Royal Arch Masonry History


                                                                                           

Every Master Mason aspires to attain the summit of Ancient Craft Masonry. In that life, however, there comes a time when he realizes that he has not yet attained that goal, that he Is not yet in possession of all the rights and light of a Master Mason, as these were known and understood by his ancient brethren.

But he does not realize that the goal of his aspirations is near at hand-In the Royal Arch Degree.

All Symbolic Masonry has its source In the Grand Lodge of England. Section I of the Constitution of the United Grand Lodge of England declares that “pure, ancient 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 Degree of Royal Arch Mason is founded upon the destruction of the first and the building of the second Temple. The ceremonies of the Degree have an interesting and graphic historical setting and a profound and reverential moral significance. The Royal Arch Degree is the complement of the Master’s Degree, the unfolding into a second volume of the history of that which was lost to its final recovery. It has been said that “The Royal Arch stands as the rainbow of promise in the Ritual; it stands as the promise of the resurrection; of that which was lost and that which shall be recovered.”

The value of Royal Arch Masonry will be justly appreciated by all who are Exalted to that Most Sublime Degree, particularly by those who are seeking ·to complete their Masonic education. It reveals the full light of Ancient Craft Masonry, presents it as a complete system in accordance with the original plan and confers, at last, the rights and light of a Master Mason in fact as well as in name. It truly leads to a fuller understanding of the purposes and spirit of Freemasonry, for standing upon this towering summit we are able for the first time to perceive the completeness of the Ancient Craft and to understand how all its forms and ceremonies, from the Entered Apprentice to the Master Mason’s Degree, are the preparation for the final goal, the Most Sublime Degree of Royal Arch Mason.

Our membership consists only of those who have been regularly initiated, passed and raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in a just and duly constituted Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons who are properly vouched for, in good standing in their respective Lodges and in the community in which they reside.

Mission Statement
To be a preeminent body of Freemasonry by providing knowledge, skills, fraternity and quality services to our members. To be the premier choice of Masons seeking further light and complete their Ancient Craft Masonry Degrees, thereby contributing to the strength and vision of Freemasonry. Royal Arch Masonry, in Wisconsin, shall accomplish this by creating a growing, active, relevant organization of great appeal that is well known and respected.

Vision Statement
Wisconsin Royal Arch Masonry shall be a preeminent organization for high-quality Freemasonry, consistently delivering, by symbols, allegory and example, a moral code founded on the highest standards of ethics, honesty, and integrity. A fraternal organization committed to brotherly love, fostering fellowship, and practicing charity; dedicated to captivating, engaging and educating its members, their families and the community, where the Chapter is a vibrant, respected and valued part of their life.

The organization must be committed to excellence among Freemasons, maintaining quality programs and forging alliances designed to aid the Masonic community and develop the character and leadership skills of Royal Arch Masons.

A Wisconsin Royal Arch Mason can expect to find, in his fraternity, the opportunity to learn and be inspired; lead and be respected; be challenged; be entertained; cooperate with all Freemasons wheresoever dispersed; and be involved with his family; his companions and his community; and be proud to be a member of an organization committed to making a difference.