Royal Arch Freemasonry in England

Yasha Beresiner

INTRODUCTION

As is well recorded, although recently disputed by Andrew Prescott [1], the premier Grand Lodge of England, universally acknowledged as the first Grand Lodge in the world, was founded on St John the Baptist's Day, 24 June 1717 by four lodges that met in the City of London. The newly created 'Society of Free and Accepted Masons of England' prospered beyond the expectations of its founders. The recruitment of nobility into its leadership, within the first decade of its existence, popularised the organisation. In the first half of the eighteenth century it became fashionable to be a Freemason.

The only disruption to the harmony of events in these early days was the advent of the exposures, publications of ritual of the Freemasons that were intended to disclose the supposed 'secrets' of the Society[2]. Nonetheless, the interest shown by the nobility in the fraternity grew unabated. The Reverend John Theophilus Desaguliers (1683-1744), third Grand Master, was as instrumental in bringing Freemasonry to the attention of the academic aristocracy of the period, and the Royal Society in particular. Rather ironically, those very circumstances that had so encouraged the speedy prosperity of the Craft, namely the recruitment of the nobility and aristocracy, were also to prove to be the cause of the beginning of a temporary decline in the Society; these intellectual aristocrats, whilst enjoying the high rank attributed to them within Grand Lodge, did not feel any obligation, nor any interest for that matter, in actively pursuing their membership of Freemasonry. It was, in their eyes, a well intended and inconsequential charitable entity. They neglected it. By the 1740s, things were not going well for the premier Grand Lodge and it was in this ambiance of general anxiety in English Masonic circles that the Royal Arch first surfaced as a separate Order or degree of Freemasonry.

ORIGINS OF THE ROYAL ARCH

Though only speculation without evidence, the most credible explanations of the origins of the Royal Arch is the possibility that the third degree was fragmented after the introduction of the Hiramic legend in the late 1720s. There are many other theories. There is, however, no dispute as to the authenticity of the earliest mention of the words 'Royal Arch' in a Masonic context, namely in Fifield Dassigny's (1707-44) well known pamphlet. [3]

This was not long before a significant event in London, on 17 July 1751. On that day five lodges, whose membership consisted exclusively of Irish Freemasons, met as a General Assembly and founded 'The Grand Lodge of England According to the Old Institutions'. They became known as 'The 'Antients''. Ironically, members of the earlier premier Grand Lodge founded in 1717, were dubbed as 'The 'Moderns'. The two Grand Lodges did not recognise each other and each considered the other to be irregular. This conflict continued to the end of the century when, finally, the potential benefits of a union was recognised by both parties.

ROYAL ARCH - THE 4th DEGREE

The Royal Arch was adopted as the fourth degree by the 'Antients' Grand Lodge. It was formally stated that Ancient Freemasonry consisted of four degrees and every Craft lodge of the 'Antients' had the authority to exalt Royal Arch Masons. The first edition of the constitutions of the 'Antients', named 'Ahiman Rezon', a title that still defies definition,[4] was published in 1756. There is surprisingly little relating to the Royal Arch in this and subsequent editions. One iconic statement, however, appears in a bracketed quote stating that the author believes the Royal Arch to be 'the root, heart, and marrow of masonry.' [5]It has been generally accepted, therefore, that the Royal Arch activity among the 'Antients' started when their Grand Lodge was first established.

ROYAL ARCH BY THE 'MODERNS'

Meanwhile the 'Moderns' or Premier Grand Lodge, did not recognise the Order at all, notwithstanding the fact that many of their own members were also members of the Order. In fact they were happily, if discreetly, even covertly, practicing the Royal Arch since the mid 1740s. It is not surprising therefore that the pronouncements by Laurence Dermott, the 'Antient's' indefatigable Grand Secretary, recognising the Royal Arch as the fourth degree and as part Ancient Masonry, was an irritant, mildly speaking, to those members of the 'Moderns' Grand Lodge that had adopted the Order.

What choice did these 'Moderns' companions now have? The option to leave their own Grand Lodge and join the 'Antients', in order to enjoy a full-fledged degree, was out of the question. The only alternative left to them was to form their own separate and independent Royal Arch Order, which is exactly what happened in the spring of 1765.

THE FIRST GRAND CHAPTER 1765

Royal Arch activity in what is today's Supreme Grand Chapter starts with the entry, in the first minute book of the unnamed 'Excellent Grand and Royal Chapter', dated 22 March 1765. The meetings were held at the mysterious and still unidentified Mr Inge's premises, until the move to The Turk's Head in Gerard Street, Soho on 12 June of the same year. The records show the more than dual role that Grand Chapter played from the start until 1795, during which time it was both a regulatory body chartering new chapters, and an ordinary chapter undertaking exaltations, holding rehearsals for ritual work and receiving lectures.

In 1769 several chapters were warranted by the Supreme Grand Chapter, of which the first was the Restauration [sic] Lodge or Chapter of the Rock Fountain Shiloh No. 1. The importance of this Chapter No. 1 has been emphasised by a document that has recently and newly come to light in the Library and Museum of Freemasonry.[6]

CHARTER OF COMPACT 1766

On 11 June 1766, in the presence of twenty-seven 'brethren' [sic] and a visitor, the Grand Chapter was opened by the 'Three Grands': Bro Galloway, Bro Maclean and Bro Dunckerley respectively. At this meeting, 'the Right Honble & Right Worshipful Grand Master of the 'Moderns' or premier Grand Lodge of England, Lord Blayney passed the Royal Arch and became a member of the Excellent Grand and Royal Chapter'. This event in itself was a major coup for the members of the Royal Arch. After all, Lord Blayney was Grand Master of that very same premier Grand Lodge that refused to recognise the Royal Arch. Better was yet to come: on the same day of his exaltation, Lord Blayney agreed to enter into an alliance with the companions of the order by way of a 'Charter of Compact' dated 22 July 1766, a most crucial document, under the authority of which English chapters still meet to this day. This was the first Grand Chapter in the world.

THE 'ANTIENTS' SUPPOSED 'GRAND CHAPTER' 1771

The proclamation of the new independent Order of Royal Arch Masons in 1766 by the companions, all members of the 'Moderns' Grand Lodge, pulled the carpet from under Dermott's feet and took the Royal Arch initiative away from him. He was now no longer able to claim the Royal Arch to have supremacy over the Craft degrees. The contrary was true. The establishment of a Supreme Grand Chapter by his opponents had relegated Dermott's Royal Arch to the mere fourth degree of the Craft. The new (Moderns') 'Supreme Grand Chapter', meanwhile, could boast to be a sovereign body, an independent Order, far higher in status than a paltry fourth degree. Laurence Dermott had to take some action and decided that the establishment of an 'Antients' Supreme Grand Chapter would be the solution.

Thus on 27 December 1771 came into existence the so-called 'Grand Chapter of the 'Antients', that great incongruity in our Masonic history.[7] In reality, this supposed separate ruling body of the 'Antients' was no more than a committee of Royal Arch qualified craft members of the 'Antients' Grand Lodge. Several references to 'General Chapter' and the 'Antients' Grand Chapter' are misleading at best. Separate minutes of an 'Antients' Grand Chapter have never been found. Clearly and logically, a Grand Chapter of the 'Antients' could not have existed. After all, to the 'Antients' the Royal Arch was part of Craft Masonry, the fourth degree implemented in Craft lodges. There was no such concept as separate chapters among the 'Antients', so how then could there be a Grand Chapter?

SUSSEX'S EXALTATION AND MORE

The Royal Arch, meanwhile, since its foundation in 1766, was progressing with noteworthy success, as reflected in its minutes. The 'Supreme Grand and Royal Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of England' was acting as the Supreme authority of the Order, while also simultaneously exalting brethren into the Royal Arch. The most important of these exaltations took place on 10 May 1810 when the Duke of Sussex, in the presence of 51 companions and in what must be recorded as the speediest progression ever achieved, was proposed, 'introduced', elected and installed as First Grand Master of Royal Arch Masons, all within the space of a few hours.[8]

SUSSEX MADE GRAND MASTER

On 7 April 1813, as the final steps were being taken toward the union of the 'Moderns' and 'Antients', HRH the Prince of Wales (later King George IV), stepped down as Grand Master of the premier Grand Lodge of England and on 12 May 1813 the Duke of Sussex was installed in his stead. The last entry in the 'Moderns' minute book on 23 June 1813 is particularly revealing. It confirms:

HRH the Grand Master having expressed his anxious wish that a Union of the two societies of Masons in England should be affected upon terms equal and honourable to both parties [... ]. Resolved that HRH be fully empowered to take such measures as to him may seem most expedient for arranging a Union between this Grand Lodge and the society of Masons under His Grace the Duke of Atholl and if necessary to agree and conclude the same [...] and to convene such members of the GL as he may think fit to be a committee to assist in effecting this object [...]

THE ARTICLES OF UNION AND THE ROYAL ARCH

The Articles of Union between the two Grand Lodges were not intended to declare the official recognition of the Royal Arch, nor did they define the Order. They only stated that the Royal Arch was 'the completion of pure Ancient Freemasonry', nothing more.[9] Nonetheless, as indicated below, article II materially changed the historic and functional standing of the Royal Arch in England forever. Most importantly, the Articles of Union did not provide for the creation of an alternative body to cater for the needs of Royal Arch Masons. It created a void so far as the Order was concerned, and chapters tottered on, acting independently and without control, until 18 March 1817.

FINALLY

The Royal Arch is conspicuous by its absence in much that took place in the events leading to the union of 27 December 1813. The small role that the Royal Arch did play, by being mentioned in the Articles of Union, had enormous repercussions still felt today.

23 December 1813 is the date of the last entry in the minute book of the 'Antients' Grand Lodge. They record the presence of Thomas Harper as the Deputy Grand Master and the Duke of Sussex, 'Grand Master of the other fraternity' is also shown to be present. They confirm the minutes of the special Grand Lodge held on 1 December and the installation of the Duke of Kent as Grand Master, and end by thanking the Duke of Kent

[...] for negotiating the Union with the Fraternity of Masons of which the Duke of Sussex is Grand Master'. Grand Lodge is closed in due form and 'adjourned unto St John's Day now next ensuing to meet at Freemasons' Hall Great Queen Street at the hour of ten o'clock in the forenoon. [10]

The result was the particular attachment of the Royal Arch to the Grand Lodge of England, which keeps England (with the exception of some jurisdictions that have copied its practices verbatim) unique in Royal Arch masonry, as it is universally practiced.

Bibliography and credits:

Belton, John, 'The English Masonic Union of 1813: A Tale Antient and Modern' (Bury St. Edmunds: Arima Publishing, 2012)

Beresiner, Yasha,'Royal Arch: the 4th Degree of the Antients', Batham Royal Arch

Lecture, (London: Supreme Grand Chapter of England, Privately printed, 2000)

Brodsky, Michel, 'Some Reflections On The Origins Of The Royal Arch', AQC, 102 (1989), pp. 98-133
Burford, Douglas William, 'The Anomalies of the Royal Arch-Craft Connection', Batham Royal Arch Lecture, (London: Privately printed, 1993)

Dashwood, John R., 'Notes on the First Minute Book of the Excellent Grand and Royal Chapter', AQC, 62 (1949), pp. 165-185

- 'The 2nd and Third Minute Books of the Grand Chapter', AQC, 72 (1959), pp. 63- 74

Edwards, Lewis, 'Augustus Frederick, Duke of Sussex', AQC, 52 (1941), pp. 184-222

Hamill, J. M., 'The Duke of Sussex and the Union, 1813. A new document', AQC, 86 (1973), pp. 286-290

Haunch, Terence Osborne, 'The Royal Arch in England, Ireland and Scotland', AQC, 86, (1973), pp. 326-327

[Hewitt, A. R.,] 'Bi-centenary, 1766 - 1966, Supreme Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of England: especial convocation, 1st July, 1966' (London: Privately printed, 1966)

Hughan, W. J., 'Memorials of the Masonic Union of A D 1813 [...]' (Leicester: Printed by Johnson, Wykes & Paine, 1913)

- 'Origin of the English Rite of Masonry, especially in Relation to the Royal Arch Degree' (Leicester: Publisher, 1884)

Jones, B. E., 'Freemason's Book of the Royal Arch' (London: George G Harrap & Co, 1957)

Smyth, Frederick, 'A Reference Book for Freemasons' (London: QCCC Ltd, 1998)

[United Grand Lodge of England] 'Masonic Year Book - Historical Supplement' (London: Freemasons' Hall, 1964)

* It has been suggested that these publications were not true exposures (i.e. attacks on Freemasons) and were instigated by Grand Lodge, targeted at the Brethren in an endeavour to standardise the ritual at a time when written versions would havebeen strictly prohibited. (See Jan Snoek 'Oral and Written Transmission of the Masonic Tradition' Grande Loge Reguliere de Belgique Acta Macionica Volume 8 (1998) p44 & p47).

[1] See QC Cambridge Conference Transactions April 2017.

[2] It has been suggested that these publications were not true exposures (i.e. attacks on Freemasons) and were instigated by Grand Lodge, targeted at the Brethren in an endeavour to standardise the ritual at a time when written versions would havebeen strictly prohibited. (See Jan Snoek 'Oral and Written Transmission of the Masonic Tradition' Grande Loge Reguliere de Belgique Acta Macionica Volume 8 (1998) p44 & p47).

[3] Dassigny, Fifield A Serious and Impartial Enquiry into the cause of the present decay of Free-Masonry in the Kingdom of Ireland (Dublin: Edward Bate, 1744).

[4] see Sharman, Walter 'Ahiman Rezon - a look at the Hebraic terms and prayers used by Dermott' AQC, 105, 1992, pp. 49-68

[5] Dermott, Laurence 'Ahiman Rezon or, A Help to a Brother; showing the excellence of secrecy [...]' printed for the editor and sold by Brother James Bedford 1756.

[6] https://www.freemasons-freemasonry.com/royal_arch_restoration_chapter.html:accessed 7 March 2017

[7] London Library and Museum of Freemasonry, M/S, Minutes of the Convocation of the 'Antients'' Grand Lodge, 27 December 1771, un-catalogued at the time of writing

[8] Supreme Grand Chapter, Grand Chapter of Communication Minutes, Thursday 10 May 1810

[9] Supreme Grand Chapter, Especial Convocation, 30 November 1813

[10] London Library and Museum of Freemasonry Ref: BE 140 UNI, 23 December 1813.