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For a system of Masonic degrees to be named rite, it must encompass the first three blue lodge craft degrees, either as degrees within the rite or as a prerequisite for joining the rite. In essence, a Masonic rite occupies a central position in the trajectory of a Mason's journey, serving as the vehicle through which Masonic teachings and ...
These catechisms became known as "Lectures of the Craft" [1] and were gradually developed into a comprehensive instructional system that covered not only the ritual and symbolism, but also the spirit and morals of Freemasonry. [2] Like the actual Lodge rituals, also the Lectures were revised from time to time as Freemasonry developed. [1]
England, Europe and Australasia – A Royal Arch Chapter is required to be sponsored by a Craft Lodge and bears the same number, and in almost all cases the same name; however, the HRA is a separate Order from Craft Freemasonry. Supreme Grand Chapter is governed from the headquarters of the United Grand Lodge of England, but the administration ...
According to Lodge No. 21's records, the “Royal Arch” was carried in a procession by “two excellent Masons” through Youghal, Ireland, on December 27, 1743. However, the oldest known Chapter in the world is Stirling Rock Royal Arch Chapter No 2 in Scotland, which has worked since 1743. [14] [15] [16]
In the British Isles, most of continental Europe (including the masonically expanding states of eastern Europe), [1] and most nations of the Commonwealth (with the notable exception of Canada), the teachings of Royal Arch Masonry are contained in the "Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch" – a stand-alone degree of Freemasonry which is open to those who have completed the three Craft degrees.
The Chain of Union is one of the oldest and most significant practices in Freemasonry. It consists of a ritual formation where Freemasons join hands in a circle, symbolizing the universal brotherhood of the craft. The practice dates back to operative masonry and appears in the earliest known Masonic ritual documents. [1]
The whole system is transmitted to initiates through the medium of Masonic ritual, which consists of lectures and allegorical plays. [2] Common to all of Freemasonry is the three grade system of Craft or Blue Lodge freemasonry, whose allegory is centred on the building of the Temple of Solomon, and the story of the chief architect, Hiram Abiff. [3]
Baron Karl Gotthelf von Hund (1722–1776) introduced a new "Scottish" Rite to Germany, which he renamed "Rectified Masonry" and, after 1764, the "Strict Observance", while referring to the English system of Freemasonry as the "Late Observance."