Reports of Chapter meetings and visits are included on the Minerva Blog Page
The Minerva Royal Arch Chapter was founded on the 13th April 1783 as No.35, for the Chapters were then numbered in their own rotation, independently of the Lodge to which they where attached, and as many Lodges had no Chapters, and in the process of time many older Chapters became extinct, Minerva's seniority gradually increased, and it has become the oldest surviving Chapter in the City of Kingston upon Hull and in the Province of Yorkshire North & East Ridings. Like the Craft, the Minerva Chapter meets at Dagger Lane.
There is an indissoluble link between Craft Masonry and the Royal Arch. Together they constitute "pure Antient Masonry" which consists of "three degrees and no more, the Entered Apprentice, the Fellow Craft and the Master Mason, including the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch." It is the completion of Craft Masonry.
A Master Mason having completed the three degrees in his Craft Lodge is then eligible to join a Chapter. This is considered to be the completion of his Masonic journey whereby he can increase his knowledge and understanding of the more spiritual aspects of the fraternity. Becoming a Chapter Mason is strongly recommended.
The fees are typically considerably less than for Lodges. A Chapter is normally attached to a Lodge and members are called Companions.
The regalia is different to that worn in a Craft Lodge. It consists of an Apron with red and blue surround, a red and blue sash and a special Jewel which Royal Arch Masons should also wear in their Craft Lodges in order to show the bond that prevails between Craft and Royal Arch.
As in all Masonic degrees, the ritual of the Royal Arch is an allegory. It helps to focus the minds of the Companions, without conflicting with their religious beliefs, to a contemplation of the nature of, and their relationship with their God which will be appropriate to their own religion. Like Craft Freemasonry, the Royal Arch is open to men of all faiths.
A Royal Arch Chapter has a number of officers with particular titles but most important are the three Principals who collectively rule the Chapter. Each year there is an Installation meeting for the new team of officers.
In England, the Royal Arch has four ceremonies: the exaltation ceremony to bring in new members and an installation ceremony for each of the three Principals. The exaltation ceremony is in two parts: a rather dramatic presentation of the principles of the Order followed by three Lectures in which the history, symbolism and principles of the Royal Arch are further explained.
