Companion Bill Thomas - Deputy Grand High Priest

In my capacity as Deputy Grand High Priest acting as Most Excellent Grand High Priest, I strongly endorse the practice of research and presentation. Meetings should be a learning experience for those in attendance. Expanding our horizons in the art of masonry is our primary goal. Improving our general knowledge of masonry is mandatory but we need to delve more into the esoteric as well. Putting together all the pieces will allow us to see the bigger picture.

We are sanctioned under the auspices of The Most Worshipful Sons of Light Grand Lodge, Inc., where the Honorable Omar H. Scaife, 33⁰ presides.  We are chartered by the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, United States of America and Canada where the Honorable Floyd C. McMillan, 33⁰ serves as the Most Excellent General Grand High Priest.

Master masons interested in more information on becoming a Royal Arch Mason should talk to their Respective Worshipful Masters.

Elected Officers

Appointed Officers

Past / Emeritus Grand High Priest

History of California Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons

York Rite masonry is oldest and commonly known of all masonic rites. It takes its name from York, England, where the earliest known record of masonry exists, dating from about A.D. 923. Masonry's first written record is centered on York, the seat of the Ancient York Grand Lodge. In 1813, this Grand Lodge merged with another group called the Modern Grand Lodge, to form the United Grand Lodge of England. This is the basis upon which our present system of symbolic Lodge Masonry is built.

This California Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons was established with the approval of Hon. Frank J. Bobo, 33°, who was the Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Sons of Light Grand Lodge, Inc. On March 8, 1969 the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons Relief Department, State of California was established. Companion Sealious Clayborn was duly elected as our first Most Excellent Grand High Priest serving from 1970 through 1986. Under his leadership the department was tasked with the first charge – membership. The department grew rapidly with membership and took great pride in educating its companions.

In 1986 Companion Richard Ramirez was elected as our second Most Excellent Grand High Priest. Companion Ramirez brought a sense of pride and style to the Grand Chapter. He led by example and was very well respected as a well versed and knowledgeable companion. Under his leadership the department gained new regalia and furnishings. If there is one thing that can be stated about Companion Ramirez, it is that he loves the Royal Arch. He successfully completed his tenure in 1990.

In only its third time in twenty years, the Grand Chapter elected its third successor, Companion James C. Gardley. Under Companion Gardley, the workshop was started. During the workshops, companions had an opportunity to learn and watch ritualistic works as the state conducted them. The department further grew by adding new robes for the companions. In 1992 a new Ark of the Covenant was dedicated to the Grand Chapter. In 1993 the bylaws were amended and accepted before the craft. In 1999 Companions James Gardley and Rufus Jenkins pioneered an appreciation luncheon for the elderly of our jurisdiction in the southern California area. It later became known as the Sophisticated Elderly Luncheon. In 2003 the luncheon was expanded to the northern California region. Companion Gardley served his distinguished career from 1990 through 2004. Upon stepping down as the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, he was bestowed the status of Emeritus.

In 2004, Companion Vinson A. Boyce became just the fourth Most Excellent Grand High Priest to serve in that capacity. He is charged to carry on the legacy of the Royal Arch and bring it boldly into the 21st century. So far Companion Boyce has visually brought to life the tabernacle in museum form to dazzle the companions. He has inspired and edited the National secret ritual so that all companions can once again obtain the most up to date ritualistic information. Companion Boyce focuses on tackling the most difficult subjects and making them easy to digest. The future is yet to be written but you can rest assure that the royal arch will do everything it can to be innovative, creative and inspirational.