The Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of New Zealand (SGRACNZ) has the responsibility for governing the three degrees of the Royal Arch, the four degrees of Cryptic Masonry, and the degrees of the Royal Ark Mariner and the Red Cross of Babylon. Together these seek to extend the understanding of Masonic philosophy to Craft Masons and provide enlightenment about the manner in which they and all Masons may conduct their lives.
Rule 71 of the Book of Constitution of the Grand Lodge of Antient, Free and Accepted Masons of New Zealand states as follows “Grand Lodge recognises the degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, Master Mason, Mark Master, Excellent Master and the Royal Arch as being pure Antient Freemasonry.” The first three degrees are provided in a Craft Lodge; the second three in a Royal Arch Chapter and many Freemasons consider it worthwhile continuing their Masonic education by participating in all of the recognised degrees of pure Antient Freemasonry.
Membership of the Royal Arch Chapters governed by the SGRACNZ is restricted to members of Lodges who have completed the Master Mason Degree. A Royal Arch Chapter may also work the ceremonies of Royal Ark Mariner, and the Red Cross of Babylon. Separately constituted Cryptic Councils confer the four degrees of Royal Master, Select Master, Most Excellent Master and Super Excellent Master.
"The Grand Lodge of New Zealand and the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of New Zealand are continuing their close collaboration and co-operation; we mutually recognise that our interests are inextricably linked inthe object of promoting freemasonry and that working together will benefit both."
Joint Agreed Statement of Grand Master and First Grand Principal
The SGRACNZ was formed in 1892 from a disparate group of Royal Arch Chapters which had been constituted during the previous 30 years under the various English, Scottish and Irish Constitutions. A small number of Chapters in New Zealand remained under the jurisdiction of their original constitutions and most of these are still active offering Freemasons in New Zealand a rare opportunity to enjoy and participate in competing constitutions.
This site includes information available only to registered Royal Arch Companions of the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of New Zealand. If you are a member of a New Zealand Chapter and would like to be registered please do so by creating an account
If you are a Craft Mason and would like to enquire further about Royal Arch Masonry please follow the links below.
The Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of New Zealand administers the New Zealand Constitutions of Royal Arch, Mark and Cryptic Masons. Completing the six degrees recognised by the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, Royal Arch Chapters conduct the degrees of Mark Master Mason, Excellent Master and Royal Arch. Cryptic Councils conduct the degrees of Select Master, Royal Master, Most Excellent Master and Super Excellent Master. The degrees of Royal Ark Mariner and Red Cross of Babylon are also conducted under the auspices of the SGRACNZ. For many Freemasons it provides the answer to the tantalising question of “what is that which was lost?”