Provincial Grand Chapter of Yorkshire West Riding

Provincial Lectures - DIY

Explanation of the Holy Royal Arch Ceremony(with ritual)

Ref:

With thanks to:

Rev. Neville Barker Cryer

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WR0504

The Explanation of the Holy Royal Arch Ceremony

INTRODUCTIONNARRATOR 1

Good evening Companions.

Tonight, we will be presenting a shortened version of the ceremony of Exaltation, with the difference that at intervals the ceremony will pause while a Narrator explains what is being done and why.

To understand the Royal Arch ceremony, it may help to start with a few words about the early history of the Order.

There is much uncertainty about its origins, which emerge from around the early 1700's and long before it was to receive its eventual name as the Royal Arch. At this time there were no separate Chapters, neither was there a "ceremony" such as we have today.

Rather, it took the form of a catechism of questions and answers worked in a Craft Lodge (which reminds us that the Royal Arch always was, and still is, an integral part of pure, antient Masonry).

Such a catechism certainly existed before 1726, when the Degree we now know as the Third Degree with its substituted secrets was Introduced to enable brethren to become "Master Masons" without the necessity of having been Installed as Master of a Lodge. One suggestion is that the earlier catechism which evolved to become the Royal Arch is the survival of the old traditions of those true or "complete Masters" who had actually occupied the Chair of a Lodge of accepted Masons.

By the mid 18thcentury the Royal Arch was being widely worked in Lodges and in the early 1760's the first independent Chapters began to appear. In 1766 the first or Premier Grand Chapter was established, to be followed a few years later by a second Grand Chapter, set up by the rival Grand Lodge of the Antients.

The two finally came together in 1813 to form the United Grand Chapter of England. In 1821 this was renamed to the name we know today: The Supreme Grand Chapter.

Throughout this period the Royal Arch was a specifically Christian Order, as indeed was the whole of Freemasonry. This changed in 1835 when the Order was de-Christianised, and as the ceremony progresses we shall see some of the changes in which this resulted.

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NARRATOR 2

The Exaltation ceremony is in three parts.

In the first, the candidate takes his obligation.

The second and third parts resemble the two Acts of a play, in which the candidate finds himself playing the principal role. As In any play, the scene changes as the legend of the three Sojourners unfolds.

At times the Chapter represents the ruins of the former Temple;

at others, the candidate will find himself symbolically In the presence of the Grand Sanhedrin, the Council that regulated the affairs of the Temple and religious life of the Jews.

Our demonstration commences with the Candidate, blindfolded and clothed as a Master Mason, standing outside the door of the Chapter. He has paid his dues, and has been entrusted with the passwords.

The ceremony will be very different to anything he has experienced in his Lodge.

The story which is about to unfold is allegorical, rather than factual, but is set against a backdrop of actual historical events recounted in the Old Testament.

Nearly five hundred years have passed since the death of Hiram Abif. The temple at Jerusalem has been destroyed and the people of Israel taken into captivity by the Babylonians.

Gone too are the familiar surroundings of the Lodge room with its symbols of stonemasonry. Instead he will find himself in the more colourful furnishings of the Chapter.

In place of the Worshipful Master and his Wardens the Chapter Is presided over by three Principals representing biblical figures.

The First Principal represents the princely figure of Zerubbabel, head of the tribe of Judah, who led the people of Israel back from their captivity in Babylon.

The candidate will soon find himself taking part in a more theatrical role but in this, the first part of the three-part ceremony, he has an obligation to take.

Note:

The sections in bold in the following dialogue are to be read by one of the Narrators

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CEREMONY - PART 1Jan - Gives one knock on door.

Jan. - Bro. (full names), who has been regularly initiated into Freemasonry passed to the degree of a Fellow Craft, and in due time raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason, in which capacity he has exercised himself for four weeks and upwards, and has made such progress that as a reward of merit

SN (Gives Court bow) - Most Excellent, there is a report. Z. Comp. SN, see who wants admission.

SN (standing in the doorway, to Jan.) Whom have you there?

Jan. - Bro. (full names), who has been regularly initiated into Freemasonry passed to the degree of a Fellow Craft, and in due time raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason, in which capacity he has exercised himself for four weeks and upwards, and has made such progress that as a reward of merit he has been entrusted with the Passwords leading to this Supreme Degree to which he seeks to be admitted and for which ceremony he is properly prepared.

SN - How does he hope to obtain the privileges of this Supreme Degree?

Jan. - By the assistance of The True and Living God Most High, the united aid of the Circle and Triangle, and the benefit of the Passwords.

SN (to Candidate) - Will you give me the Passwords? Candidate - gives Passwords.

SN - The import of the Words?

Candidate- My people have found mercy.

Narrator:The password was changed to "Ammi-Ruhamah" in 1835, when Master Masons were permitted to enter the Order. Before then all candidates must have first passed the Chair of a Lodge, and the password was one that would have been known only to a Past Master.

SN - Wait, while I report to the M.E.

SN closes the door, faces E and gives court bow.

SN —Your Excellencies, Bro. (full names), who has been regularly initiated into Freemasonry, passed to the degree of a Fellow Craft, and in due time raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason, in which capacity he has exercised himself for four weeks and upwards, and who has made such progress that as a reward of merit he has been entrusted with the passwords leading to this Supreme Degree to which he seeks admission, for which ceremony he is properly prepared.

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Z. - How does he hope to obtain the privileges of this Supreme Degree?

SN - By the assistance of The True and Living God Most High, the united aid of the Circle and Triangle, and the benefit of the Passwords.

Z. - Do you, Companion Scribe Nehemiah, vouch that he is in possession of the Passwords?

SN – l do.

Z. - Then let him be admitted in due form.

SN opens both doors. 2nd AS takes Candidate by the right hand and leads him in, placing him before the kneeler. AS takes up his position on left of Candidate. SN closes the door and returns to his chair.

Z. - Bro...., as you seek preferment in our Order, and have been entrusted with the Passwords leading to this Supreme Degree, we must enquire if you freely and voluntarily offer yourself a Candidate for Royal Arch Masonry?

Candidate - I do.

Z. - Do you present yourself with a view to improving in Freemasonry, and dedicating that improvement to the glory of God and the good of man?

Candidate - I do.

Z. - Are you willing to take the Sacred and Solemn Obligation, restricted to this Supreme Degree and to keep inviolate our mystic rites?

Candidate - I am.

Z. - Then you will kneel whilst the blessing of Heaven is invoked on our proceedings.

Principals stand. The Sojs. assist the Candidate to kneel, and the Comps. stand with the Sign of Reverence.

J. (or a junior companion) reads the following prayer:

PRAYER (J. or Junior Companion)

J. - Almighty God, at whose command the world burst forth from chaos, and all created nature had its birth, we humbly implore Thee to bestow Thy spiritual blessing on this convocation assembled in Thy Holy Name, and grant that the Brother who now seeks to participate in the light of our mysteries may be endued with a portion of Thy Divine Spirit.

May he not enter our Order lightly, nor recede from it hastily, but pursue it steadfastly, and may he ever remember that the object of our Institution is the welfare of our fellow-creatures, but, above all, the honour and glory of Thy most Holy Name. So Mote it be.

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The Comps. drop sign. Reader returns to his place.

Z. - Bro...., in all cases of danger and difficulty, in whom do you put your trust? Candidate (prompted by 2nd A.S.) - In The True and Living God Most High.

Z. - Glad are we to find your faith continued on so firm a basis. You will now rise and follow your conductor. The Sojs. assist the Candidate to rise and the Comps. resume their seats. ft AS sits and 2nd AS takes Candidate to NW corner and pauses. Principals stand.

Z. - The Comps. will take notice that Bro...., who has been regularly initiated into Freemasonry, passed to the Degree of a Fellow Craft, and in due time raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason, is about to pass in view before them, to show that he is the Candidate properly prepared to be exalted to the Supreme Degree of Royal Arch Masonry.

2nd AS leads the Candidate slowly round the Chapter (no squaring), and places him in the extreme W.

Narrator:

As in the Craft Degrees, the candidate is conducted around the room so that the companions can see who he is and that he Is properly prepared. In the East he does not square the corners, but is conducted in a half circle in the form of an arch. In so doing he passes the three Principals who are placed to represent the keystone and two contiguous arch stones.

He will shortly be called upon to advance by seven steps; later In the ceremony we will consider why this is.

Z. - As you seek to participate in the Light of our mysteries, we must call upon you to advance towards the Sacred Shrine where they are deposited, by seven steps, halting and bowing at the third, fifth and seventh, for at each step you will approach nearer to the Sacred and Mysterious Name of The True and Living God Most High.

2nd A.S., holding the Candidate firmly by the right hand, quietly instructs him how to advance. Commencing with your left foot, take three short steps, feet together and bow. Commencing with your right foot, take two short steps, feet together and bow. Commencing with your right foot, take two short steps, feet together and bow.

The length of the steps should be calculated so as to bring the Candidate to the kneeler on completion of the seventh step. If necessary, the position of the Candidate's feet after the third and fifth may be controlled by the 2'' AS placing his left foot in front of the Candidate's right foot at those steps.

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Narrator:To the blindfolded candidate the ceremony thus far must have seemed quite similar to the Craft. He was conducted around the room, affirmed his willingness to take a solemn obligation, and knelt while a blessing was invoked on our proceedings.

This resemblance is about to end. The Chapter now represents the ruins of the former Temple at Jerusalem and the candidate takes the role of the Principal Sojourner, who is lowered into the underground vault and discovers the Sacred Shrine.

Z. - You are now arrived at the crown of a vault, into which it is necessary that you should descend. You will therefore wrench forth two of the arch stones.

1st AS hands crowbar to 2nd AS who puts it into the hands of the Candidate, and assists him to give two wrenches, while the 2nd AS holds up the keystone.

Narrator:

It may seem odd that the ceremony refers here to wrenching forth two arch stones, whereas the Sojourners' later narrative describes their discovery not as an arch, but as a dome.

In fact, the Sojourners' story is drawn from two old legends, one referring to a domed chamber, the other to a series of arches. In England the Royal Arch ceremony was originally preceded by a Mark Degree, in which the story concerns the keystone required to complete the Arch of the Temple. The Degrees are now separate, but the terms keystone and arch stones continue to be used. In Ireland, perhaps more accurately, the ceremony does not refer to a keystone, but to a plug with many sides.

Z. - Let the Candidate be duly lowered into the vault and attend to a portion of the writings of our Grand Master King Solomon. The Sojs. assist the Candidate to kneel. J. (or a junior companion) goes to lectern and reads Proverbs, chap. II, v.v. 1-9, and chap. Ill, v.v. 13-20. Comps remain seated during the readings.

J. (or Junior Companion)

My son, if thou wilt receive my words, …….. drop down the dew.

Reader resumes his seat.

Z. - You will now endeavour to find something in the vault.

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2'' AS guides the Candidate's hand, and lets him pick up the scroll himself, or puts it into his hand.

Candidate (prompted by the 2nd A.S.) - It is found.

Z. – What is found?

Candidate - Something like a scroll of vellum or parchment.

Z. - What are its contents?

Candidate - From the want of light I am unable to discover.

2nd AS puts the scroll into the Candidate's bosom, or the band of his apron.

Z. - Let the want of light remind you that man by nature is the child of ignorance and error, and would ever have remained in a state of darkness had it not pleased the Almighty to call him to light and immortality by the revelation of His Holy Will and Word. Arise (the Sojs. help the Candidate to rise), wrench forth the keystone, and prepare to receive the light of the Holy Word.

1st AS hands crowbar to 2nd AS who puts it into the hands of the Candidate, and assists him to give a wrench.

Narrator:Thus far in the ceremony the candidate has been deprived of light, as were the Sojourners when they first explored the vault.

Here he is reminded that his state of darkness symbolises more than the lack of material light. When he wrenches forth the keystone he admits material light into the hidden vault, and In so doing he also symbolically allows the light of the holy word to enter in.

Z. - Let the Candidate be again lowered into the vault, and attend to a portion of the writings of the prophet Haggai.

The Sojs. assist the Candidate to kneel, as before. H.(or a junior companion) goes to lectern and reads Haggai, Chap. I!, v.v. 1-9. Comps. remain seated.

H. (or Junior Companion) In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month, …… saith the Lord of Hosts.

Reader resumes his seat.

Z - You will now prepare yourself to take the Sacred and Solemn Obligation without which none can be exalted to this Supreme Degree

2nd AS quietly instructs Candidate to remove his gloves, then in a louder voice:

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PS - Support the V.S.L. on your left hand and place your right hand upon it.

Principals sound ks. All stand with sign of fidelity.

Z - Repeat your name at length, and say after me

OBLIGATIONI, (full names), - in the presence of - The True and Living God Most High. - and of this Holy Royal Arch Chapter, - duly constituted, - consecrated, - and congregated, - of my own free will and accord, - do hereby and hereon - most solemnly promise and swear - that I will always hele, - conceal, - and never divulge - any of the secrets or mysteries - restricted to this Supreme Degree, - denominated - the Holy Royal Arch Chapter of Jerusalem, - to anyone in the world - unless it be - to a true and lawful Companion of the Order - whom I shall find to be such - after due examination. - I further solemnly promise - that I will not dare to pronounce - the Sacred and Mysterious Name. - of The True and Living God Most High - lightly or irreverently; - nor to share it by syllables - unless in the presence - and with the assistance of - two or more Royal Arch Companions. - All these several points - I solemnly swear to observe, - without evasion, - equivocation, - or mental reservation of any kind. - So help me - The True and Living God Most High - and keep me steadfast - in this my Sacred and Solemn Obligation - of a Royal Arch Mason.

Narrator:The term used here for the Deity, The True and Living God Most High, was introduced after 1835 to replace the Christian term used previously. The use of the words 'Most High' as in the Third Degree again reminds us of the close relationship with the Craft.

A slight pause, then:

Z - As a pledge of your fidelity, and to render this binding as a Solemn Obligation for so long, as you shall live, you will seal it with your lips on the V.S.L.

The Candidate does so and the Comps. drop the sign. 2nd AS replaces the VS. L.

Z - Comp. 2nd A.S., you will raise the Candidate in due form, with the Grip of a Royal Arch Mason.

2nd AS first takes Candidate's hands then wrists, then forearms, then elbows, saying as he does so:

PS - Bro...., - now a Companion - of our Order - rise

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PS raises the Candidate. The Comps. leave their seats and hold the staves with their left hands. Principals move forward and form a triangle with their sceptres.

Narrator:

The candidate's raising in the Royal Arch is very different to the bleak raising of the lifeless corpse of Hiram Abif in the Third Degree. In that Degree he is confronted by the emblems of mortality, and invited to contemplate on his inevitable destiny.

In the Royal Arch, the difference of symbolism is unmistakable. Here he is raised into the Light of our Order, and will be invited to look beyond his mortal existence to the light of eternity.

Z - Having been kept a considerable time in a state of darkness, what in your present condition is the predominant wish of your heart?

Candidate - Light

Z - Comp. 2nd A.S., let that light be restored to the Candidate 2'" AS removes the blindfold.

Narrator:The candidate's first view of the Chapter, lit only by the six lights around the altar, is one which he will always remember.

The tilting forward of the staves bearing the ensigns creates a sense of the vaulted chamber, and also forms a series of triangles which is completed by the interlocking of the Three Principals' sceptres in the form of a triangle.

The triangle Is an ancient symbol of God, and In the Royal Arch of the triune nature and name of the Deity.

In uniting their sceptres to form of a triangle the Three Principals also hint at the knowledge of geometry which, with the other Liberal Arts and Sciences, was the source of the superiority of knowledge of the old Masters.

Z - We congratulate you upon being admitted to the Light of our Order, and it is with gratification we express our confidence that your future conduct will fully justify our partiality in exalting you to this Supreme Degree so truly denominated the essence of Freemasonry.

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Narrator:In the 181h Century, when the Royal Arch was a Christian Degree It was considered the 'summum bonum' or Supreme Degree because it purported to reveal the true name of God.

Today it can still be considered Supreme as the climax and completion of pure antlent Masonry.

You will now read the contents of the scroll you brought with you out of the vault.

The Candidate, assisted by the 2ndA.S., takes out the s. and reads Genesis, Chap. I. v. v. 1-3.

Candidate - In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 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 light.

Narrator:Originally the scroll contained the first words of the Gospel of St. John in the New Testament, "in the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God". When the Royal Arch ceased to be a specifically Christian Order in 1835 this was changed to the words we use today, taken from the first three verses of the Old Testament Book of Genesis.

Z - Such, my newly exalted Companion, are the first words of the Sacred Volume, which contains the record of God's revealed will. Let us therefore bless, praise, and magnify His Holy Name for the knowledge vouchsafed unto us and walk worthily in the light which shines around.

J. - In the degrees which you received in the Craft, you were taught that Freemasonry is a system of morality based on a belief in The Great Architect of the Universe and promoting brotherly love, relief and truth, as the rule for your earthly pilgrimage. The ceremony of Raising implies that there is more to learn, for it urges us to lift our eyes to Him whose Divine Word brings peace and salvation to the faithful and obedient of the human race.

H. - The Royal Arch develops this theme. It is therefore concerned with truth in the light of eternity and so leads Companions to a higher understanding of the purpose of our mortal existence. It is in this sense that you should consider the vision revealed to you when you were restored to light. The meaning of your actions whilst in a state of darkness and the significance of this revelation is about to be explained to you, so that you may understand and enjoy the companionship of the Order of which you are now a member.

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Z - You will now retire, and on your return to the Chapter the ceremony will be resumed.

The P.S., 1st A.Soj. and Candidate retire. The Principals and Comps. wait until they have left, and then resume their seats. 2nd A.Soj. rebuilds the Arch.

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CEREMONY - PART 2Janitor to await completion of this narrative before knocks

Narrator:The second part of our three-part ceremony is about to commence. The Chapter Room now represents the Grand Sanhedrin, the Council of seventy elders which regulated the affairs of the Temple and religious life of the Jews.

The Sojourners will shortly present themselves before the Grand Sanhedrin on their arrival from Babylon. They represent the historical return of the people of Israel from their seventy year period of captivity in Babylon, led by Zerubbabel, Prince of Judah.

A record of the decision of Cyrus, King of Persia, to repatriate the Jews survives to this day in a 6,000 year old inscribed cylindrical clay tablet, known as the Cyrus cylinder and held in the British Museum. Cyrus makes much of his generosity In freeing them from the "yoke" of their captivity.

In reality, it appears that by releasing them, and by funding reconstruction and the return of temple properties, Cyrus hoped to restore the loyalties of formerly conquered regions. To the Jews however It seemed that the prophecy of Isaiah was being fulfilled and they interpreted it as their God influencing Cyrus's mind in their favour.

When the three Sojourners enter the Chapter the part of one will be taken by the candidate, the other two being officers of the Chapter. In the early days of the Royal Arch all three Sojourners were candidates, and so it was necessary to have three candidates before a ceremony could proceed.

The Jan. reports, with four knocks.

SN - M.E., there is a report.

Z - Comp. S.N., see who seeks admission.

SN (standing in the doorway) - Whom have you there?

Jan. - Three Master Masons from Babylon, having heard that you are about to rebuild the Temple to the honour and glory of the Most High, are anxious to sojourn among you, and assist in that great and glorious undertaking.

SN - Wait, while I report to the Three Principals. SN closes the door, faces E and gives a court bow.

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SN - Your Excellencies, three Master Masons from Babylon, having heard that you are about to rebuild the Temple to the honour and glory of the Most High, are anxious to sojourn among us, and assist in that great and glorious undertaking.

Z. - Admit them.

The Sojs. and Candidate, are admitted, the Candidate leading, 1st AS next, and the P.S. last. They take their places in the W.

Z. - Strangers, whence come you?

1st AS - From Babylon, M.E.

Z. - What is your request?

PS - Having heard that you are about to rebuild the Temple to the honour and glory of the Most High, we are anxious to sojourn among you and assist in the great and glorious undertaking.

Z. - As no strangers can be permitted to assist in that most holy work, we demand to know who you are.

ft AS - Brethren of your own tribes and families, your Excellency.

Z. - But are you descended from those who fled when the city and holy Temple were oppressed? Or are you of that tribe left behind by the Babylonian general for the purpose of tilling the land?

PS - We would scorn to be descended from those who basely fled when the city and holy Temple were sorely oppressed; neither are we of that menial tribe left behind by the Babylonian general for the purpose of tilting the land. We are nobly born and, like yourselves, descended from a race of patriarchs and kings. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were our forefathers. M.E., we are of the royal line of David and the princely tribe of Judah, who for their sins and those of the people were led into captivity, with Jehoiachim their king, by Nebuzarraden, Captain of the Guard to Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, there to remain for seventy years, as was foretold by the prophet Jeremiah. The period of the captivity expired in the first year of Cyrus, King of Persia, when it pleased the Lord to inspire that prince to issue the following proclamation: Thus saith Cyrus, King of Persia. All the kingdoms of the earth hath the Lord God of Heaven given me; and he hath charged me to build him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his people? The Lord his God be with him, and let him go up. We eagerly availed ourselves of this opportunity of returning to our native country, and are come up accordingly to sojourn amongst you, and to offer our assistance in rebuilding the Temple to the honour and glory of the M.H, who hath promised by the mouth of His holy prophets to establish there His Name for ever, and give peace to the whole earth.

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Z. - We congratulate you on your noble ancestry, and with pleasure admit you as members of our tribes and families. It only remains to enquire on what part of the holy work you wish to be employed.

PS - Any position to which your Excellencies may appoint us will be deemed an honour conferred.

Z. - Humility and docility are sure indications of merit, but from the lateness of your application the principal offices (indicating Z and J.) are already filled. We will for the present, engage you to go and prepare the ground for the foundation of the second Temple, on the site where the first formerly stood, for which purpose you will be furnished with the proper working implements; but we lay this strict injunction upon you: that should you, during the progress of your labours, make any discovery which you deem of importance, you will communicate it to none but the Grand Sanhedrim now sitting.

PS - We humbly thank your Excellencies for the trust reposed in us, and pledge ourselves to a faithful performance of the duties thereof.

S.E. and SN leave their chairs and supply the implements: the P.S. receives the crowbar, Candidate the pickaxe, and 1st AS the shovel. If there is more than one Candidate, the second Candidate, not the 1st AS carries the shovel.

Z. - Go, and may the God of your fathers be with you.

The Sojs. and Candidate retire. The Jan. prepares the P.S. by tying one cord round his waist and attaching two others to this - one on the left and one on the right.

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CEREMONY - PART 3Janitor to await completion of this narrative before knocks

Narrator:

While we await the return of the Sojourners, we will take this opportunity to consider why the candidate was instructed to advance by seven steps, and the significance of the blue, purple and crimson colours of the Royal Arch.

As with so much In the Royal Arch, the reason why the candidate advances by seven steps is open to different interpretations.

One explanation is that It symbolises the approach to the pedestal in the three degrees, three steps in the first, five in the second and seven in the third.

Another is that this was the number of steps taken in the Super Excellent or Veils degree that once immediately preceded the ceremony of Exaltation (as it still does in Bristol). That ceremony had three steps to the Blue Veil, two steps to the Purple Veil and two steps to the Crimson Veil.

These colours - which are also the colours of the robes worn by the three Principals - were those of the curtain that covered the arched entrance to the Holy of Holies in King Solomon's Temple.

The third part of our ceremony is now about to commence.

The Sojourners have returned from their labours in preparing the ground for the foundation of the second Temple. They are full of excitement, and are anxious to report a discovery they have made.

They will present their narrative to the Grand Sanhedrin, but as they re-enact their story the Chapter Room will again come to represent the hidden vault.

Jan. then gives four knocks.

SN - M.E., there is a report.

Z - Comp. S.N., see who seeks admission. SN opens door.

SN - Whom have you there?

Jan. - The three Sojs., who were sent to prepare the ground for the foundation of the second Temple, having made a discovery they deem of importance, are anxious to communicate it to the Grand Sanhedrim now sitting.

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SN - Wait, while I report to the Three Principals. SN closes the door, faces E and gives a court bow.

SN - M.E., the three Sojs. who were sent to prepare the ground for the foundation of the second Temple, having made a discovery they deem of importance, are anxious to communicate the same to your Excellencies.

Z - Admit them.

The 1st A.S., P.S. and Candidate are admitted in that order.

Z - We understand you have made a discovery you deem of importance. You will therefore communicate to us the discovery you have made, and the circumstances which led to the same.

PS - M.E., on resuming our labours early this morning we discovered a pair of pillars of exquisite design and workmanship. Proceeding onwards, we found six other pairs, of equal symmetry and beauty, which from their situation appeared to have supported the roof of a subterranean passage or gallery, leading to the spot where the Most Holy Place formerly stood. Our progress was here impeded by the fragments which had fallen during the conflagration of the former Temple.

These we cleared away, and came upon what appeared to be solid rock. Accidentally striking it with my crowbar (P.S. strikes the floor four times) I heard a hollow sound. I therefore hailed my Comps., when the one with the pick (indicating the Candidate) loosened the ground, which the other (indicating the A.S.) cleared away with the shovel, when what first appeared to be solid rock proved to be a compact piece of masonry in the form of a dome. Knowing from the character of the architect of the former building that no part thereof had been constructed in vain, we decided to examine it further. We therefore wrenched forth two of the arch stones, when a vault of considerable extent appeared to view. Being all anxious to descend, we cast lots; the lot, M.E., was mine. My Companions tied this strong cord, or life-line, round my body to assist my descent, but being apprehensive of dying from damp, noxious vapours, or other unforeseen causes, I took a smaller line in each hand, wherewith to give preconcerted signals, if I required more liberty or wished to be drawn up. I was then duly lowered into the vault.

Narrator:The manner in which the Principal Sojourner explores the underground vault has its origins In two legends. One told how workmen helping to rebuild Jerusalem in the middle 4th century A.D. found a cavity and were let down into it.

The other records how the High Priest - who alone was allowed to enter the Sanctum Sanctorum - was fitted with cords to enable him to be drawn out by those outside If he should lose consciousness.

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On arriving at the bottom, I thought I felt something like the base or pedestal of a column, with certain characters engraven thereon, but from want of light I was unable to discern their meaning. I therefore signaled with my left hand for more liberty, and on exploring the vault found this scroll of vellum or parchment, but from the same cause I was unable to read its contents. I then signaled with my r.h. and my Companions drew me up, bringing the scroll with me. On arriving at the Light we found from the first words that it was part of the long-lost Sacred Writings promulgated by Moses at the foot of Mount Horeb in the Wilderness of Sinai. This naturally stimulated us to further exertions. We therefore enlarged the aperture by removing the keystone and I was again lowered into the vault.

The sun, by this time, had attained its greatest altitude and shone with meridian splendour through the opening, enabling me clearly to distinguish those objects I had before so imperfectly discovered. In the centre of the vault stood a block of white marble, wrought in the form of the altar of incense, a double cube, on the front of which were engraven the initials of the three Grand Masters who presided at the building of the former Temple, namely, S.K.l., H.K.T. and H.A., together with other mystic characters, whilst a veil covered the face of the altar.

I approached it with reverential awe, and on raising the veil I there beheld on a plate of gold that which I humbly conceived to be the Sacred and Mysterious Name of The True and Living God Most High. I carefully re-veiled it with all respect and reverence, gave the agreed on signal, and was drawn up. Assisted by my Companions I closed the aperture, and we have hastened hither to communicate to your Excellencies the discovery we have made, and the circumstances that led to the same.

Z - Your narrative bears every appearance of truth, but to convince us you must state what you saw engraven on that plate of gold.

PS - That, M.E., we must humbly beg to decline, for we have heard with our ears, and our fathers have declared unto us, that in their days, and in the olden time before them, it was not lawful for anyone to mention the Sacred and Mysterious Name of The True and Living God Most High, except the High Priest, and even he but once a year and then only when he entered the Holy of Holies and stood before the Ark of the Covenant to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

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Narrator:

We should remember that the Ark of the Covenant was the Jews most sacred object, built at God's command as a receptacle for the tablets of the ten commandments. The Ark was once an important Masonic symbol and representations of It were placed in the centre of the Lodge Room, or in front of the altar in Chapter.

Today It is less visible but stilt to be found - although you may have to look hard for It! - In the arms of Grand Lodge and Supreme Grand Chapter on our Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter certificates.

Z - We admire your pious caution, and your conduct considerably increases our esteem. We shall therefore depute two of our Comps, E. and N., to accompany you to the spot, and their report shall determine your reward.

P.S. passes crowbar to 1st AS Candidate and 1st AS remain where they stand. P.S., E. and N. leave the Chapter. Once outside, they form a triple and share the word. They then re-enter the Chapter without the Jan. giving a report. P.S. returns to his place. E. and N. advance up the north and south sides of the Chapter by seven steps, but no sign, to the pedestal, which they unveil.

S.E. - Correct, M.E., in every particular.

SN - Correct, M.E., in every particular.

E. and N. then return and stand in line with the Sojs. and Candidate

Z (after consulting H. and J.) - Comps. my colleagues in office concur with me in the opinion that as a reward for your zeal and fidelity in having found the Ss. of the Royal Arch you should immediately be called to that exalted rank held by your noble ancestors. Comps. E. and N., divest these worthy Masons of the implements of labour, clothe them in the robes of innocence; and instruct them to advance hither that they may be duly rewarded.

The Sojs. and Candidate are relieved of the implements and clothed.

S.E. (to the Candidate) The method of advancing in this Degree is by seven steps, halting and bowing at the third, fifth, and seventh. He takes Candidate by the right hand and they advance together.

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Narrator:Although not stated in the ritual it is important to note that the candidate bows not to the Three Principals, but to the alter bearing the plate of gold on which was engraved the sacred name.

The P.S. and 1st AS follow, but without halting and bowing. P.S. collects regalia from S.E.'s table and 1st 'AS picks up four staffs.

Z - The robes with which you have been invested are emblems of that purity of heart and rectitude of conduct which ought to actuate all those who are exalted to this Supreme Degree.

We reward you with this jewel as a mark of our entire approbation (pins jewel), and admit you Comps. among us; we decorate you with this Ribbon, and Badge, the insignia of our Order (puts sash and apron on);

Narrator:Note that although only one candidate is being invested, the First Principal refers to "robes" and "companions" in the plural. This survives from the early days of the Order when, as has already been mentioned, the ceremony could only take place with three candidates.

Notice too that the apron is referred to as a badge. This is because members originally continued to wear their Craft aprons, but with the addition of a badge to show that they had been Exalted into the Royal Arch. After 1835 the separate Royal Arch apron we wear today was introduced, but it was still called a badge

We entrust you with this staff of office (hands a staff to Candidate S.E. and P.S.), which you will ever have a right to bear unless seventy-two of the Elders are present, and we hereby constitute you Princes and Rulers of the Order; and if you continue in the faithful discharge of your duties you will by a regular gradation be admitted to an entire participation in our secrets.

Narrator:Every member of the Sanhedrim was called a 'prince of the people' during his tenure, and presented with his own stave. Only the Principals in the Chapter however wear robes. At one time they also wore headgear signifying their Offices, but today these are reduced to miniature versions as the emblems on their sceptres. Zerubbabel, Prince of Judah, Is distinguished by the crown, Haggai the prophet by the all-seeing eye, and Joshua the high priest by the mitre. (Gesture towards Principals, and arrange for them to raise their sceptres as they are mentioned.)

Z then hands back the staffs to 1st AS who returns to his seat by the north side, as does S.E.

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Z - It is at this point of the ceremony that the manner of sharing the Sacred Name is communicated. The Sojourners found this Name inscribed on a Plate of gold in the vault, and rightly conceived it to be the Sacred and Mysterious Name of The True and Living God Most High. Because in olden times it was not lawful for anyone save the High Priest to pronounce that Name, it is our custom to divide it into three syllables, each syllable to be spoken by a different Companion, thus forming a token of recognition. E Comp. H. will you please assist.

Z - Stand to order thus. This is called the Reverential or Hailing sign and it is to be used when entering or retiring from the Chapter, always to the name on the pedestal, as will be further explained in due course.

The Sacred Name is shared on a series of Triangles, formed first with the r.f., second with the r.k., third r.h. on r.e., and fourth L.h.g.l.w. The Sacred Name is J.H. It is shared in a series of syllables. I will commence and you will follow - the PS will dictate the syllables you are to give.

Z and H. Leave their chairs without their Sceptres. Z gives the Word to the Candidate who should NOT repeat it, and explains the method of communication. Z, H., and Candidate form a triple with left feet, then left hands, then right hands. The Word is then shared in the proper way, Z commencing, then H. then Candidate. The D.C. assists in the placing of the hands, if necessary, and prompting the Candidate as required. After repeating the Word the hands are struck four times.

P.S. and Candidate return to the W.

PS - Thus invested, rewarded, decorated and entrusted by your Excellencies it shall ever be our study to merit the continuance of your approbation by faithfully and assiduously discharging the duties of the high vocation to which you have this day been pleased to call us.

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ADDRESSZ (to Candidate) - Comp........, we congratulate you on being exalted into Royal Arch Masonry, at once the foundation and keystone of the whole Masonic structure. When you were raised to the Third Degree you were informed that by the untimely death of our Master, H.A., the genuine secrets of a M.M. were lost, and that certain substituted signs were adopted to distinguish the M.M. until time or circumstances should restore the genuine. Those secrets were lost for a period of nearly 500 years, and were recovered in the manner which has been explained to you this evening, somewhat in a dramatic form, the more forcibly to impress on your mind the Providential means by which those antient secrets were regained.

A perfect understanding of the secrets and mysteries of the Royal Arch can only be gained by passing through the three Principals' Chairs, and we look forward to the day when you will occupy those high offices and complete your knowledge of this Order. Companions, please be seated.

Narrator:What was lost on the death of Hiram Abif was not the tripartite secret Name of God; this, after all, was still engraven on the plate of gold. What was lost without Hiram was the ability of the remaining two Grand Masters to complete the word, as it must be shared between three. That ability is restored in the Royal Arch by the existence of Three Principals.

The Soj's. and Can, take their seats, Can. in middle, PS on his right, and Asst S. on his left.

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CONCLUSIONNarrator:

Companions, in the Interests of brevity, tonight we will omit the explanation of the signs and Lectures which would normally follow.

This concludes our demonstration of the ceremony of Exaltation. We hope that you have enjoyed it, and that it has helped to increase your understanding of our Order.

The Royal Arch, perhaps more than any other Masonic Order, challenges each one of us to discover its meaning for himself.

The journey which the candidate began as an Entered Apprentice has, in the three degrees of the Craft, conducted him symbolically through the stages of birth, life and death.

Now, to the practical and moral lessons of the Craft he has added the more spiritual message of the Royal Arch, without which no brother's Masonic experience can be considered truly complete.

He can now understand why, since the union of 1813, the Royal Arch has been considered an essential part of, and the means whereby, a brother completes his journey through pure, antient Masonry.

He can also understand why every Master Mason ought to be encouraged to join the Royal Arch before joining any other Degree.

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