The Royal Arch is a separate Order, which has a special connection to Craft Freemasonry practiced in Lodges. It continues and completes the journey a Freemason begins with Initiation.

The Craft and the Royal Arch together form “pure Antient Masonry”, as defined by the Act of Union of 1813. This combined the then two main Grand Lodges to form the governing body we have today, the United Grand Lodge of England. The Royal Arch is governed by United Grand Lodge’s sister organisation, the Supreme Grand Chapter of England. Members, who are called Companions, rather than Brothers, meet in Chapters, which are themselves connected to Craft Lodges.