Building on the Heritage of the Past

As I begin my journey as the 153rd Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of California, I think of the others who preceded me. I think of our Masonic Fraternity, and where we are today. I think of Royal Arch Masonry, and where we are going. In doing this, I realize that we must face the new, but very pleasant challenges of the future - the renewed interest in Freemasonry.

With this renewed interest comes the challenge of retaining those Royal Arch Masons in our Chapters. We need to give all our members something for their time and money. We need to do something that interests them. We need to provide them with Royal Arch Masonic Education. We need to look at what we are doing well in Royal Arch Masonry and continue it, while looking at things that haven’t worked and discontinue them.

My lapel pin for this year is the Triple-Tau of Royal Arch and the Square and Compass of Freemasonry. Our membership comes from the Craft Lodge (or Blue Lodge). This is where our legacy, or our heritage begins. That is where our Landmarks were first developed. I believe that we must continue to be an integral part of our Blue Lodges, and promote Royal Arch Masonry by our attendance.

For those non-Masons who are reading this message, I urge you to check the various web links to Freemasonry. Find out who we are and what we do. You must be a Master Mason in order to become a member of any other Masonic Organization. To become a Mason, you must ask a Mason for membership.

To my Brothers who are not members of the Royal Arch, I urge you to find out what Royal Arch Masonry is all about, and join us.

“Royal Arch Masonry is good, let’s talk about it”

Our Vision and who we are:

Royal Arch Masonry is an extension of the Craft Lodge. We proudly complete the symbolism and teachings of the Master Mason degree. We also teach Master Masons additional lessons which enhance their understand of Freemasonry.

It is the foundation stone of the York Rite, supporting the Cryptic Council, and the Order of the Temple as they carry forward the teachings of Freemasonry in their own unique ways.

Royal Arch Masons work harmoniously with Masons of every Rite and degree, believing that further light in Masonry is the goal of all, as well as the common end which we share.

Jerrold A. Wohlfarth,
Grand High Priest, 2007-2008