This program was intended to help educate the Royal Arch Masons of the State of Illinois on the history of the various degrees that comprise the Chapter. Topics covered in this program include the histories of those degrees both Masonically and historically, as well as a degree synopsis for each of the degrees. The way the program was designed was as an informational pamphlet providing facts along with its source so as to induce further self-study. Additionally, at the culmination of each degree there will be a short quiz.
The Chapter of Royal Arch Masons consists of four degrees which follow the general format of the Blue Lodge Degrees and culminate in the Holy Royal Arch Degree. The first is the Mark Master Degree, in which the brethren learn the importance of the use of a mark, how to properly receive their wages, and what those wages actually are. The next is the Past Master Degree, in which the brethren learn the importance of leadership and what one should do when they’ve arrived at a tough decision. In the Most Excellent Master Degree we see that all is accomplished, and there remains no more to be done, therefore the ceremonies in this degree refer to the completion and dedication of the temple. Lastly, in the Holy Royal Arch Degree we learn of the destruction of King Solomon’s Temple, and discover amongst the rubbish the long lost or Grand Omnific word in all its splendor. Additionally, we learn how the Royal Arch Degree is actually the culmination of the Master Masons Degree.
In order to complete this educational program, you will need three readily available and easy to access books which, with the exception of the ritual book, is provided for you and can be downloaded at your convenience.
Please note that the quizzes are based on the reference material and may not fully match the current Illinois ritual.
Educational Resources for this Program
The Book of the Chapter by Albert Mackey
http://books.google.com/books?id=JH9JAAAAIAAJ
Freemasons Book of the Royal Arch by Benard E. Jones
http://www.phoenixmasonry.org/freemasons_book_of_the_royal_arch.htm
Instruction Ritual of The Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Illinois