Royal Arch Resources
This page contains downloadable papers and other resources to help Royal Arch Companions reflect upon the Royal Arch.
The Long Lost Writings
Q. What Biblical evidence is there for our reference to finding ‘part of the long-lost Sacred Law’? Is such evidence the source of our legend?
A. The wording refers to the Principal Sojourner’s report to the three Principals of the Chapter regarding the discovery made in the vault; you will recall he said he had found ‘part of the long-lost Sacred Law promulgated by Moses…
By E. Comp. Harry Mendoza read more here …
The Passwords
Q. Where did the words A.. R…. come from and why were they chosen for use in the Royal Arch ?
A. The words come from the Book of Hosea, chapter 2 , verse 1. It is doubtful if anyone can give an authoritative answer as to why they were chose for use in the Royal Arch. My somewhat tentative suggestion is that the words are meant to remind us of our duty towards God.
By E. Comp. Harry Mendoza read more here …
The Principal Banners
Q. Is there a special order for the arrangement of the four Principal Banners?
A. The order in which they are placed in Supreme Grand Chapter and, to the best of my knowledge in most private Chapters is, ox, man, lion and eagle. This is as viewed facing east and starting from the standard above the Second Principal’s chair.
By E. Comp. Harry Mendoza read more here …
Significance of the Scripture Readings in the Exaltation
Q. What is the significance of the Scriptural texts read by 1he Second and Third Principals when the candidate is lowered into the vault?
A. As it is the Third Principal which reads the first text, I’ll start with him. The first part of his reading is from Proverbs chapter 2:, verses 1 to 9.
By E. Comp. Harry Mendoza read more here …
The Sash
Q. Whence came the inspiration for 1he sash worn by Royal Arch Companions? What is sacred about the sash? Why is it described as ‘irradiated’ and how does that further depict light?
A. As it is the Third Principal which reads the first text, I’ll start with him. The first part of his reading is from Proverbs chapter 2:, verses 1 to 9. The reference is to the highest gift of wisdom, storing up knowledge of God.
By E. Comp. Harry Mendoza read more here …
The Triple Tau
Q. When was the triple tau first used in the Royal Arch?
A. The triple tau probably came into the Royal Arch in the first decade of the nineteenth century. lts origin, so far as the Royal Arch is concerned, is the letter T over the letter H, signifying Templum Hierosolymae,
By E. Comp. Harry Mendoza read more here …
The Left Hand Holding the Glass
Q. What can you tell us about the questions and answers at the after proceedings and in particular the custom of holding the glass in the left hand whilst drinking the ‘toast’?
A. In the after-proceedings of many Chapters in our Constitution questions relating to the Original Grand Lodges are put to the Principal Sojourner by the First Principal. After the exchange the Companions are invited to drink to ‘the pious memory of those Grand Originals.’
By E. Comp. Harry Mendoza read more here …
Biblical Characters featured in the Scripture Readings during the Installation of the Three Principals
The explanation below is an attempt to briefly outline the backgrounds of the unfamiliar (in some cases) biblical characters mentioned in the scripture readings in a Royal Arch Chapter Installation, but now have little or no connection with the ceremony of exaltation.
By kind permission of Provincial Grand Chapter of Cumberland & Westmorland read more here …
The Grand Originals
Those Provinces who use the ‘Warwickshire’ Ritual or’ Aldersgate’ Ritual, or variations of it, will be familiar with the rather strange and sadly unexplained dialogue between the First Principal and the Principal Sojourner read at the Festive Board
By kind permission of Provincial Grand Chapter of Cumberland & Westmorland read more here …
An Introduction to the Chapter Officers
This presentation is suitable for shared delivery by the Chapter Officers and each Officer stands to deliver a statement regarding his Office, as follows:
By kind permission of Provincial Grand Chapter of Cumberland & Westmorland read more here …
Traditional History of the Royal Arch
The ‘traditional history’ in the Royal Arch is far from straightforward and revolves around an ancient legend describing the accidental discovery of an underground chamber or crypt on the site in Jerusalem where King Solomon’s Temple formerly stood and the ‘bringing to light’ of certain things found within it.
By kind permission of Provincial Grand Chapter of Cumberland & Westmorland read more here …
The Hexalpha or Six Pointed Star
The Hexalpha is formed by two interlaced equilateral triangles; it is also has other names including the hexagram, a name which is applicable to any six-line or six sided figure. It is also represents the six-pointed or ‘Blazing Star’.
By kind permission of Provincial Grand Chapter of Cumberland & Westmorland read more here …
The Ephod
The Ephod is mentioned in the scripture readings prior to the Installation of Joshua: “and he put the Ephod upon him, and girded him with the curious girdle of the Ephod, And bound it onto him therewith” Book of Leviticus viii v7.
By kind permission of Provincial Grand Chapter of Cumberland & Westmorland read more here …