GRAND CHAPTER
OF
SOUTH CAROLINA
MENTORS
MANUAL
FORWARD
The need of a mentor program for officers and members of Royal Arch
Chapters has been evident for many years and thus this mentors plan was
conceived to answer this problem. In these few pages, we have attempted to
include the requisites for building a fine, aggressive Chapter and for creating
enthusiasm and pride of membership in Royal Arch Masonry.
The plan therefore, must have as its main objective the promotion of
an interest in Masonic knowledge. It must devise a means of creating a
desire in the companion to learn more about Royal Arch Masonry and point
out to him the sources from which he will be able to obtain more light. The
mentor plan will endeavor to acquaint the new companion with some of the
history of Royal Arch Masonry, its philosophies and objectives. It should
also give him some insight into the literature of the fraternity wherein he
may begin and continue his study of its teachings and doctrines.
Instruction under the mentor plan must be individual and personalized
if it is to be effective. In embracing this system, we are following the time
honored method of the fraternity, that of imparting instruction from mouth to
ear. In preparation of this program, we have consulted the programs and
publications of the General Grand Chapter, our sister Grand Chapters, and
the Grand Lodge of South Carolina and have borrowed material freely from
them when it seemed desirable to do so. Credit has not been given directly
in each case because of our desire to limit the text as much as possible
and to maintain continuity of thought for the benefit of those who will use
the program. We would urge the use of this program with pains taking care.
It is not perfect nor is the system which it represents a perfect one. Time
and experience alone will enable us to bring the jewel of Masonic education
to its full beauty, ever remembering that this program is a work in progress.
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CHAPTER 1
THE MENTOR
1.1 Definition: The word “mentor” is one which is defined in the dictionary
as a friend entrusted with the education, also known as trusted counselor,
guide, tutor or coach. In the 21st century the mentor should seek to expand
and intensify the instruction imparted by our ritual, adding to it, many other
points which will enlarge the new companions understanding of Royal Arch
Masons and its relationship to his life.
1.2 Objective: The mentor and the companion must understand that we
are not endeavoring to produce a generation of Royal Arch scholars. Its
motive is simply to indoctrinate each new companion in the ways of the
Royal Arch, to create in him an understanding and arouse in his mind a
feeling of pride in the Royal Arch. In so doing, it is hoped that he will learn
that Royal Arch Masonry is a way of life which each may embrace with
great satisfaction.
The instruction given must seek to capture the interest of the
candidate as he begins his Royal Arch life. To properly accomplish this,
each mason must have a Mentor assigned to him immediately after his
election to receive the degrees of Royal Arch Masonry. It will be the Mentor’s
duty to prepare the mind of the candidate for the reception of the great truths
of Royal Arch Masonry and an appreciation of its tenets and teachings.
1.3 The Appointment: The High Priest of every Chapter chartered by the
Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of South Carolina is requested to
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appoint an education committee for his chapter and to designate certain
well qualified, dedicated and enthusiastic companions as Mentors. There
should be a sufficient number of these companions so that no Mentor
would be required to serve more than five companions at any one time.
The assignment of candidates to the several Mentors may be done by
either the High Priest or the committee chairman.
1.4 How the Mentor May Work: The Mentor should visit the candidate
immediately after his election and explain to him that he is to be his Mentor;
a friend who will endeavor to help him in learning something about Royal
Arch Masonry and one who will guide and counsel him. The principal
purpose of this first meeting is to introduce the candidate in a general way
to Royal Arch Masonry as a whole and to prepare him in mind and spirit.
He must meet with the new companion frequently and give him that
instruction which is so essentially necessary if he is to become a good
Royal Arch Mason. He should be encouraged to ask questions and have
the answers, provided the answers do not involve those degrees which he
has not received or other information to which he will become entitled later.
In like manner, the Mentor will be with the candidate through all the
degrees of Royal Arch Masonry. However, it should be understood that his
duties are not completed when the candidate is exalted a Royal Arch
Mason. Indoctrination must continue until the new companion is thoroughly
orientated in the chapter, interested in its affairs and a regular attendant at
its conclaves. Then, and only then, can we say that the task is completed
which the Mentor began at the time of the companion’s election to receive
the Royal Arch degrees.
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CHAPTER 2
PRE-INITIATION INSTRUCTION
The instruction to be given and the questions answered at this stage
of the candidate’s instruction to Royal Arch Masonry can cover only the
most general subjects. Some of the subjects on which questions will
develop are recorded for the Mentor.
2.1 - Royal Arch Masonry Defined: The symbolic degrees of Entered
Apprentice, Fellowcraft and Master Mason as conferred in the United
States are degrees of the York Rite. Therefore, every Master Mason raised
in the state of South Carolina has received the first degrees of that Rite. It
is perfectly natural that having begun their Masonic work in that Rite, they
should want to continue it. The Royal Arch Chapter offers them that
opportunity, for in its last degree – the Royal Arch - is to be found the very
essence of pure Freemasonry!
Even the mother Grand Lodge of England recognizes this fact and many
years ago set forth as paragraph 1 of its General Laws and Regulations: By
the solemn act of the union between the two Grand Lodges of Freemasonry of
England in December, 1831 it was declared and pronounced THAT PURE
ANCIENT MASONRY consists of three degrees and no more. Namely, those
of the Entered Apprentice, the Fellowcraft and the Master Mason, INCLUDING
THE SUPREME ORDER OF THE HOLY ROYAL ARCH.
And today, in England, the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, by
virtue of his Grand Lodge office is also the head of The Grand Chapter of
Royal Arch Masons.
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But on the North American continent, we find some additional
degrees in the system, supplementing the work of the Lodge and the Royal
Arch. These degrees are the degrees of Mark Master, Past Master and
Most Excellent Master and all are a part of the Capitular system. And have
been arranged into a system or Rite, referred to as the American or York
Rite of Freemasonry.
Why American York Rite?
American in the arrangement of symbolic, capitular, cryptic, and
chivalric degrees into one system. American in that its history coincides
with that of the American republic. The General Grand Chapter of Royal
Arch Masons was established in 1797. American in that its bodies are
found in every state of the American Union as well as in every city and
town of consequence throughout our broad domain. American in that its
ideal, its philosophy and its government. American in that it teaches true
patriotism and love of country. American in its support of those fundamental
institutions - the home, the church, the state, and the school. American in
its democratic organization, for in its chapter halls each member has a right
to be heard. Wherever the American flag flies, will be found branches of the
American Rite.
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CHAPTER 3
ROYAL ARCH MASONRY DEGREES
3.1 Mark Master: The Mark Master Degree is perhaps the oldest Masonic
Degree, and is one of the most highly respected. It teaches practical
lessons for everyday living; this degree supplements the Fellowcraft
degree. This degree is highly regarded by Masonic students and ritualists
as being one of the most beautiful degrees in all Freemasonry, teaching
lessons which have proved of value in all walks of life. The scene of the
degree is laid in one of the workshops erected near King Solomon’s
Temple, and the candidate is taught many interesting historical facts as
well as given practical demonstrations of the value of honesty and charity.
The Jewish half-shekel of silver is often mentioned in the scriptures
and is referred to in the degree. While it was worth less than 25 cents in our
currency, yet Masonic tradition proves that no amount is insufficient in the
face of urgent need. It cannot be overly emphasized the need for the
candidate to carefully and diligently select his mark, as this will remain his
identity for the rest of his life, and has been adjudicated in some
jurisdictions as legal as his signature.
In the honorable character of Mark Master, the candidate is reminded
that it is his duty to let his conduct in the Lodge and among his brethren be
such as may stand the test of the Grand Overseer’s Square, that he may
not, like the unfinished and imperfect work of the negligent and unfaithful of
former times, be rejected and thrown aside, as unfit for that spiritual
building, that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
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This degree teaches us the proper distribution and method of
receiving wages, and that justice should be tempered with mercy.
3.2 Past Master Degree: The Past Master Degree teaches the candidate
the important duties and responsibilities of the Oriental Chair, and is
qualification for advancement. For many years this degree was only
conferred upon those who had served as Masters of Symbolic Lodges. In
some cases this practice is still maintained, yet in America, with probably
one exception, it is conferred upon all those who have obtained the degree
of Mark Master.
In English Lodges, the degree is known as that of Installed Master.
There is no Past Master Degree in English, Scottish or Irish chapters. The
degree deals primarily with administration, retaining some of the old
instruction once given to those who were actually chosen to preside. The
gavel is properly used as an emblem of this degree because it has very
generally been accepted as an emblem of power. The gavel is used in all
deliberative bodies today, more as a means of calling to order, than
demonstrating the power vested in its user.
The degree teaches the value of Harmony and Justice. The most
impressive lesson demonstrated in this degree is when the R.W. Master
leads the candidates around the alter and points to the open Holy Bible and
urges each candidate to faithfully direct his steps through life by the light he
shall find therein, and for the necessity of protecting, even with his own life,
that sacred light which shines upon our alter.
3.3 Most Excellent Master Degree: It is commonly known that the
symbolism of Freemasonry surrounds the building of a temple. In symbolic
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Freemasonry, the temple is never completed. In the Most Excellent Master
Degree, we are taught the lessons of the completion and dedication of the
temple. This is by far the most spectacular in all Freemasonry. It is the only
degree which brings forcibly to our attention the completion and dedication
of King Solomon’s Temple, the very idea upon which all Masonic
symbolism has been based.
In 1922 the degree was conferred in Convention Hall in Kansas City,
Missouri. The class numbered 1,000 candidates. There was a men’s choir
of 200 voices, an orchestra of 50 pieces, and a processional made up of
500. It was estimated that 9000 Royal Arch Masons were in attendance.
This serves to demonstrate the immense possibilities and value of the
degree.
The degree is built around the emblem of the keystone and the great
lesson conveyed is the necessity for things spiritual.
3.4 The Holy Royal Arch: In the degree of the Royal Arch, the epitome of
Masonic symbolism is found. It has been said “the Royal Arch is the root,
heart and marrow of Freemasonry, without knowledge of which the
Masonic character cannot be complete.”
The Royal Arch Degree is the completion of the whole system of
Freemasonry. Having begun regular advancement through the symbolic
lodge, it is the duty of every Master Mason to complete the degree series.
He who has sought further Light in Masonry should return to the symbolic
lodge, retrace his steps, and advance through the Rite until he can receive
the climax of Masonic symbolism, as taught in the Royal Arch.
Only those who have attained the Royal Arch may be said to have
completed their Masonic work. It completes the story of Jewish history
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during some of its darkest hours. While based upon the subject of love of
home and country, yet its lessons are those of service and fortitude. It
teaches the ultimate triumph of truth over all forms of superstition and error,
proper respect for the deity and his works and the worship of the one true
God, under whatever name he may be worshiped.
The apron of the Royal Arch Mason is that of the Lodge Mason, with
the exception that the border has become red, symbolizing the fervency
and zeal which should actuate Man in his service to God and to humanity.
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CHAPTER 4
GENERAL INFORMATION
4.1 Signs, Tokens and Words: We attach considerable importance to the
signs, tokens and words in Royal Arch Masonry because they are an
essential part of our modes of recognition. By the use of these, one may
prove himself to be a Royal Arch Mason and be able to recognize others as
such. While these in themselves are insufficient proof of membership, they
constitute very important links in the chain of evidence and they are always
called for by one appointed to examine a visitor. The candidate should be
reminded that each sign, token and word has a symbolic meaning which
should serve to enrich the mind and improve our lives as Royal Arch
Masons. (The Mentor should rehearse and explain all of the signs, tokens
and words of the degrees of Royal Arch Masonry) The proper execution of
all signs should be stressed and the new companion should be requested
to cultivate the habit of such precise performance as would indicate his
respect for the dignity of this part of our ceremonies. The proper execution
of the signs will also give testimony to his fellow companions that he
understands the signs and respects the ceremonies.
The most important of these being the manner in which the long lost
Master Mason word is communicated. The Mentor should explain and
practice the manner in which we communicate the Grand Royal Arch word,
as this word is exemplified in the opening of every Royal Arch Chapter.
4.2 Those Things Called Titles: Every once in a while, some companion
with a TITLE will show up at your conventions and you may be charged
with introducing or receiving them, what are you going to do about it?
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Well, in the first place, cease to worry about it. If the Distinguished
Visitor doesn’t worry about it, neither should you. If he is the type of
Distinguished Visitor with whom it does make a difference, let him worry -
and not you, for the Distinguished Visitor who likes the big titles and who is
long on introductions has failed to take to his heart some of the teachings
of Freemasonry.
But coming back to the matter discussed - this whole question is
termed in Freemasonry - nomenclature, meaning the “name applied to a
thing” and it is not nearly as big a thing as it looks. In the first place the title
is not given to the individual - though he may think and feel that it is; it is
applied to the station which he now holds, or which he once held and he
should not feel too stuck up about it, for it was probably you and your
associates in the Chapter who gave him the title.
If you approach the subject with calm, even mind, you won’t find it so
hard to apply the right title to the right man. And remember this, no officer,
or Grand Officer, of any standing whatever, is going to find fault if you
happen to go astray in assigning to him a title to which he is not entitled;
the probability is, that in some other Masonic body he might be doing the
same thing you are, for Masonic titles are so many, and of so many
gradations, that only a Grand Secretary will ever know - and he is paid for
doing just that.
In the first place, every member is a COMPANION. That’s simple is it
not? Should the companion be elevated and become head of the Chapter
(High Priest) he is termed an Excellent Companion. He may be no more
excellent than you are, but his job is. And should this same Companion
become proficient and acquire enough friends who wish to see him
elevated further, he may be elected Grand High Priest of the state - and
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thereby acquire the title which goes with that station of Most Excellent
Companion - which there is nothing higher in Capitular Freemasonry. Even
though he may be advanced to General Grand High Priest of the General
Grand Chapter which is an international organization - the title of Most
Excellent Companion will still cling to him.
And there we have it; Companion, Excellent Companion, and Most
Excellent Companion.
There are exceptions which should be noted. In advancing in the line
of state office, he acquires during his passage through the stations of
Deputy Grand High Priest, Grand King or Grand Scribe the title of Right
Excellent Companion and this exception will apply to any elected officer
who sits in the Grand East such as the Grand Treasurer, the Grand
Secretary and those companions appointed as District Deputy Grand High
Priests.
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CHAPTER 5
ROYAL ARCH RESEARCH ASSISTANCE
5.1 RARA: The main charity of Royal Arch Masonry which is sponsored by
the General Grand Chapter International is the Royal Arch Research
Assistance, (RARA). The main theme of this research is how to determine
if someone has a Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD). This
research is being accomplished through the Able Kids Foundation located
in Ft. Collins, Colorado.
The Central Auditory Research Center concentrates on exploring
causes and solutions for individuals with Central Auditory Processing
Disorders. Thanks to the generous support from the Royal Arch Research
Assistance, audiologists certified by the American Speech-Language-
Hearing Association, and researchers, work with the Director, Dr. Joan
Burleigh, to develop the next generation of diagnostic tests and effective
treatments and technologies.
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TITLES
GRAND LODGE
Grand Master: Most Worshipful (except in Pennsylvania where it is Right
Worshipful).
Deputy Grand Master: Right Worshipful
Senior Grand Warden: Right Worshipful
Junior Grand Warden: Right Worshipful
Grand Treasurer: Right Worshipful
Grand Secretary: Right Worshipful
District Deputy Grand Master: Right Worshipful
Other Grand Lodge Officer: Worshipful
Master of a Lodge: Worshipful
Member of a Lodge: Brother
(You retain the highest title that you have received in Masonry; i.e. if the Grand
Treasurer is a Past Grand Master then it would be Most Worshipful)
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TITLES
GRAND CHAPTER
Grand High Priest: Most Excellent
Deputy Grand High Priest: Right Excellent
Grand King: Right Excellent
Grand Scribe: Right Excellent
Grand Treasurer: Right Excellent
Grand Secretary: Right Excellent
District Deputy Grand High Priest: Right Excellent
Other Grand Officers: Excellent
(Titles in General Grand Chapter are “Most Excellent”)
High Priest: Excellent
Member of a Chapter: Companion
(You retain the highest title that you have received in Masonry; i.e. if the Grand
Treasurer is a Past Grand High Priest then it would be Most Excellent)
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PRONUNCIATION DICTIONARY
Aaron - A-run Interesting - IN-ter-es-ting
accepted - ak-SEPT-ed Japheth - JAY-feth
Aholiab - A-HO-li-ab Jethro - Je-thro
allegory - AL-e-go-ri Jeroboam - JER-o-BO-am
Anath - A-nath Jerusalem - Je-RU-sa-lem
aperture - AP-er-chur Josedech - JO-se-dek
architect - ARK-i-tect Judean - Ju-DEE-an
ascend - a-SEND Knew - niu
assiduity - Ass-i-DOO-ity latent - LAY-tent
Babel - BAY-bel Mesopotamia - MES-o-po-TAME-ia
Belshazzar - Bel-SHAZ-er Median - MID-i-an
beneficent - be-NEF-i-sent Nebuchadnezzar - NEB-yu-kad-NEZ-ar
Bezaleel - Bee-ZAL-e-el often - OFF-en
Blessed - BLESS-ed Omnipresence - OM-ni-PRES-ens
brethren - BRETH-ren omniscience - om-NISH-ens
capitualr - ka-PIT-u-lar overseer - o-ver-SEE-er
Chaldea - Kal-DEE-a Perfectness - PER-fect-ness
Chaldees - KAL-dees Pharaoh - FAY-ray-or or FAY-row
column - COL-um Quarries - KWAR-ries
complement - KOM-ple-ment regular - REG-u-lar
conference - CON-fer-ens Rehoboam - REE-ho-BO-am
consumation - kon-sum-AY-shun route - root
Darius - Dar-EYE-us Sacerdotal - SAS-er-DOE-tal
deluge - DEL-youj Sacrifice - SAK-ri-fise, (noun)
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descend - dee-SEND Sacrifice - Sak-ri-FICE (verb)
discipline - DIS-i-plin Saith - seth
Due Guard - Doo-Gard Shealteel - SHE-al-TEE-el
Euphrates - You-FRAY-tees Shem - Shem
exaltation - egs-all-TAY-shun Shewbread - SHOW-bread
Ham - Ham Shinar - SHY-nar
Horeb - HO-reb Suppliant - SUP-pli-ent
humble - HUM-bl Tabernacle - TAB-er-nak-l
hypocrisies - hy-POK-ri-sees Tizri - TIZ-rye
impious - IM-pi-us Tyrian - TEER-i-an
impiously - Im-PIE-us-ly Zeredetha - Ze-RED-a-tha
imposter - im-POS-ter Zedekiah - Zed-e-KY-ah
ineffable - in-EFF-a-bul
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