William J. Paterson

Royal Arch Masonry in Pennsylvania: William J. Patterson's History of the Grand Holy Royal Arch Chapter of Pennsylvania and Masonic Jurisdictions Thereunto Belonging William J. Paterson

The Royal Arch is a Masonic degree as well as a rite of several degrees that are close companions of the initial three Masonic degrees. Many Freemasons consider it the logical conclusion of the Masonic initiation. It was conferred in America in the eighteenth century, and continues to be given today. It has its own symbols, mythology, and secrets, which are apart from what Masons learn on first joining the Craft. Pennsylvania was certainly one of its launching pads in the Western Hemisphere, as this volume illustrates.