Royal Arch Masonry is a part of the York Rite of Freemasonry. Royal Arch Masonry offers further insight into Masonic degrees and builds on themes introduced during the first three degrees (Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft and Master Mason) of the traditional "blue" lodge. During several of the degrees, candidates are brought “back in time,” before the conferral of the Master Mason degree (before the destruction of King Solomon’s Temple). One of the degrees portrays a portion of Jewish history after the release from Babylon and their return to their home. These degrees are just as vital today because they are based on themes not only of understanding one’s self or role in the world, but that of working together for a common purpose.
Our degrees continue on one of Freemasonry’s underlying themes,
that of men working together in harmony.
News and Upcoming Events
September Convocation
Our September 16th, 2024 Dinner and Convocation
was cancelled owing to Covid.
Next Convocation
November 4th, 2024
at Marin Lodge.
Dinner 6:30 p.m.
at Lao's Restaurant
Convocation 7:30 p.m.
This Year
We look to an invigorated year in 2024, social events as well as stated convocations and ritual. Our dinners and some social events are open to blue Lodge brethren.Feel free to join us. Reservations are appreciated.
The 2024 Tri-Way Visitation was held on September 7th, 2024 at Sebastopol Chapter. Their Chapter served a great steak dinner and the dessert was the caterers signature dessert. After the dinner, the Grand Officers of each body made their remarks for the evening.
For a printable flyer for the event,
please click on >2024 Tri-Way Visitation
The Comptche Outdoor Degrees were held on June 21st, 22nd and 23rd, 2024 in Comptche, California. They were a complete success. In addition to the capitular degrees that were conferred on Saturday, the Cryptic degree were conferred the following day.
This Month in Royal Arch
For a printable calendar of current District Events,
please click on This Month in Freemasonry
2020 Year
2020 Virtual Tri-Way Reception
Petaluma Chapter No. 22 did a great job hosting the 2020 Annual Tri-Way Visitation via a Zoom conference. In addition to the Masonic dignitaries that were present, Petaluma Chapter invited community leaders to participate as well. We tip our hat to Petaluma Chapter and all those who contributed for putting on an innovative event.
The Comptche Outdoor Degrees were cancelled in 2020 owing to Covid 19. In addition, Grand Chapter carried out its Annual Grand Sessions as a virtual event.
Presidio Yacht Club Visitation
Several of us were in attendance at the Presidio Yacht Club.
We will do this again when circumstances permit.
January 2020 Convocation
We had a special convocation on January 6th, 2020 to hold our election of officers.
We celebrated with a dinner at San Rafael Joes.
2019 Year
We held our most recent Convocation in December. As with our meetings in March, June and September, dinner was served after the opening of our Chapter was completed. Each of our dinners was distinct. Each time we resumed labor and conducted the business of our Chapter afterwards.
Our biggest effort in the 2019 year was our support of the Comptche Outdoor Degrees in June. We conferred the Most Excellent Master Degree at Comptche this year with the aid of several Companions other Chapters including our District Inspector.
We would like to thank all of those who assisted.
October Tri-Way Reception
Sebastopol Chapter No. 117 did a great job hosting the 2019 annual Tri-Way Visitation. The Companions were pleased with the catered dinner that was offered. A welcoming atmosphere was provided. The Grand Officers went before the dais and made their presentations for the evening. They each emphasized the charities of their respective bodies. Our congratulations to Sebastopol Chapter for hosting such a fine event.< /p>
For those of you who are interested in the higher degrees of the York Rite, Redwood Empire Cryptic Council and Santa Rosa Commandery (Knights Templar) meet in Petaluma at Petaluma-Hamilton Lodge on Western Avenue on the third Saturday of the month at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. respectively. Petaluma Royal Arch Chapter No. 22 meets on the first Monday of the month at the same location. They have a dinner before their meeting beginning at 6:15 p.m. In addition, there is a Cryptic Council that meets on the peninsula. Cryptic Council No. 2 meets at San Mateo Lodge on Tilton Avenue in San Mateo, California. Commandery No. 1 meets at the San Francisco Scottish Rite in San Francisco on 19th Avenue. For reservations for our dinners or questions about our other activities, please contact Excellent Companion Robert Lowry PHP at (415)456-0410. If you are interested in joining our chapter, or if you have other questions about Royal Arch Masonry, please contact him.
Higher Degrees and Orders