The Holy Royal Arch
Completing Your Masonic Journey
For every Master Mason, the journey through “Pure Antient Masonry” reaches its natural completion in the Holy Royal Arch. This is a profound and spectacular experience that deepens your understanding of Freemasonry’s core principles and offers new perspectives on your personal growth and purpose.
One Journey, One Organisation: Craft and Royal Arch
The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) highlights that Craft Freemasonry and the Holy Royal Arch are one continuous journey within a single organization. This unique connection in English Freemasonry comes from the 1813 Act of Union, which declared that "Pure Antient Masonry" consists of three degrees, including the Holy Royal Arch.
While the Craft (Lodges) is governed by UGLE and the Royal Arch (Chapters) by the Supreme Grand Chapter of England, they are closely connected. Many senior roles are shared, and the Grand Master himself serves as the First Grand Principal of the Royal Arch, reinforcing this unity. It's not a separate path, but the natural progression and completion of your Masonic experience
District Grand Chapter Officers
Mathew Joseph
District Grand Superintendent
Duleep Sahadevan
District Deputy Grand Superintendent
K. Chandramohan
District 2nd Grand Principal
Ilango Raphael
District 3rd Grand Principal
K. Kannan
President, District Committee Of General Purposes
George Pius Tharayil
District Grand Scribe Ezra
Viji Joseph
District Grand Treasurer
The Exaltation: A Journey of Discovery
The central ceremony of the Royal Arch is called Exaltation. This dramatic and impactful ceremony builds upon the lessons learned in the craft degrees, guiding you through a symbolic journey that reveals deeper truths about your existence and your place in the universe. It is designed to be both thought-provoking and unforgettable.
Following the Exaltation, subsequent meetings within a Chapter involve further ceremonies and lectures that go into the history, symbolism, and principles of the Royal Arch, enriching your understanding and providing new insights. It’s a continuous process of learning and self-discovery.
Building on Principles, Gaining New Perspectives
By joining the Royal Arch, you continue to build on the principles of integrity, friendship, respect, and service that you embraced in the Craft. You'll work with existing friends and new companions, forming even deeper bonds and expanding your network within the Masonic family. The Royal Arch offers a fresh viewpoint, enabling you to grasp the full meaning and value of your Masonic journey.
How to Join The Royal Arch?
If you are a Master Mason and have been for at least four weeks, you are eligible to join the Holy Royal Arch. We encourage you to:
1. Speak to Your Lodge’s Royal Arch Representative: Many Lodges have a dedicated member who can provide information and answer your questions.
2. Contact the District Grand Lodge Office: Our office is also available to provide guidance and connect you with a suitable Chapter. This is the next, enriching step in your Masonic journey, offering completion, deeper understanding, and continued camaraderie.
Chapters in the District of Madras
The District Grand Lodge of Madras is proud to oversee numerous Chapters of the Holy Royal Arch. Each Chapter provides a welcoming environment for Companions to continue their Masonic journey, share in fellowship, and contribute to the broader community.
Chapter School Of Plato, No.150 (Chennai)
Attached to Lodge Perfect Unanimity, No.150.
Date of Opening: December 10, 1811
Pitt Macdonald Chapter, No.1198 (Chennai)
Attached to Pitt Macdonald Lodge, No.1198.
Date of opening: May 17, 1887
Chapter Universal Charity, No.273 (Chennai)
Attached to the Lodge of Universal Charity, No.273.
Date of Opening: January 22, 1965.
Chapter Minchin, No.2710 (Trivandrum)
Attached to Lodge Minchin, No.2710.
Date of Opening: December 28, 1929
Chapter John Miller, No.1906 (Chennai)
Attached to Lodge John Miller, No.1906.
Date of Opening: November 18, 1963
Chapter Southern Brotherhood, No.3311 (Bangalore)
Attached to Lodge Southern Brotherhood, No.3311.
Date of Opening: August 27, 1909
Chapter Cauvery, No.3848 (Thanjavur)
Attached to Lodge Cauvery No.3848.
Date of Opening: March 21, 1927
Chapter Quilon, No.5839 (Quilon)
Attached to Lodge Quilon, No.5839.
Date of Opening: February 18, 1949
Chapter Rock, No.260 (Tiruchirapalli)
Attached to Lodge Rock, No.260.
Date of Opening: April, 27,1907
Chapter Benson, No.1093 (Wellington)
Attached to Lodge Anchor of Hope, No.1093.
Date of Opening: July 18, 1892
Chapter Excelsior, No.1285 (Ootacamund)
Attached to Lodge of Faith Hope & Charity, No.1285.
Date of Opening: 2nd August 1871
The Golconda Chapter, No.3249 (Secunderabad)
Attached to Lodge Golconda, No.3249.
Date of Opening: October 13, 1963
Chapter Ampthill, No.3682 (Coimbatore)
Attached to Lodge Ampthill, No.3682.
Date of Opening: December 20, 1919
Chapter Cochin, No.4359 (Cochin)
Attached to Lodge Cochin, No.4359.
Date of Opening: Janauary 18, 1946
Chapter Kerala, No.2188 (Calicut)
Attached to Kerala Lodge, No.2188.
Date of Opening: August 11, 1956
