Text Box: Volume 6, Issue 4 Text Box: Page # Text Box: I began to include The Regius Poem—A Poem of Moral Duties in the January issue of The Trestle Board. There are Fifteen articles which were sought and fifteen points there they wrought, here are the fifth and sixth articles. Text Box: THE ROYAL ARCH DEGREE The Royal Arch Degree is the climax of Ancient Craft Masonry and Masonic Symbolism. It is described as "the root and marrow of Freemasonry." It is the complete story of Jewish History during some of its darkest hours. Jerusalem and the Holy temple are destroyed, The people are being held captive as slaves in Babylon. Here you will join with some slaves as they are set free to return home and engage in the noble and glorious work of rebuilding the city and the Temple of God. It is during this rebuilding that they make a discovery that brings to light the greatest treasure of a Mason --the long lost Master's Word. Many historians have traced the earliest origins of the Royal Arch Degree to Ireland, late in the 17th century and in England in 1738, In 1752, ambulatory or military warrants for Lodges were introduced. This was instrumental in placing the Royal Arch Degree on a par with the Master Mason Degree. Military lodges were greatly responsible for planting Freemasonry in the Colonies and also gave birth to the use of the Marl and Royal Arch degrees in the "New World." Lodge records show that the Royal Arch Degree was conferred at Fredericksburg No. 4 on December 12, 1753. George Washington was raised in this lodge a few months prior to this date. The value of Royal Arch Masonry will be appreciated by all who are exalted to that most sublime degree, particularly by those who are seeking to complete their Masonic education. It reveals the full light of Ancient Craft Masonry, presents it as a complete system in accordance with the original plan and justly entitles you to claim the noble name of Master Mason. Text Box: Fifth article. The fifth article is very good, So that the 'prentice be of lawful blood; The master shall not, for no advantage, Make no 'prentice that is deformed; It is mean, as you may hear That he have all his limbs whole all together; To the craft it were great shame, To make a halt man and a lame, For an imperfect man of such blood Should do the craft but little good. Thus you may know every one, The craft would have a mighty man; A maimed man he hath no might, You must it know long ere night. Sixth article. The sixth article you must not miss That the master do the lord no prejudice, To take the lord for his 'prentice, As much as his fellows do, in all wise. For in that craft they be full perfect, So is not he, you must see it. Also it were against good reason, To take his hire as his fellows do. This same article in this case, Judgeth his prentice to take less Than his fellows, that be full perfect. In divers matters, know requite it, The master may his 'prentice so inform, That his hire may increase full soon, Text Box: There exists a need for your participation in contributing to the Benevolent Fund to raise money to assist worthy distressed Brethren of the Craft. Your gift, in any amount would be greatly appreciated. Make your check or money order payable to: Scioto Lodge #6, in the memo line indicate the funds are for the Benevolent Fund. Name_______________________________________ Date_________________