A clear and shared understanding that the success of the Royal Arch is related to that our Lodges will ensure our actions can contribute over time to a stronger, more secure future for Freemasonry in the 21st century and beyond.
This fundamental connection between Craft and Chapter is reinforced in the United Grand Lodge of England’s Strategy for Freemasonry, emphasising participation in the Royal Arch provides a new dimension to our members’ experience and a more complete understanding of what it means to be a Freemason in UGLE.
To this end, Archway is a new resource designed for Royal Arch Chapters to help shape their future, grow membership and enhance members’ experience. It is based on extensive research of what members want and what works well in thriving Chapters.
Many of the challenges faced by Chapters are different to those of Lodges, so Archway is not a simple translation of the Members’ Pathway into the Royal Arch. How can it be with different target audiences? Developed by the Membership and Communications Working Party of Supreme Grand Chapter and launched at its meeting in November 2023, it has advice specific for Chapters, as well as guidance for Royal Arch representatives within Craft Lodges. Therefore, it will be invaluable in helping members meet the Membership Challenge.
Archway is hosted on the b.UGLE website (https://b.ugle.org.uk/) under the Membership heading. Selecting the Archway link revels four arch stones, having the themes of Shape, Grow, Involve and Enjoy. Clicking on any of the arch stones or via the various ‘read more’ tabs below the Arch leads to the available resources. The aim of Archway is to help Chapters become more efficient and more vibrant, so that every Companion looks forward to their next meeting with enthusiasm. Resources are provided to enhance understanding of the Royal Arch and for sharing the work, so that more members are involved. There is also advice for making meetings more efficient, for attracting new members, and for supporting every member.
“We, in Northumberland, have already commenced the process of encouraging Chapters to share out the ritual by handing out copies of the ritual appropriately divided up,” said EComp. Gordon Craigs, Deputy Grand Superintendent.
Province has canvassed Companions to assess their attitude towards the Royal Arch. All Companions with an email will have received a communication from the Grand Superintendent with a survey attached. Feedback from this survey will enable the highlighting of good practice and identify areas for improvement. By completing the survey, members have helped to develop and grow both the Province and your Chapter.
Archway is also intended to be an evolving resource with more examples and case studies of good practice added over time. If your Chapter has innovative ideas about what works, then let the Provincial Executive know. There is no ‘one size fits all’ solution to the challenges each Chapter faces, but the resources and options it offers highlight what is possible to achieve if Chapters wish to innovate and embrace change to secure their future.