The “Capitular” or Chapter Degrees of Freemasonry refers the four degrees of the York Rite system that follow the “blue lodge” or “Craft” degrees. The Holy Royal Arch is the final degree and the culmination of the Chapter experience for a candidate. The Chapter is the second body of the York Rite of Freemasonry (following the Symbolic or ‘Blue’ Lodge), though in some Jurisdictions it is considered the completion of the initial three degrees and is part of the regular Craft experience.
The Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Arizona chooses allegiance to the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons. A Master Mason in good standing starts his York Rite experience in Arizona in his regular Lodge, and continues by choice and petition into the balance of the York Rite Degrees and Orders by receiving the Chapter Degrees first, then continuing (if he chooses) on to and through the Council Degrees and Commandery Orders. The Chapter Degrees include:
- The Mark Master Mason Degree
- The (Virtual) Past Master Degree
- The Most Excellent Master Mason Degree
- The Royal Arch Degree
Upon completion of the Degrees, the Brother is exalted a Royal Arch Mason and is addressed as “Companion.”