Grand First Principal Words

GLORY BE TO THE GREAT ARCHITECT OF THE UNIVERSE

To the Companions of the Grand Chapter, Fraternal greetings.

The Royal Arch degrees stand at the heart of our Masonic journey. They complete the symbolic narrative begun in the Craft lodges and reveal, with solemn clarity, the deeper moral and spiritual lessons that Freemasonry intends to impart. The philosophy of the Royal Arch is one of recovery and light: the recovery of what is lost, the unveiling of truth, and the reconstruction of the self in accordance with divine and moral order. Through allegory and symbolism, the degrees guide the Companion to a fuller understanding of duty, integrity, charity, and the pursuit of knowledge.

For Masons in Quebec, these degrees carry particular significance. They bind us to a shared heritage of tradition and ritual while addressing the unique cultural and social responsibilities of our province. The Royal Arch cultivates enlightened leadership, fosters fraternal unity across chapters, and reinforces the obligation we owe to our communities. By emphasizing moral rectitude, self-examination, and the value of sincere labor for the common good, the degrees prepare Companions to act with wisdom and compassion in both private life and public service.

Our Grand Body's active engagement with other Grand Jurisdictions around the world further strengthens the value and credibility of our work. Through mutual recognition, collaboration in ritual, educational exchanges, and joint charitable initiatives, we affirm common standards of integrity and ritual practice while enriching our perspectives with diverse Masonic traditions. These international relationships confirm that the principles taught in the Royal Arch resonate beyond our borders and enhance the prestige and trustworthiness of the Grand Chapter of Quebec on the global stage.

I urge every active Mason in Quebec to embrace the Royal Arch not as a mere succession of ceremonies but as a living philosophy — one that calls us to continual improvement, to the preservation of truth, and to steadfast devotion to our fellow men. Let our chapters be places where the principles of charity, temperance, and justice are practiced daily and where the light of knowledge is diligently sought and shared.