The Capitular Development Course is designed to educate Royal Arch Masons, in particular those who are members of the American or York Rite practiced in the United States and a number of other countries around the world. While the book may certainly be read on its own, having a copy of the Holy Bible to hand would assist in understanding much of the symbolism. This book is also intended to be used as a part of a course, run by a Facilitator, when a copy of the State Capitular Rituals should be used to accompany this course. Upon completion of the course, the Companion may consider himself both well versed in the messages and symbolism of the Capitular Degrees, and qualified to pursue his own further education. To this end, a number of books and courses recommended for further study are given at the end of this book.

This short course is meant to provide an Introduction to the Capitular Degrees for those who have decided to take the next step on Freemasonry, following the Three Blue Lodge Degrees. There are many excellent books about the symbolism of the Chapter, but many of them are about the English (or so-called 'Domatic') system, and don't make easy reading for an American reader. There are also number of impressive Monitors, written by great men and Masons. Thomas Smith Webb and Albert Gallatin Mackey are but two of these luminaries. However, again these serve more as reference books to those who are already familiar with the Rituals and their meaning. It is hoped that this book fills the gap for the modern Companion who needs a little help to understand the Capitular environment. For this reason this course, in addition to giving an overview of the Degree, also looks at practical topics, such as the organization of a Chapter, Grand Chapter, the Constitutions, the Charities, and General Grand Chapter.