The Seventh Degree: Royal Arch Mason

“A degree indescribably more august, sublime and important than any which precede it…the summit and [completion] of ancient Masonry.  It impresses on our minds a belief in the being of a God…and reminds us of the reverence which is due to his holy name.”

Previous degrees display a gradual progress of man from the cradle to the grave.  We see him at his initiation acquiring the first elements of morality–that system of right and wrong that his holy book espouses.  We see him progress to the prime of life where learning and the discharge of life’s duties preoccupy his mind.

We see him attaining the experience of a well-spent life and in the joyful hope of a blessed resurrection.  In the Royal Arch Mason degree we are symbolically presented the rewards prepared for those who have distinguished themselves by a patient continuance in doing well.

The great object of pursuit in masonry is truth.  This is the goal to which all masonic labor tends, or it is not masonic labor.  In the Royal Arch the veils which concealed the object of the search from our view are withdrawn and the inestimable prize is revealed.  The focus of Solomon’s wisdom that a life without God is vain, is revealed to us and we understand why King Solomon, son of King David, focused so much energy on ensuring God was the purpose of his life. The Royal Arch Mason learns that God is the center and the capstone of a well planned and executed life.

The foundation of the Masonic edifice is that exhibited by the three degrees – seek, learn, plan, execute.  The capstone of the Masonic edifice is the Royal Arch degree – seek God, serve God, adhere to God.  Without a solid foundation, a cornerstone and a capstone a masonic edifice is incomplete.  Without the cornerstone and capstone the Masonic foundation begun in the first three degrees is likewise incomplete and mutilated; merely the incomplete ruins of a grander plan.  Like an incomplete church, they serve a purpose less complete than they otherwise might.    

Stated another way, a small incomplete building does not serve in the same way that a grand cathedral building does.  They both serve a purpose, but one makes accomplishing the desired objective easier than the other.   

Rosslyn Cathedral as built, the topmost part of the cross design

Rosslyn Cathedral envisioned

Washington National Cathedral