Copyright 2010, Capítulo de Oliva LaSafor, Province of Valencia, Webmaster E Comp Graham Simons GDC

Royal Arch Masonry

Oliva LaSafor Chapter

Where We Meet

When a Freemason has attained the rank of a Master Mason he is then entitled, after a period of four weeks, to be Exalted into a Royal Arch Chapter to further extend his Masonic knowledge. He is then referred to as a Companion in the Royal Arch.

Royal Arch Chapters meet independently from Lodges and a Chapter is normally attached to a Lodge.

The regalia worn by the members is different from that of a Craft Lodge. It consists of an Apron with red and blue surround, a red and blue Sash and a special Jewel, which Royal Arch Masons should also wear in their Craft Lodges, in order to show the bond that exists between the Craft and Royal Arch.

As in all Masonic degrees the ritual of the Royal Arch is an allegory that helps to focus the minds of the Companions, without conflicting with their religious beliefs, to a contemplation of the nature of, and their relationship with their God.

A Royal Arch Chapter has a number of officers with particular titles but most important are the three Principals who jointly rule the Chapter for one year. Each year there is an Installation meeting for the new team of officers.

At a national level, the Supreme Grand Chapter controls the affairs of the Royal Arch and officers are appointed at an Annual Convocation.

The Oliva LaSafor Chapter is one of the key Chapters in the Provincial Grand Chapter of Valencia. We meet three times a year and the dates of our meetings in 2011 are:

If you are interested in joining please contact our Secretary, E. Comp. Norman Wheatley

(tel. 966 074 199, email scribe30@gcpvalencia.org)

The Chapter meets at the Restaurant Flor Azahar. The restaurant is situated on the CV60 on the road from Gandia to Albaida about 3 kilometres from Gandia.

From Javea, Denia and the South, take the N332 north (signposted Valencia). You can either take the AP7 North leaving at Junction 61 (signposted for Gandia and Oliva) or stay on the N332 going through Ondara and Oliva.

Whether you come via the AP7 (turning left after the Toll Booths) or from the Oliva direction, follow the N332 north (signposted for Gandia and Valencia). On the outskirts of Gandia you will come to a roundabout (known locally as the Palm Trees for obvious reasons). Take the second exit from the roundabout which is still the main N332 road. This is the Gandia By-pass. DO NOT GO INTO THE CENTRE OF GANDIA.

Stay on the N332 by-pass and take the first exit (signposted Albaida). Go round the roundabout at the bottom (carefully) as if turning left and take the road to Albaida, travelling away from Gandia. Pass through the industrial estate, going straight over two roundabouts. After 2 kilometres you will see the Flor Azahar Restaurant on the right hand side of the road. Drive past the restaurant and immediately turn right. Then turn right again, running parallel with the road you have just been on. You will see the car park at the rear of the restaurant.