Welcome to the website of Nicholson Chapter No. 371 in the Province of Cumberland and Westmorland. We are under charter from The Supreme Grand Chapter of England.
We are a Masonic Royal Arch Chapter in the Cumbrian town of Maryport.
Our First Principal, E. Comp. Paul Hargreaves ProvGStwd, warmly welcomes you to our Chapter website.
The aim of our site is to keep our members and visitors up to date with our masonic and social activities. There is a section of our site which gives Master Masons, who are not yet a member of the Royal Arch, more information about our Order.
Put simply, it is an order in Freemasonry, very closely aligned with Craft Freemasonry. It is generally held to be the "next step" for Master Masons and the culmination of pure and ancient masonry.
The Royal Arch is more commonly known as ‘Chapter’. Whereas Craft Masons meet in a Lodge, Royal Arch Masons meet in a Chapter and are known as “Companions.” The meetings are “Convocations.”
Chapters are usually attached to a Craft Lodge and the name and number is taken from that Lodge. Members are distinguished by the Jewel that they wear on the left breast, the colour of the ribbon varying in accordance with their rank. The Chapter breast Jewel is the only Jewel which is permitted to be worn together with Craft Jewels in a Craft Lodge.
HRH The Duke of Kent heads both the Craft and the Royal Arch; being the Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England and the First Grand Principal of the Supreme Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of England. Similarly, in Cumberland and Westmorland, the RW Provincial Grand Master is also the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent.
The prime qualification for admission into the Royal Arch is to be a Master Mason, of at least four weeks standing, in a Lodge under the United Grand Lodge of England, or a Lodge under a Grand Lodge recognised by it.
Undoubtedly, yes. Craft masons who join the Royal Arch never fail to be impressed by the beauty and profound nature of their Exaltation. The Royal Arch represents the best means to extend your enjoyment of and engagement with Freemasonry.
There are many Royal Arch Chapters in the Province. If you are considering joining a Royal Arch Chapter, simply talk to your Worshipful Master, Secretary or Lodge Royal Arch Contact. They will able to provide you with more information and should be able to help you find a Proposer and Seconder.