Which to join first: Mark Masonry or Holy Royal Arch?
The decision of whether to join the Mark Masonry or the Holy Royal Arch first is subjective and can depend on personal preference and guidance from Masonic mentors. According to Robert Lomas in *The Secrets of Freemasonry*, some brethren suggest that the Mark should be taken first due to its close association with the Fellow Craft degree, while others advocate for the Royal Arch first, as it is considered to hold the genuine secrets of a Master Mason. Lomas advises that regardless of the order, it is beneficial to wait until you have learned something of what these degrees mean before pursuing additional degrees.
Ultimately, both degrees offer valuable insights into Masonic symbolism and history, and the choice may also be influenced by the specific traditions of the local Masonic community.