Declaration: 1 - By the solemn act of union between the two Grand Lodges of Freemasons of England in December, 1813, it was declared and pronounced that pure Antient Masonry consists of three Degrees and no more, viz., those of the Entered Apprentice, the Fellow Craft and the Master Mason, including the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch.
The following is designed to guide the steps of the Master Mason into that channel that will lead him to the apex of Craft Masonry, the Supreme Degree of the Holy Royal Arch.
The Mark Master Degree
"The stone which the builders refused is become the head
stone of the corner"
-Psalms 118:22
It was customary for Operative Masons to select for themselves a Mark, to be placed upon every piece of work wrought by them. Each Mark was distinctive. These Marks may be seen today on the stones in old cathedrals of Europe. A report made to the Grand Mark Lodge of England states "There is probably no Degree in Freemasonry that can lay claim to greater antiquity than this one." The Grand Mark Lodge controls the degree in England. In Scotland, United States and Canada, it is vested in the Grand Royal Arch Chapters.
The lessons of the Degree are intensely practical, emphasizing the great requirements in life, namely, Qualification and Service.
The Most Excellent Master Degree
"The King and all the people dedicated the House of
God."
- 2 Chron. 7:4
This Degree is associated with the completion and dedication of King Solomon's Temple. It is one of the most impressive Degrees in the series. It's ceremonies are sublimely spiritual, and it's symbolism is a fitting prelude to that of the Holy Royal Arch.
It's lessons are Worship, Adoration and Self-abnegation.
The Supreme Degree of the Holy Royal Arch
"The Lord gave the Word. Great was the company of those
that published it."
- Psalms 68:11
This Degree takes its origin from circumstances surrounding the building of the Second Temple, five-hundred years after the dedication of King Solomon's Temple, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians. The people were carried away captive to Babylon. Zerrubabel, a Prince of the House of Judah, was born in captivity. During his upbringing, he became a great friend of the youthful Prince Cyrus, who when he became King, liberated the Jews and assisted Zerrubabel in the rebuilding of the Second Temple.
He is one of the finest characters depicted in Freemasonry, whose loyalty to his God and to his people are outstanding characteristics. Under his direction, the Second Temple was built, assisted by Haggai the Prophet and Joshua the High Priest. These titles are given to the three presiding officers of our Chapter - Zerrubabel, Haggai and Joshua. In some other jurisdictions the titles vary.
The whole of the ceremony, founded on Biblical and Traditional history, is most impressive and elevating. The Ancient Robes of the officers, the Banners of the twelve tribes, the elaborate symbolism, all lend a dignity and interest which no other Degree in Freemasonry can approach, and every Master Mason when he reaches the climax in Freemasonry in this Supreme Degree, feels a satisfaction and joy such as he has not before experienced in any of the preceding Degrees.
The late distinguished Companion, Lord Ampthill, Pro First Grand Principal of the Grand Chapter of England said this: "I call the Royal Arch Degree the 'Keystone of Freemasonry'. Pure Antient Freemasonry, it is declared consists of three degrees and no more, Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason, including the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch. It's adoption is a vital part of our system"
The great lessons of this Degree are Humility, Loyalty, Service with Hope of Reward, Brotherly Love or Companionship.
Conclusion
It is the duty of every Royal Arch Mason to assist in placing the
feet of the Master Mason on the path that leads him onward and upward to the destiny that
has awaited him ever since he was invested with the Substituted Secrets of a Master Mason
and to tell him of something of what he is to expect in his further search for Masonic
truth.
This is the mission of this short informative article. When you, as a Master Mason become
interested and are prepared to move upward and onward you will find all Royal Arch Masons
ready and glad to lend the helping hand.
"Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that
getteth understanding."
- Eccl. 12:13
(from the pamphlet prepared by the Grand Chapter of B.C. and Yukon
)