First Artificer Chapter 3774 March 18th 2026. First Artificer Chapter 3774 was holding its usual convocation on the 18th March but over half the members were away at a celebratory Wedding “Bash” in Thailand, as one of the members was married a few weeks earlier. The Association provided a few Companions to take various Offices and generally assist the Chapter to Exalt its first companion using the Matrix Ritual.
November 21st 2025 Surrey Provincial Grand Stewards Chapter We were invited to the Surrey Provincial Grand Stewards Chapter on November 21st 2025 to present out talk on the Royal Arch Tracing Board(s) and Route Map. The latter showing the three different routes taken by Zerubbabel etc on their return from Babylon to Jerusalem. The two Tracing Boards are the Vault and the Room Layout and both were presented to the Chapter following our lecture. We understand that they will be showing the Tracing Board in other Chapters. We also provided them with both the concise and full explanations which are being given by different members of their team. Our thanks go to this Chapter for a very attentive audience, who asked many questions afterwards. We then dined quite splendidly afterwards in a very comfortable and well appointed dining room. We were told afterwards that the “content was well-organized, engaging and provided valuable insight…” etc – Needless to say we went home very happy with the outing!
Matrix Tracing Board Copies of the new Matrix Royal Arch Tracing Board (See Resources Tab) are now available prices as follows which includes Postage And Packing. A1 Version £19.99 A3 Version £11.99 A4 Version £8.95 Personalisation is just £1.95 extra. The A1 version lends itself very well to personalisation with the name and number of the Chapter being placed across the Pillars. The A3 and A4 can also be personalised and the exlatees name and Chapter number can be added making the whole piece unique to the recipient.
Matrix Tracing Board The Association has produced its own version of the John Harris tracing board and added some refinements to it. The most particularly striking features are that the pedestal is clearly designed from marble and the cloth covering the top reflects the tradition colours of the Royal Arch. The whole scene has been completely redrawn and looks as good close up as it does from a distance. You will also notice that the board is surround by a Catenarian Arch. The A1 is an ideal adornment for any Chapter to have on display during its meetings. It provides a useful point of interest as well as being a topic for conversation. Please note that the picture on the website does not do it justice as it has been great reduced for the web display. It has been designed as an A1 Tracing Board but can also be supplied in A3 and A4 versions. The smaller version is ideal to present to the candidate following his Exaltation. Our website contains a 90 second explanation of the board which helps the new companion understand his journey. Price inclusive of Postage And Packaging. A1 Version £19.99 A3 Version £11.99 A4 Version £8.95 Personalisation is just £1.95 extra. The A1 version lends itself very well to personalisation with the name and number of the Chapter being placed across the Pillars. The A3 and A4 can also be personalised and the exlatees name and Chapter number can be added making the whole piece unique to the recipient.
Positioning of Staves and Ensigns The staves, when placed in their traditional position alongside the North and South sides of the vault, tend to get in the way or block the view of many companions. As an answer to this the MRARA suggest this alternative option, which has been adopted already by several Chapters. The staves are removed and placed either side of the internal entrance so that the companions walk between them to enter the Chapter. For the avoidance of doubt they are inside the Chapter room. The staves play their part on Page 54 of the First Edition 2025. 12 Companions are preselected to be banner bearers. These would include Scribe Ezra and Scribe Nehemiah. When the ME says, “Scribe Ezra and Scribe N take post” all the banner bearers stand, or the DC can say “Banner Bearers”, if this does not happen. The DC will nod and they all turn to the West, pause for a moment, then walk down to their allotted stave. Scribe N and Scribe E take Judah and Issachar respectively. Those on the left-hand side (Same side as Scribe E) hold the staves in the left hand and those on the right behind Scribe N hold them in their right hand, all facing East. When assembled the DC will nod and the banner bearers advance to the East, and all stand at their allotted stations facing East. The DC will nod again and all turn to face the vault. It is useful for each companion to trap the very base on the ensign to the stave using the thumb and forefinger, to stop them flapping around. They are tilted as directed on Page 57. On Page 58 another Companion will have to act as Scribe N to open the door for the candidate to leave. Once the candidate leaves the room, everyone remains in position and standing. The banner bearers look to the DC who nods once, they all turn to the West, pause momentarily, and return the staves to their original positions. Once done they turn to the East and the DC nods and all return to their seats and remain standing. The DC then says, “Be seated Companions” and all sit. This simple part of the ceremony is easy to manage and does not require the DC to be intrusive. It also adds a small bit of theatre, as well as allowing all companions to view the ceremony thus far, and the rest of the proceedings with an uninterrupted view. In some Chapter rooms the Ensigns are fixed to the walls and other places, thereby making this enactment impossible. Of course, this can only be done if room allows.
Preserving tradition while embracing innovation in Royal Arch Ritual.
Copyright © 2025 Matrix Royal Arch Ritual . All rights reserved. Jeremy Beech and Alan Taunton
