Royal Arch Chapter
Introduction
While the keystone is the principal locking stone of the Arch, the Capstone is the top or cap of the entire wall. Therefore, the Royal Arch of Freemasonry, which has been classed as "the capstone of Ancient Craft Masonry", is known as the Capitular Rite.
Mark Master Mason Degree
Keystone
The work on the Temple continues as in the preceding degrees of the Blue Lodge. The candidate represents one of the workmen who presents a piece of work for inspection whose value is not appreciated at first, but later becomes "the head of the corner". In ancient times, stonemasons placed an identifying symbol or "mark" upon their work. The Workman was classed by the quality of his work, therefore, most strove to do their best work prior to identifying the piece by placing their mark upon it. The degree lays great stress upon the dignity of labor; that we must all work and receive wages according to our just deserts. An important lesson is also taught that we should never claim for ourselves the property or labor of another.
Past Master Degree
In former times, no one was eligible for the Royal Arch Mason degree except Past Masters of Symbolic Lodges, but this meant that very few could receive it. The degree of Past Master was instituted whereby one might become a "Virtual Past Master" and thus be eligible for exaltation to the Royal Arch Mason degree. The candidate is taught that he must first learn to obey before he can learn to rule, and that he must learn to govern himself before he can govern others.
Most Excellent Master Degree
Arc of the Covenent
In this degree, King Solomon's Temple is at last completed and after the holiest article is brought forth from the Tabernacle and deposited into the Sanctuary, the Temple is dedicated with imposing ceremonies to the service of the Most High God. King Solomon offers a sublime invocation, and the burnt offerings and sacrifices are consumed by the fire from Heaven. The brethren rejoice that their long labor is ended and lay aside their aprons. Chronologically, this is the final degree having to do with the erection of King Solomon's Temple.
Royal Arch Mason Degree
Burning Bush
The candidates witness the burning bush where Moses was given the command to return to Egypt and lead forth the children of Israel from bondage, and where God imparted to him the Ineffable Name. They then witness the destruction of the beautiful Temple erected by King Solomon, and are carried away captives to Babylon. After 470 years of bondage, they are permitted to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the city and the House of the Lord. After a long and hazardous journey along the river Euphrates, they arrive and find themselves in the midst of ruins. Upon making themselves known to the grand council, they are set to work removing the rubbish of the old Temple in order to lay the foundations of the new. Amidst these ruins they make many valuable discoveries which had lain buried in darkness for ages, and which complete the knowledge gained in the Symbolic degrees. Thus are connected together, in the most intimate way, the work of the Blue Lodge and the work of the Chapter, neither being complete without the other. Indeed, when the United Grand Lodge of England was formed by the union of the "Moderns" and the "Ancients", it was agreed that the Royal Arch Mason degree was an integral part of the Master Mason degree.