CCU was fortunate this week (20-Oct-2024) to be host to a delegation from the Royal Arch Masons. To be a Royal Arch Mason, a man has to first be a Freemason in a Craft Lodge – Rev. Blair currently belongs to Central Lodge in Prescott. Other lodges nearby include North Dundas Lodge in Winchester and Mount Zion Lodge in Kemptville. Similar to Craft Freemasonry, the Royal Arch conveys moral and ethical lessons. In the three degrees of the Craft, the candidate is presented with a series of practical principles of service to his fellow man.

But as man is not simply a practical being, he also has an essential spiritual aspect to his nature. The Royal Arch further develops this latter aspect by a contemplation of man’s spiritual nature, not replacing but supporting what the candidate has learnt from his own religion. In the Chapter (Royal Arch Mason’s meeting), the teachings of the Royal Arch are conveyed using a ritualised allegory based on the Old Testament telling of the return to Jerusalem from the Babylonian captivity to rebuild the City and Temple. In clearing the ground of Solomon’s Temple for the foundations of a new temple, the candidate makes important discoveries. By adding a further explanation to the practical lessons of Craft Freemasonry, the Royal Arch is seen as an extension of the preceding degrees and the philosophical lessons conveyed are appropriate to that stage in a candidate’s Masonic development. (adapted from Wikipedia)

We enjoyed lunch following the service and got to spend some time with the RAM’s and their accompanying spouses. I did ask if and when “ladies” were going to be members … it seems this is not yet in the near future.