Richmond Royal Arch Chapter No. 3

Richmond Royal Arch Chapter No. 3 was a Chapter of Royal Arch Freemasonry (part of the York Rite). This Chapter was chartered in Richmond, Virginia, USA on March 12, 1792, and was known as “The Richmond Royal Arch Chapter of Masons.” The first time the minutes designated it as “Richmond Royal Arch Chapter, No. 3,” is September 9, 1810. There is a hiatus between the dates 1798 and 1805, and no record of any meeting between May, 1805, to September 9, 1810. Many leaves in the old book have been torn out and doubtless destroyed. What remains of the first record book is on vellum paper, showing a beautiful watermark and the name J. Larking, either the manufacturer or the seller of the paper.
First meeting March 12, 1792
An examination of the old records of the Chapter disclose the fact that, “At a meeting of sundry Brethren Royal Arch Masons in the city of Richmond, on Monday evening the 12th March, A.D. 1792.”
Present - John K. Read, Alex. Montgomery, David Lambert, John Dixon, James Dove, Joseph Darmsdadtt, Thomas Rose, Jacob Ege, John Crawford, Alex. Yuille, John Moody, William Galt, Thos. C. Morris and Basil Wood for the purpose of establishing permanently a Royal Arch Chapter in this city. The following officers were elected:
*John K. Read H.P.
*Basil Wood C.G.
*Joseph Darmsdadtt C.H.
*John Lennox Tr.
*William Galt Scribe
*Thos. C. Morris Tyler
*Richard Wheelin Steward
*John Crawford 5 Vail
*Alex. Yuille 4 Vail
*John Moody 3 Vail
*Thomas Rose 2 Vail
*John Dixon 1 Vail
Meeting September 4, 1792
The minutes do not state where this meeting was held, but the next one was September 4, 1792. This and all subsequent meetings were held at the Mason’s Hall, Richmond, Va.

At the September meeting there were present:
*John Moody, H.P.P.T.
*John Crawford, C.H.P.T.
*Alex. Yuille, C.G.P.T.

Members: Joseph Darmsdadtt, J. V. Kautzman, Richard Wheelin, and James Dove.

At this meeting the following officers were duly elected, viz.:
*Joseph Darmsdadtt, High Priest
*John Crawford, Captain of the Host
*John Moody, Captain-General
*Alex. Yuille, Treasurer
*James Dove, Scribe
*Richard Wheelin and J. V. Kautzman, Stewards of the Household.

In the By-Laws it is provided “to hold four stated meetings in every year, viz.: the first on the Friday preceding the festival of St. John the Baptist; the second on the first Tuesday in September; the third on the Friday preceding the festival of St. John, the Evangelist; the fourth on the first Tuesday in March.” A unanimous ballot was not regarded as essential to the election of a candidate, as it is provided “if there are two or more voices against a candidate, he is rejected. If only one the Companion so dissenting, may within one week give his reasons to two of the Grand Officers, of whom the H.P. shall be one. They shall judge of the same and shall declare the candidate’s acceptance or rejection, accordingly.”

The following articles are incorporated in the By-Laws and might with propriety and advantage constitute our present Code of Capitular and Blue Lodge Masonry: “Every Companion, when delivering his sentiments, shall address the Reverend H.P., and must not speak more than twice upon the same subject, unless called upon to explain himself or by permission.” The next article reads as follows: “Any Companion found guilty of disclosing the secrets of the Chapter, particularly that of rejecting a candidate, shall be liable to such punishment as the Chapter shall think proper to inflict, and any Companion visiting the Chapter, who is found guilty as aforesaid shall never more be permitted this privilege.” It is provided “the fee for conferring the degree shall be four pounds, four shillings to the use of the Chapter and one dollar each to the Stewards of the Household.”
Meeting December 19, 1794
At a called meeting of the “Richmond Royal Arch Chapter,” held December 19, 1794, it is of record, “Companion Marcus Elcan, this night made a present to the Chapter of an elegant box containing the Sacred Treasure, so highly necessary for perfecting the sublime work,” Whereas it was “Resolved that the thanks of the Richmond Royal Arch Chapter be presented to our well-beloved Companion Marcus Elcan, for this particular manifestation of his zeal and attention to the cause of Masonry in general, and to this Chapter in particular, and that the Reverend High Priest signify the same to Companion Elcan.” This is doubtless the beautiful ark now in use. At this meeting Companion William Nimmo was elected H.P. On Sunday morning, July 26, 1796, Companion Alex. Yuille was elevated to the High Priesthood. Companion William Nimmo was again elected H.P. August 27, 1797.

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