Capitular Masonry - Chapter
In point of time,
this degree should follow that of Fellowcraft. Many Masonic
students believe this degree is far older than any other Craft
degree, and with considerable reason to support this belief.
It was customary for our
operative ancestors to cut their "mark" or signature into each
piece of stone they hewed for the building, so that their work
might be identified. These marks may be seen today on the stones
of many the old cathedrals of Europe. From this ancient custom
grew the present day registration and use of "trademarks." We
see them countless times each day, identifying the products of
our modern industrial concerns, but few know the origin of this
custom.
In the Mark Master Mason degree, the candidate selects his own
personal mark which is recorded in the Book of Marks, to be his
own Masonic signature for all time. In this degree he learns the
significance and symbolic meaning of the Keystone, the Chisel
and the Mallet. In it, he receives his symbolic wage for good
work, true work, square work.
The Degree of Virtual Past Master
teaches that before one can rule, he must learn to obey; before
one can govern others, he must learn to govern himself. This
Degree is part of the Royal Arch Chapter because originally only
Past Masters were allowed to receive the Degree of Royal Arch.
This Degree therefore fulfills that requirement.
This degree is probably of more
recent origin than the others in the Capitular series. It has
been called the most spectacular in all of Freemasonry, and with
good reason, for it is one of the most dramatic degrees
conferred.
Chronologically, it should follow the degree of Master Mason. It
has for its theme the completion and dedication of King
Solomon's Temple, so long anticipated in the degrees of the
Symbolic Lodge. It closely follows Biblical history, and
completes the Temple legend upon which Ancient Craft Masonry is
built.
The Royal Arch degree is the
"Pilgrim's Progress" of Freemasonry. Here we find the actual
completion of the degree of Master Mason and the recovery of
that which was lost. After the captivity of the Jews ended, many
of them returned to Jerusalem and began the task of rebuilding
the city and Temple. While this was going on and the rubbish of
the first Temple was being cleared away, interesting and
valuable discoveries were made which formed the backbone of this
most important degree. The Royal Arch degree is unmatched in
pageantry and is the keystone of Ancient Craft Masonry without
which the complete understanding of all that has preceded it is
impossible. It is a "must" for the brother who would complete
that which he has begun.
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