The early history of the grand chapter of Royal Arch Masons in the State of New York is so obscure that but little information concerning its subordinates is obtainable.
It is a well established fact, however, that the Royal Arch degree was conferred in the State of New York under lodge charters prior to the formation of the grand chapter of New York in 1798. On the 14th of March, 1798, five chapters organized and established a deputy grand chapter subordinate to the grand chapter of the Northern States for the State of New York.
Companion DeWitt Clinton was elected deputy grand high priest. The prefix "deputy" was dropped in 1799, and thereafter they were designated "grand chapters." At one period mark lodges were a distinct organization yet subject to, and received authority from, the grand chapter. The degree of mark master is now conferred in a chapter of Royal Arch Masons, and the charters of mark lodges in this State have been surrendered to the grand chapter. But two mark lodges are known to have been organized in the county of Orange.
Orange Mark Lodge, No. 57.—This lodge was located at Goshen. A charter was granted on the 8th of February, 1809, to William Elliott, William A. Thompson and Edward Ely.
Hiram Mark Lodge, No. 7.—This lodge was located at Newburgh. A charter was granted on the 3d of February, 1813, to Sylvanus Jessup, James Williams, and George Gordon.
Orange Chapter, No. 33.—This chapter of Royal Arch Masons was located at Minisink. A charter was granted on the 6th of February, 1812, to Uriah Hulse, James D. Wadsworth and Malcomb Campbell.
Jerusalem Temple Chapter, No. 52.—At the annual convocation of grand chapter, held on the 6th of February, 1817, a charter was granted: "To Comps. James Reynolds, William Ross and William P. Lott, to hold a chapter at Newburgh, county of Orange, by the name of Jerusalem Temple Chapter, No. 52." The last written record of a convocation is dated May 1st, 1828. The seal, record book and ledger of Jerusalem Temple Chapter are now in possession of Highland Chapter, No. 52, Newburgh, N. Y.
The charters of these organizations have either been surrendered or forfeited, as they are no longer in existence.
There are but three chapters of Royal Arch Masons at present located in Orange County.
Highland Chapter, No. 52.—This chapter is located at Newburgh. At the annual convocation of grand chapter held on the 3d of February, 1864, "A warrant was granted to Comp. John P. Stanbrough, high priest; Comp. Joseph H. H. Chapman, king; Comp. George C. Pennell, scribe, and others, to hold a chapter at Newburgh, to be known as Highland Chapter, No. 52." In the application for a warrant the request was made that the old number affixed to Jerusalem Temple Chapter, "52," be assigned to the new chapter, and the request was granted. The membership of Highland Chapter on the 1st of June, 1907, was 340 Royal Arch Masons. The officers were James D. McGiffert, high priest; William D. Traphagen, king; John T. Swann, scribe: Charles H. Halstead, secretary.