principals, and the Companions expressing them-
selves satisfied with their choice, all who were not
installed lirst Principals were directed to retire. The
Companions being re-admitted, the Installing Z. pro-
claimed Comp. First Principal Z., Comp. Second

Principal H., and Comp. Third Principal J.

The rest of the Officers were then invested :

-Scribe E.
-Scribe N.

k^omp.

Comp.

Comp. —Treasurer.

Comp. P Sojourn'r.

Comp. S. Sojourn'r.

Comp. ^J. Sojourn'r.

Comp. ^Janitor.

Comp. Mast. 1st V.

Comp. Mast. 2d V.

Comp. Mast, 3d V.

Comp. Mast.4th V.

(^omp. 1). of C.

Comps Stewards.

The R.E.Z. then appointed the following Officers and
members of Commiitees.

(Here state names and committees).

'i-.U..,.

FORM OF MINUTES.

177

SUBORDINATE LODGES.

con-

! Lodges of Intermediate degrees may be held for

j ferring such degrees, without the Chapter being opened.

I If the Chapter is open, close it before opening a Lodge.

MARK MASTER.

Minutes of a Meeting of Mark Masters, held at ,

on day of 18—.

OPENING.

j The Lodge was regularly opened at-
the following Officers.

(Here state the officers).

DEGREE.

Bro. , having been properly prepared, was ad-
vanced to the honorary degree of a Mark ALister Mason.

The Lodge w as then closed in harmony, at o'clock.

PAST MASTER.

And a Lodge of Past Masters was opened, with the
following Officers.

{ Here state the o^icers).

— o'clock, with :

178

ROYAL ARCH COMPANION.

Bro. , having been |»roperly prepared, was a.l. I

mitted and duly seated in the Oriental chair of King |
Solomon.

The Lodge was then closed in harmony, at o'clock.

M. E. MASTER.

And a Lodge of Most Excellent Masters was opened,
with the following Officers. ,

( Here state officers).

Bro. , having been properly prepared, was ad-
mitted ami duly received and acknowledged as a Most
Excellent Master.

The Lodge was then closed in harmony, at o'clock.

Note. — Lodges of any of the three subordinate degrees
may be opened for the purpose of conjcrring such degree.
The minutes of all sueh meetings should he recorded in tJic
Chapter Minute Book.

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^S. J. SARaANT,*<-

-Manl'kactirkr of —

MASOmC & SOCIETT ztomL

JEWELS, &c.

TORONTO,

BOX 1176.

ONT

FOR BLUE LODGE.

.A.:PI^03:s^s.

Linen Aprons per doz.

Entered Apprentice Aprons

Fellow Craft Aprons

M. M. Aprons, No. 1

»i K No. 2 -Leather ined, Solid Tassels, &c . .

ti tt No. 3— Best II II

P. M. Aprons, Eibbon Levels, &c. Leather or Silk lined

I) II Solid Levels, Tassels, &c. m h

Officers' Collars, plain, cord and button

t( M Leather lined, cord and button

Gauntlets, Silver Braid and Fringe

Lodge Jewels, E. plated ...

if II Silver

I II Silver, handsomely engraved

Square and Compasses in E. plate or Silver

Past Master's Presentation Jewels, in Silver, Silver Gilt

and Gold

Slippers, Gavels, Wo; king Tools, Ballot Boxes and Bal-
lots, Apron Cases, &c., &c.

^mjih jm]i w^nw-

Royal Arch Suits, Apron and Sash, leather or silk lined. $
Principal's Suits, 13 x 15 ; leather or silk lined ; solid

tassels ; trimmed gold lace and fringe

M If 15 X 18, gold lace and fringe

Grand Chapter Suits, 15 x 18 ; gold lace and fringe ; em-
broidered centre piece of office

Officers' Collars, plain, cord and button each,

K II leather lined i<

" Jewels, gilt, handsome, set of 10 pieces

P. Z. Presentation Jewels, in Silver, Gilt and Gold

R. A. Jewels in Metal or Silver Gilt

Marks in Pearl, Silver, Silver Gilt or Gold

:F'TJ:E^3s^ITTJI^:E, fee.

Plato and Letters, sunk circle, with cover

3 Principal's Robes, Z. H. & J

Officers' White Robes, each,

Marble Keystone

Triangle for Bi ble

Signet of Truvh

Pennies for Mark Degree

Lattice Window

6 Candlesticks, plain or carved

Double Cube Altar

3 Sceptres ; Z. H. & J

4 Gavels ; 6 Squares ,

Shovel, Pick, C. Bar, Scroll

Trowel ;C. Tow

Ark of the Covenant

Arch for M. E. M. Degree

Banners, &c., &c.

•^i-

GRAND LODGE

if. I

-A.:PI^Ols^s.

No. I.— Size, 14 X 17, trimmed dark blue, ribbon
or solid levels $

No. 2. — Size, 14 X 17, Silver gilt levels, lace, &c.

No. 3.— M 15 X 18, Gold Lace and Fringe^
solid levels, &c

No. 4. — Size, 15 X 18, Gold Lace and Fringe,
solid levels, embroidered centre piece

No. 5. — As No. 4, with embroidery round

" ■ ' il

COXJXiJLT^S,

No. I. — Dark blue, plain, leather lined

No. 2. — II embroidered, n

No. I. — Dark blue, trimmed, gold lace and fringe.

No. 2. — As No. I, with ^jold embroidered badge

of office upon them . . . T

^ Knights Templar.

K. T. Bnldnc .~

K. T. iMantle of white stuH; cVc! *

■ |v. T. Gauntlets, Swords

K. T. Jewel, Star, cS:c . . .

K. Malta Jewels, &c

Banners, Sepulchre, Helmet, Shield, BreastDhte nnri
every other requisite for fitting up a Pr^ceptorv^

Prices furnished on application.

f<ed Cross of Rome &Co7tstantine

Apron and Sash,

Jewel and Sword,

And all other Regalia requisite.

Rose Croix and Consistory,

Rose Croix Apron and Collar,

Jewels for 14°, 18°, 32°,

32° Collars.

Royal and Select Masters,

^^^\£Z^^^^i:^ ^^J^^ -tides specified

in this list

Box 1176, Toronto, Ont.