The Royal Arch Degrees was considered most important in the early years of Freemasonry and so dogmatic was the Mother Grand Lodge - from which all Speculative Masonry derives - that in 1813, when the two grand lodges in England united, a firm and solemn landmark was adopted and placed in the Articles of Union to guide Masons throughout the world forever on this matter: "Pure Ancient Freemasonry consists of but three degrees, viz., that of Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason, including the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch." The landmark has never been changed and to this day no other degree has been officially recognized by the Mother Grand Lodge and every rite, system of additional degree in Freemasonry cannot confer its degree on a Master Mason until he has received the Royal Arch Degree. Naturally, this is as it should be, because a man is not a Master Mason until he receives the Master's Word and he can only receive it in the Royal Arch.
The value of Royal Arch Masonry will be appreciated by all who are exalted to that most sublime degree, particularly by those who are seeking to complete their Masonic education. It reveals the full light of Ancient Craft Masonry, presents it as a complete system in accordance with the original plan an justly entitles you to claim the noble name of Master Mason.
A Chapter of Royal Arch Masons confers the degrees of Mark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent Master, and The Most Sublime Degree of the Holy Royal Arch. To add realism to the work, these degrees are conferred in appropriate costumes.
The Chapter is the unit which promulgates Royal Arch Masonry on the local level. The Chapters primary object is to exalt Royal Arch Masons. A meeting of a Royal Arch Chapter is called a "convocation." While in the Symbolic Lodge the members are called "brothers", the Capitular Rite applies the title of "companion."
Founded in 1789, in Boston, Massachusetts, as a national organization, the General Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, International now has jurisdiction over halp of the 7,000 Chapters in the world, including several provinces in Canada, the Grand Chapters of USA, Philippines, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and many chapters in Central and South America. Upon your exaltation as a Royal Arch Mason you will become a member of the oldest and largest rite of Royal Arch Masonry.
Wichita Chapter No. 33, Royal Arch Masons was chartered on October 17, 1876 and is the largest Chapter located within Kansas with a recorded membership of 238 as of December 31, 2004. They meet the second Friday of the month at 7:30 pm. The Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Kansas reported a total of 45 Chartered Chapters with a total membership of 3,275 as of December 31, 2004.
| Excellent High Priest | E.·. Eldon E. Leitzel |
| King | E.·. Ronald E. Farthing |
| Scribe | E.·. Carral N. Roberts |
| Treasurer | M.·.E.·. David F. Snyder |
| Secretary | E.·. Boris N. Bulatkin |
| Chaplain | E.·. C. E. "Chuck" Arens |
| Captain of the Host | E.·. Leo W. Magnuson |
| Principal Sojourner | E.·. Eldon G. Miller |
| Royal Arch Captain | E.·. Lance E. Ross |
| Master of the 3rd Veil | Wayne N. Price |
| Master of the 2nd Veil | E.·. Verden D. Brown |
| Master of the 1st Veil | E.·. George W. Woodyard |
| Sentinel | Lewis Woolard |
Current & Past Grand Chapter Officers from Wichita Chapter:
Most Excellent Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Kansas
Grand Chapter Officers 2006 - 2007
M.·.E.·. David F. Snyder, Grand Lecturer
E.·. William B. Manning, Asst. Grand Lecturer
Living Past Grand High Priests of the
Most Excellent Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Kansas
1992 M.·.E.·. Orville E. Wesseler
1996 M.·.E.·. David F. Snyder
2002 M.·.E.·. Leroy L. Loggins