Most Excellent Peter J. Bruton KYCH
GRAND HIGH PRIEST
On behalf of the officers and members of the Most Excellent Union Grand Chapter, Holy Royal Arch Masons of Florida and the US Virgin Islands, Inc., PHA, I am honored to welcome you to our official website.
While this site is still under construction, we are pleased to provide you with a glimpse into the work, fellowship, and service that defines our Grand Chapter. As Royal Arch Masons, we remain committed to preserving our rich heritage, strengthening our Chapters, and making a positive impact within the communities we are privileged to serve.
It is my sincere hope that your visit will provide insight into who we are and the role we fulfill in our respective communities. Whether you are a Companion, a member of the Masonic family, or someone simply seeking information about Holy Royal Arch Masonry, we thank you for taking the time to visit us.
I encourage you to share this website with your family and friends and to return often as new information, updates and photos are added. Should you need assistance, please feel free to contact our Grand Secretary using the contact us at the bottom of this page.
Thank you for your interest in our Grand Chapter and for allowing us the opportunity to share our journey with you. May the Grand Architect of the Universe continue to bless you and your family with peace, health, and abundant favor.
General Information
Royal Arch Masonry is the first order a Master Mason joins in the York Rite. The Chapter works the following degrees: The Mark Master Mason degree is in some respects an extension of the Fellow Crafts’ second degree. In some jurisdictions the degree is conferred in a Fellow Craft Lodge, that is, the second degree of the Blue Lodge. The Past Master (Virtual) degree is conferred because of the traditional requirement that only Past Masters of a Blue Lodge may be admitted to Holy Royal Arch. Because there are so many applicants for this degree, Virtual Past Master is required to qualify them for it. Much of the work is the same given to install the Worshipful Master of a Blue Lodge. There is no such requirement or procedure outside the USA. In the Most Excellent Master degree the building of King Solomon’s Temple, which figures so prominently in Blue Lodge, has been completed. In England the degree is conferred by Cryptic Councils, along with three other degrees below. The Royal Arch Mason degree is said by many to be the most beautiful degree in all of Freemasonry. Following the convocation of Supreme Grand Chapter in England on November 10, 2004, there are significant ritual differences from that worked in the USA, fraternal inter-relations remain as before. Freemasons who reach this degree may continue to Cryptic Masonry or go straight to Knights Templar (where permitted—requirements vary in different jurisdictions).
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