Revealing some hidden mysteries of the Royal Arch ceremony
Understanding more about the meaning behind a ceremony adds to the enjoyment of it – which was the message driven home by Second Provincial Grand Principal Mike Rix in the second of his webinars about the exaltation ceremony in the Holy Royal Arch.
The ceremony involves two readings from the Bible which are significant to the story being told.
Said Mike: “I set out to present those two readings in a more modern – and therefore more easily understood – form. Whilst the original text says exactly what it means, the language used can make it hard to understand in the 21st century. That’s a great shame, because the messages are significant.”
The readings is question are so significant that they are the whole of the story, contends Mike. They are taken from the Old Testament, and therefore use 17th century language. He says: “What the first is saying is that knowledge, wisdom and understanding don’t come easily, but they are nevertheless to be found in yourself, and having discovered them, you’ll be happier, better understand right and wrong, and be more confident.
“The second reading is even more compelling, and leads ultimately to creation of something at which the whole of Mankind will be welcome, regardless of race or creed – peace. That’s something we could all do with at the moment, and it’s there, inside us all, if we just look for it.”
Mike delivered his webinar to members and guests at the Isle of Axholme Chapter, at which he is the ADC. Mike is now going to explore the best means to deliver the readings in their more modern form to a wider audience. “Lincolnshire has a pretty good proportion of Master Masons going on to complete their masonic journey by joining the Holy Royal Arch. I’m convinced that if we can share these simple messages, then an even greater proportion will see the value of Chapter membership,” he added.
