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ROYAL ARCH MASONRY

As with most Masonic groups, the origins of Royal Arch Masonry are obscure.

There are references to its existence in Ireland in 1743, and in England in 1774, but nothing is known as to its form and ritual at that time, no doubt, it bore little resemblance to our present day practices.       

During the 18th century in England, the degree was practiced by two rival craft Grand Lodges, the "Antients" and the "Moderns", with a great deal of rivalry.  This was regularized after the Union of these two groups in 1813 with the formation of the three Supreme Grand Chapters of Ireland, England and Scotland. 

Royal Arch Masonry was introduced to Tasmania by the regiments stationed here in early part of the 19th century. There is a Royal Arch certificate issued by Thorntons Lodge to Joseph Lester dated 18/5/1828, held in the Grand Lodge Library in Hobart.  The first civilian Chapter formed in Hobart was Pacific in 1832

During the 19th century, there was a succession of Chapters in Tasmania, five Irish and two English came and went.  At the time of the formation of the Grand Lodge of Tasmania in 1890, there existed two Scottish one English and one Irish Chapter.  At this time the Irish chapter ceased work and the English chapter transferred to the Scottish Constitution.  This paved the way the way for formation of the District Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Tasmania, and so exists today.

The District is supervised by a Grand Superintendent appointed by Scotland.   Royal Arch Masonry is widespread and is in many countries of the world.

The ritual of the Royal Arch is based on King Solomon's temple, its rebuilding by Zerubbabel.  The degrees worked are the Mark degree, Excellent Masters degree, and the Royal Arch Mason.  Membership is open to all Master Masons.

There are 12 Chapters in Tasmania, most meet monthly. the membership is over 450.

Should you wish more information, either check out the contacts listed below or use the information request form provided on the Grand Lodge pages.

Please ensure that the required fields are correctly filled in, other fields optional. For the form, CLICK HERE.

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The following is a list of Chapters.

For further information, contact Grand Scribe E. 

Ex. Comp. Ian C. Blair   

P. O. Box 79

Mowbray  Tas  7240

Phone (03) 6326 4265     Mobile 0418 140 061

E-mail icblair@techemail.com

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