The first three degrees in freemasonry form part of the Scottish Rite. These are administered on Arran by Lodge St Molios No 774, established in 1890. The Mark Master Mason Degree is part of the 2nd, or Fellow Craft degree. The lodges are known as blue, or craft lodges. Upon receiving your Mark, you are then qualified to join Arran St Molios Royal Arch Chapter No 893, where you will receive the Excellent Master and Holy Royal Arch degrees. These form part of the York Rite. This system is peculiar to Scottish freemasonry; the English constitution is a little different. The Royal Arch Chapter on Arran was consecrated in 2012.
The first step is to apply to and join Lodge St Molios No 774.
Entered Apprentice
The first degree you’ll go through is the Entered Apprentice degree, also known as your initiation. After your initiation, you are then qualified to visit any lodge in the country and witness the same degree being performed on other initiates. You can visit lodges performing higher degrees, but you’ll have to leave the lodge temple during the degree work.
Fellow Craft
This is the second degree in freemasonry.
Master Mason
The third degree. Once you’ve completed this degree, you’ll be a fully-fledged mason, able to visit any lodge and participate in degree work in your lodge. You’ll also be eligible to vote in any ballots and to propose or second candidates for initiation in your lodge. Upon receiving your Master Mason degree, your lodge will issue you with a certificate from the Grand Lodge of Scotland.
Mark Master Mason
This degree is an extension of the Fellow Craft degree, but is conferred only on Master Masons. Your lodge will issue you with a further certificate upon receiving your Mark Master Mason degree.
The Mark Master Mason degree is required to become a Royal Arch Mason. Once you have your Mark, you may apply to join Arran St Molios Royal Arch Chapter No 893. If you need a proposer and seconder, seek advice from a lodge member, as most of the lodge members are also members of the Chapter.
Excellent Master
This is the first degree in Royal Arch masonry. On Arran it is conferred by Arran St Molios Royal Arch Chapter No 893, consecrated in 2012.
Holy Royal Arch
This is the final part of the Royal Arch degree and is one of the most dramatic in terms of ritual and performance. It’s also the last degree that you’ll be able to do on Arran. There are many other degrees in freemasonry, but you’ll have to travel to the mainland to join these if that is your wish. Many of our lodge and chapter members have been through some of these other degrees, so if you want to do that, there will be someone who can advise you.