Freemasonry contains several distinct Orders and degrees, each with its own ceremonies, symbolism and lessons. For someone encountering Freemasonry for the first time, terms such as Craft Lodge, Royal Arch Chapter and Knights Templar Preceptory can make the structure seem more complicated than it really is.
The journey normally begins in Craft Freemasonry. A member may subsequently choose to join the Royal Arch and, if he professes the Christian faith, may later explore Knights Templar Freemasonry.
These are not ranks in which one Mason becomes more important than another. Each stage offers a different experience and an opportunity to explore particular aspects of Masonic teaching, friendship and personal development.
The starting point: Craft Freemasonry
Craft Freemasonry is where every Freemason begins.
Members meet in groups called Lodges. Each Lodge has its own name and number and normally meets several times a year at a Masonic hall or another suitable venue.
Craft Freemasonry consists of three degrees:
- Entered Apprentice
- Fellow Craft
- Master Mason
Each degree is presented through a formal ceremony using traditional stories, symbols and working tools. These ceremonies encourage members to consider principles such as integrity, friendship, respect, service, self-discipline and responsibility.
The ceremonies are not examinations. A new member is supported throughout by experienced members of his Lodge, and he progresses at an appropriate pace.
What happens in a Craft Lodge?
A Craft Lodge meeting combines ceremony, administration and fellowship.
The Lodge may conduct a degree ceremony, receive a talk or presentation, discuss charitable activity and deal with its ordinary business. Meetings are commonly followed by a meal, giving members an opportunity to socialise and build friendships.
Lodges bring together men of different ages, professions and backgrounds. What unites them is a commitment to shared values and a desire to contribute positively to their communities.
A man does not need to have a family connection with Freemasonry to enquire about joining. Many members are the first Freemasons in their families.
Becoming a Master Mason
The third Craft degree is that of Master Mason.
Becoming a Master Mason does not mean that someone has completed his Masonic education. It means that he has experienced the three foundational degrees of Craft Freemasonry and can begin exploring the wider opportunities available within Freemasonry.
Some Master Masons concentrate entirely upon their Craft Lodge. Others visit different Lodges, take office, become involved with charitable work or explore additional Masonic Orders.
One of the most important opportunities available to a Master Mason is the Holy Royal Arch.
The Holy Royal Arch
Royal Arch Masons meet in groups called Chapters rather than Lodges. Members are known as Companions.
In England, the Royal Arch is closely connected with Craft Freemasonry and is often described as completing or continuing the journey begun through the three Craft degrees.
The Royal Arch has its own distinctive ceremony, symbolism and organisation. It builds upon themes encountered in Craft Freemasonry while introducing a different setting and perspective.
A Master Mason chooses whether and when to join the Royal Arch. There is no requirement to rush, and he will usually be encouraged to discuss it with experienced members of his Lodge.
What happens in a Royal Arch Chapter?
Like a Craft Lodge, a Royal Arch Chapter holds formal meetings and conducts ceremonies. It also deals with administrative business, welcomes visitors and supports charitable causes.
The atmosphere combines tradition with friendship. Members often value the opportunity to meet Companions from other Lodges and broaden their experience of Freemasonry.
A Royal Arch Mason may remain active in both his Craft Lodge and Royal Arch Chapter. Joining the Royal Arch does not replace Craft membership. The two exist alongside one another as closely related parts of the Masonic journey.
Where does Knights Templar fit?
A Royal Arch Mason who professes the Christian faith may subsequently be considered for membership of Knights Templar Freemasonry.
The full name of the Order is the United Religious, Military and Masonic Orders of the Temple and of St John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes and Malta. It is generally known more simply as the Masonic Knights Templar.
Local groups are called Preceptories. Members meet in a Preceptory in much the same way that Craft Masons meet in a Lodge and Royal Arch Masons meet in a Chapter.
The usual journey is therefore:
- Join a Craft Lodge.
- Experience the three Craft degrees.
- Become a Master Mason.
- Join a Royal Arch Chapter.
- Become a Royal Arch Companion.
- Seek membership of a Knights Templar Preceptory.
Progression is not automatic. Each step is a personal choice, and membership of Knights Templar has its own eligibility requirements.
What is Knights Templar Freemasonry?
Knights Templar is a Christian Masonic Order inspired by the traditions, symbolism and ideals of medieval chivalry.
The modern Masonic Order is not an institutional continuation of the medieval Knights Templar, which was suppressed in 1312. There is no reliable evidence of an unbroken organisational connection between the two.
Instead, Knights Templar Freemasonry draws upon the imagery and moral ideals associated with the medieval Templars to explore themes including faith, courage, humility, integrity and service.
Our article on the difference between the medieval and Masonic Knights Templar explains this distinction in more detail.
What happens in a Knights Templar Preceptory?
A Preceptory meeting includes ceremonial work, administration and fellowship.
Members may:
- conduct ceremonies for candidates
- welcome visitors from other Preceptories
- support charitable causes
- attend church services and provincial events
- preserve the traditions and history of the Order
- take office and develop ceremonial or leadership skills
- enjoy friendship with other Christian Freemasons
The ceremonies use the language and imagery of Christian chivalry, but members are not claiming to be medieval knights. The purpose is moral and spiritual reflection rather than historical re-enactment.
Many meetings are followed by a meal, providing time for members and visitors to enjoy each other’s company.
Does joining one stage make someone a higher-ranking Freemason?
No.
Craft, Royal Arch and Knights Templar have different structures and offices, but joining an additional Order does not make someone superior to a member who chooses to remain within Craft Freemasonry.
A senior officer in a Preceptory may hold no authority within another person’s Craft Lodge. Similarly, an office held in a Lodge does not automatically confer authority within a Royal Arch Chapter or Knights Templar Preceptory.
The different Orders provide different experiences. Membership should be guided by personal interest rather than a desire to collect titles or pursue status.
Do you have to join every stage?
No. Every Freemason decides which aspects of Freemasonry are right for him.
Some members devote decades of service to their Craft Lodge without joining another Masonic Order. Others find that the Royal Arch provides a particularly meaningful continuation of their Craft experience.
Christian Royal Arch Masons may be attracted to Knights Templar because of its faith, ceremonies, chivalric symbolism and fellowship.
There is no obligation to follow the entire journey.
What if I am not yet a Freemason?
You cannot join the Masonic Knights Templar directly without first becoming a Craft Freemason and subsequently a Royal Arch Mason.
However, you do not need to wait until you understand every part of the journey before making an enquiry.
If you are interested in Freemasonry generally, the first step is to make contact with a recognised local Craft Lodge or Provincial organisation. You can ask questions, meet existing members and decide whether Freemasonry is right for you.
The Provincial Priory of Lancashire can also help direct an initial enquiry appropriately. Visit our How to Join page and select the option for someone beginning his Masonic journey.
What if I am already a Freemason?
If you are a Master Mason but have not joined the Royal Arch, your next step is to learn more about your local Royal Arch Chapters.
If you are already a Royal Arch Companion, profess the Christian faith and are interested in Knights Templar, you can make an enquiry directly through the Provincial Priory.
You may also wish to explore the Preceptories meeting across the Province and learn more about the history and values of the Order.
A journey rather than a destination
Craft Freemasonry, the Royal Arch and Knights Templar each offer their own ceremonies, friendships and opportunities for personal development.
The journey begins in a Craft Lodge, but there is no single path that every Freemason must follow. Each member chooses where to devote his time according to his interests, circumstances and beliefs.
For some Christian Freemasons, Knights Templar becomes a particularly valued part of that journey, bringing together faith, chivalric symbolism, service and lasting friendship.
Whether you are beginning to explore Freemasonry, are already a Master Mason or have become a Royal Arch Companion, you are welcome to contact the Provincial Priory of Lancashire to discuss the next appropriate step.