It's Complicated
So you thought that EC Freemasonry was fairly straightforward and you had managed to get your head around the fact that you start out as an Entered Apprentice, progress to become a Fellowcraft, and from there you are raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason. Well, it was never going to be quite that simple and the astute Master Mason will realise that there were some unanswered questions at the completion of their third degree ceremony.
The Royal Arch is where these questions are answered and it is therefore considered to be a continuation of Craft Freemasonry. Its members are called Companions and they meet in Chapters. They are ruled over conjointly by three Principals. There are of course ceremonies and ritual associated with becoming a companion of the Royal Arch and your craft lodge regalia is replaced by a Royal Arch apron, a sash and a jewel that may also be worn to your craft lodge meetings.
Royal Arch Apron
Aorangi Chapter No. 2300
Aorangi Chapter was consecrated on 26 August 1931 and meets in the Masonic Lodge Rooms at the Masonic Centre in Johnsonville. The Chapter is a dining chapter and at the end of its meetings the Companions sit down to a two-course meal in the refectory. It is an opportunity to enjoy the company of other members and visitors, to engage in great conversation and take part in some formal and not so formal toasts. Aorangi Chapter has over fifty members who come not only from Aorangi and Wellington Lodges, but from a number of the New Zealand constitution Lodges in the region. The Chapter enjoys a close fraternal relationship with the United Manawatu Royal Arch Chapter No. 1721 in Palmerston North and with the Waterloo Russell Chapter No. 2.
Contacting Scribe E:
E Comp Don Hazlewood
e-mail: dhdonbel@gmail.com