Cryptic Masonry

Kansas City Council No. 45 Royal and Select Masters

Our ancent Grand Masters placed three treasures of the Temple into the Ark of the Covenant to preserve the items for use in a future time. Since the inception of the Cryptic Degrees, companions have been directed to preserve the treasures of Freemasonry, but what are those treasures?

Masonic treasures are not made of gold, marble or any physical substance, our treasures are held in our hearts.

Freemasonry is a way of life, a system passed from generation to generation through the klanguage of symbols and allegories. The treasures we are charged to preserve are not only the words of masonic rituals, but the meaning. We must preserve the language of Freemasonry that teaches the lessons of Freemasonry, without the key of knowledge the ritual and symbols of Freemasonry become empty and unintelligible. It is the duty of all Cryptic Masonis, especially those that hold leadership positions in any masonic body to work to preserve the treasures of Freemasonry. Teach, learn, lead and live are all verbs and words that will transform our Masonic rituals. Through the actions of teaching, learning, leading and living in accordance with the principles of our order, our ritual is transformed from a noun to a verb.

The Degrees of the Royal and Select Master teach may important lessons, but the subtle meaning of the Degrees is often missed. Councils of Cryptic Masons form the center body of the York Rite of Freemasonry. A Master Mason may join a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons and receive the four degrees of that organization. After which he may seek further knowledge in Freemasonry and join a Council of Cryptic Masons.

Royal Master Degree

This is the first degree of the Cryptic Rite as conferred in the United States of America. Candidates who receive the degree are impressed with its dignified ritual and relevant teachings. It is conferred in a place known as the council chamber, which represents the private apartment of King Solomon’s Temple, where he and his two associates met for consultation and deliberation during the construction of the Temple. The ritualistic presentations in the degree explain the articles contained in the Holy of Holies of King Solomon’s Temple, including the Ark of the Covenant. A knowledge of which is essential to those who would fully understand the preceding degrees. The principal characters in the degree are Solomon and his royal assistant and are essential to a clear understanding of one section of the Royal Arch.

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Select Master Degree

In the Select Master’s Degree which is the second of the Council, the place of meeting represents a Secret Vault or crypt beneath the Temple. The historical object of the Degree is to commemorate the deposits of an important secret or treasure which, after the preliminary preparations, is said to have been made by our three Grand Masters.

This Degree also historically occurs prior to the third Degree, and deals with incidents that occurred at the building of the first Temple. It is closely connected with the Royal Arch Degree and affords the explanation needed for its perfect understanding and contains the story to complete the Circle of Perfection in Ancient Craft Masonry.

Super Excellent Master Degree

This Degree, which is conferred usually on large classes and on special occasions, refers to circumstances and incidents during the siege of Jerusalem, and the final destruction of the Temple. It is very dramatic, and is conferred upon Select Masters.

It was not originally a part of the Cryptic system, and is not in all jurisdictions as yet. It has one of the best written rituals in Masonry. It deals with the incidents in the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar when Zedekiah, the last King of Judah, was conquered and carried captive to Babylon. It enlarges upon the section of the Royal Arch having to do with the capture of Jerusalem by the Babylonian King, and teaches in most dramatic fashion the lesson of fidelity.

Order of the Silver Trowel

The Order of the Silver Trowel is a degree offered to installed Illustrious Masters, or Past Illustrious Masters of Councils of Royal and Select Masters. It is based on the biblical history of the anointing of Solomon as King of Israel to follow his father, David, to the throne of Israel.

The Order of the Silver Trowel is generally conferred during the Annual Grand Council Assembly. Please contact your Recorder for further information.

Without the Royal and Select Master Degrees, neither the Master Mason Degree nor the Royal Arch are complete, for they rationalluy account for the concealment and preservation of the treasures revealed in the Royal Arch.

The Super Excellemt Master Degree is an honorary degree to which any Cryptic Mason is entitled by virtue of his being in good standing in his Council. This is classed as the most dramatic and spectacular degree in all Masonic Systems.

In the jurisdiction of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of the State of Missouri, a Cryptic Mason must receive the Supoer Excelle=nt Master Degree in order to hold office in his Council.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I want to join, what is the process?

You must be a Royal Arch Mason in good standing of a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons in the State of Missouri. You then must petition a local Council to join, most generally petition to join all three York Bodies at the same time. Once you have submitted your petition to the Council, the Council will vote on your petition and inform you of the result. If accepted, the Degree are normally conferred during a York Rite “Festival”.