hands the three grasp each other’s right wrists, and raise them above their heads.  This constitutes the living arch, under which the Grand Omnific Royal Arch word must be given, but it must also be given by three times three.  In opening the Chapter, this is done in the following manner:  After the three have joined hands they repeat these lines in concert, and at the close of each line raise them above their heads and say, “As we three did agree, the sacred word to keep, and as we three did agree, the sacred word to search, so we three do agree to raise this Royal Arch.”  At the close of the last line they keep their hands raised, while they incline their heads under them, and the first whispers in the ear of the second the syllable, J A H; the second to the third, B U H, and the third to the first, L U N. The second then commences, and it goes around again in the same manner, then the third, so that each companion pronounces each syllable of the word.[12] They then separate, each repairing to his station, and the High Priest declares the Chapter opened.

The Lecture of the Royal Arch degree is divided into two sections.  The first section designates the appellation, number and station of the several officers, and points out the purpose and duties of their respective stations.

Question—­Are you a Royal Arch Mason?  Answer—­I am that, I am.

Q. How shall I know you to be a Royal Arch Mason?  A. By three times three.

Q. Where was you made a Royal Arch Mason?  A. In a just and lawfully constituted Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, consisting of Most Excellent, High Priest, King and Scribe, Captain of the Host, Principal Sojourner, Royal Arch Captain, and the three Grand Masters of the Veils, assembled in a room or place representing the tabernacle erected by our ancient brethren near the ruins of King Solomon’s Temple.

Q. Where is the High Priest stationed, and what are his duties?  A. He is stationed in the sanctum sanctorum.  His duty, with the King and Scribe, to sit in the Grand Council, to form plans and give directions to the workmen.

Q. The King’s station and duty?  A. At the right hand of the High Priest, to aid him by his advice and council, and in his absence to preside.

Q. The Scribe’s station and duty?  A. At the left hand of the High Priest, to assist him and the King in the discharge of their duties, and to preside in their absence.

Q. The Captain of the Host’s station and duty?  A. At the right hand of the Grand Council, and to receive their orders and see them duly executed.

Q. The Principal Sojourner’s station and duty?  A. At the left hand of the Grand Council, to bring the blind by a way that they know not, to lead them in paths they have not known, to make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight.

Q. The Royal Arch Captain’s station and duty?  A. At the inner veil, or entrance of the sanctum sanctorium, to guard the same, and see that none pass but such as are duly qualified, and have the proper pass-words and signets of truth.