The Holy Order of High Priesthood is an association for past and current High Priests of local Chapters of Royal Arch Masons. It is also known as a chair degree to be conferred upon those who have been elected to lead a local Chapter. Sometimes, in other jurisdictions, it is referred to as the Anointed Order of High Priesthood. In antiquity, this degree was known as the Order of Melchizadek. The degree depicts Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and his meeting with the High Priest of Salem, Melchizedek.
The Florida Order of the High Priesthood meets annually, at the Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Florida. Any Installed or Past High Priest of a Constituent Chapter in Florida or a recognized jurisdiction may apply and become a member. A petition is submitted accompanied by a one-time life membership.
“For this Melchizedek, King of Salem, priest of the highest GOD, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, first being by interpretation, King of righteousness, and after that also, King of Salem, which is, King of peace; without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life, but made like unto the Son of GOD, abides a priest continually. Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. And verily, they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham. For he testifies, Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. And inasmuch as not without an oath, he was made a priest. For those priests (under the Levitical law) were made without an oath; but this with an oath, by him that said unto him, the LORD has sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.