In England and Wales there is an indissoluble link between Craft Freemasonry and the Royal Arch, with the Royal Arch being considered the completion of a Freemason’s journey in “Pure Antient Masonry”.
The Royal Arch has four ceremonies: the exaltation ceremony to admit new members and an installation ceremony for each of the three Principals. The exaltation ceremony is in two parts: a rather dramatic presentation of the principles of the Order followed by three Lectures in which the history, symbolism and principles of the Royal Arch are further explained. Like Craft Freemasonry, the Royal Arch is open to men of all faiths.
Its members, called Companions, meet in Chapters under a Grand Chapter. Chapters are presided over conjointly by three Principals, and the Grand Chapter by three Grand Principals, with a Pro First Grand Principal when the First Grand Principal is a Royal Prince. Chapters are organised as a Metropolitan area or Provinces (in our case the Provincial Grand Chapter of the Isle of Man), each with a local Grand Superintendent in charge.
In the Isle of Man, there a six Royal Arch Chapters:
The Athole Chapter No. 1004 (consecrated 23rd May 1870, meeting in Douglas)
The St. Maughold Chapter No. 1075 (consecrated 04th January 1866, meeting in Ramsey)
The Tynwald Chapter No. 1242 (consecrated 1891, resuscitated 1920, meeting in Douglas)
The Glanfaba Chapter No. 2164 (consecrated 18th November 1937, meeting in Peel)
The Mona Chapter No. 2358 (consecrated 31st May 1923, meeting in Castletown)
The Lord Raglan Chapter No. 3685 (consecrated 18th October 1945, meeting in Douglas)
