The Royal Arch is the continuation of Craft Freemasonry and is considered to be the completion of “pure ancient Masonry”. Its members, called Companions, meet in Chapters under a Grand Chapter.

Chapters are ruled over by three Principals, who rule conjointly, and the Grand Chapter is ruled over by three Grand Principals, with a Pro First Grand Principal when the First Grand Principal is a Royal Prince.

Semper Amicus is allied to the Alexandra Palace Chapter No. 1541 which meets on three Saturdays a year at Freemason’s Hall.

In England the Royal Arch has two main ceremonies: the exaltation ceremony to bring in 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.

The allegory of the exaltation ceremony is based on the Old Testament telling of the return to Jerusalem from the Babylonish captivity to rebuild the city and temple. In clearing the ground of the original temple for the foundations of the second temple, the candidate makes a number of discoveries which emphasise the centrality of God to man’s life and existence and, without transgressing the bounds of religion, lead the candidate to a consideration of the nature of God and his personal relationship with Him, whatever his religion might be.

Any person interested in Royal Arch Masonry or the Alexandra Palace Chapter should contact our Secretary for more information