Originally the Symbolic (Blue) Lodges conferred the Royal Arch degrees. Under the ancient Landmark the Royal Arch was deemed too important to be conferred upon anyone other than those who had been actually elected to serve as Masters of a Lodge.   In latter years, as the Fraternity grew, this restriction prevented many worthy brethren from receiving the Royal Arch degrees. Rather than violate this Landmark, the degree of Virtual Past Master was instituted to make it possible for worthy brethren to receive the Royal Arch degree without having served as an Actual Master of a Symbolic Lodge.  

The first recorded conferral of the Virtual Past Master degree is found in 1768 in England.  The conferring of this degree by a Chapter does not entitle the brother to any of rights, honors or privileges reserved for actual Past Masters in the Symbolic Lodge. While actual Past Masters are inducted into the Oriental Chair of King Solomon, the virtual Past Master is said to “pass the Chair”.  

The jewel of the Worshipful Master is a square of ninety degrees. The square reminds us to regulate our actions and harmonize our conduct by the rule and guide of the principles of morality and virtue.   

The jewel of the Past Master is the compass extended to an angle of sixty degrees with the points resting on a segment of a circle.  A flaming sun is placed between the extended legs of the compasses. The compasses teach us to limit our desires within bounds that rising by merit we may live respected and die regretted.  

References:

“Guide to the Royal Arch Chapter”, John Sheville, PGHP & James L. Gould, PGHP, Macoy Publishing & Masonic Supply Co., Inc., 1981

“The Royal Arch Its Hidden Meaning, George H. Steinmetz, Macoy Publishing & Masonic Supply Co., Inc., 1979