The need for a more understandable and inclusive ritual has already been recognised in the changes made over the past 20 years by the Supreme Grand Chapter and the various Ritual Associations. The aim of the Matrix Royal Arch Ritual is three-fold.
First, to build on those principles to enable the Exaltee to achieve a greater understanding of his journey by creating a unique rubric.
Second, to streamline ceremonies to allow meetings to commence later and complete an Exaltation Ceremony or an Installation in less than one hour.
Third, to improve inclusivity by engaging a greater number of officers, members and even visitors to contribute to the ritual delivery. This eases and aids the otherwise daunting task of learning and, most importantly, encourages members to take a progressive office, thus improving attendance and retention. The greater variety of voices evident during the exaltation ceremony significantly improves focus, interest and levels of enjoyment. The expanded rubric graphically explains the exaltation ceremony, enhancing the experience. Several new informal non-speaking roles (not collared offices) have been created within the Exaltation Ceremony. These include Illuminator, Straw Bearer and Vault Clearer, and additional reading roles such as Proclaimer and Narrator. These new roles give real purpose for those attending, particularly companions new to the Order who would not otherwise be involved. All these changes create a valuable ‘team’ bond not previously achieved by the traditional exaltation dialogue between two officers.
The installation of each Principal has been made more concise, with the complete ceremony being undertaken in a darkened conclave to add mystique. Obligations are recited, explanations of robes and sceptres have been shortened, and modern scripture readings are included to ensure that everyone can fully understand the meaning behind the words. The appointment and investiture of officers have also been modernised with provision made for those remaining in office.
Matrix Royal Arch Ritual has been compiled to bring innovation into Royal Arch Ritual and to assist in delivering the Membership Challenge outlined in ‘The Strategy for Freemasonry for 2022 and Beyond.’
The compilers have incorporated font style, size, colour and other recommendations of the Dyslexia Friendly Style Guide. For example, italics are avoided, blue is used for the rubric and the fonts and size all fall within these recommendations.
