council of royal and select masters
walton c griffin council #36
Meeting Dates & Times
3rd Mondays at 7:30 pm
3rd Mondays at 7:30 pm
the cryptic degrees
The essential Degrees of Cryptic Masonry in the Universal or American York Rite are the degrees of Royal Master, Select Master, Super Excellent Master, along with the invitational Orders of the Silver Trowel or Thrice Illustrious Master and the Order of the Secret Vault.
It is a peculiarity of the York Rite, whether intended or not by the authors, that the movement of degrees is often inverse, and the historical connection reversed so that we apparently go forward in regular progression, the knowledge and light gained always reflects backward upon the path we have traveled before, and degrees that seemed complete when we received them are found to require the explanation of subsequent degrees before they can be understood. That is what makes the infinite interest in the work, and causes the reflective mason to continually study the sublime precepts and ceremonies of the order. This is especially true of the Cryptic degrees, two of which historically preceded the Royal Arch but which hold in reserve their valuable teachings until the candidate is ready to receive them with the most impressive effect.
royal master
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 contains one section which is generally regarded as an outstanding display of symbolism and content of philosophy. 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 Hiram Abiff and Adoniram.
In this degree Hiram Abif is alive and speaks, imparting to the candidate the sublime teachings of useful labor on earth and a worthy end of life. The tragedy of his untimely death is again brought forth with the great loss suffered by the Craft. This is one of the most beautiful degrees in all Masonry, with lessons so impressive that they are never forgotten. It is especially illustrative of the third and seventh degrees.
select master
The degree of Select Master has not always been associated with that of Royal Master. Jeremy Cross, a traveling Masonic lecturer, author, and educator of the early 1800’s, is given credit by most writers for having combined the two degrees into one rite. There is strong evidence to support the theory that the degree came from a similar degree in the Scottish Rite called Intimate Secretary or Grand Tiler of King Solomon. Regardless of its origin, the legend of this degree is old. The scene of this degree is laid in the underground vault of King Solomon’s Temple. The events which characterize the degree are stirring enough to make it one of intense interest. The principal characters in this degree are King Solomon and a particular friend.
In this degree we have dramatized one of the incidents that occurred during the building of the Temple. It is closely connected with the Royal Arch degree, and in fact it affords the explanation needed for its perfect understanding. The place of meeting represents a “Secret Vault” or crypt beneath the Temple. Our ancient Grand Masters appear in charge of a very important work connected with the Temple. One of King Solomon’s most particular friends is promoted to the work, in which only a limited number are employed. The historical object of the degree is to commemorate the deposits of an important secret or treasure. Certain secrets are imparted to the candidate, which make clear to him the preceding degrees. It is highly dramatic and of the greatest interest.
super excellent master
This degree has no connection either in history or symbolism with the Royal and Select Master degrees. It refers to circumstances that occurred during the siege of Jerusalem by Nebuzaradan, commander of the army of the King of Babylon. The ceremonies are intended to represent the final destruction of the Temple and the carrying away of the captive Jews to Babylon as exemplified in the Royal Arch degree. The Super-Excellent Master degree is divided into three striking scenes. The first scene represents the Jewish captives at Babylon under the direction of Haggai, the Prophet. In the second scene King edekiah, of Judah listens to his false counselors and despises the warnings of the Prophet Jeremiah, and the vengeance of the Lord is poured upon him. Jerusalem is captured and its wicked King is taken with his sons before King Nebuchadnezzar, who causes the sons to be put to death before their father’s face, after which he deprives the wretched parent of his eyesight and carries him in chains to Babylon. In colorful and spectacular manner, this degree portrays the fatal effects that follow the violation of sacred obligations.
As we have stated, the degree of Super Excellent Master is not a degree of the Crypt. But, it relates events that lead to the recovery of the lost Word. This degree beautifully tells of a period in history in which all Freemasons are interested, that period following the destruction of the First Temple. The essence of the degree is foretold in the presentation by the Principal Sojourner in the Royal Arch Degree when he makes the following reference: “Zedekiah was one and twenty years old when he began to reign and he reigned for eleven years in Jerusalem, and he did which was evil in the sight of the Lord his God,” etc. The degree of Super Excellent Master is one of the best devised, most impressive, and beautiful degrees. It is most enlightening and relevant to one’s daily life. In a display of exciting events, Biblical characters come to life exemplifying this historic event. Here Nebuchadnezzar rules again, Zedekiah proves the results of his wicked life, and Ezekiel and Jeremiah prophesize the promises of Almighty God.
As we have stated, the degree of Super Excellent Master is not a degree of the Crypt. But, it relates events that lead to the recovery of the lost Word. This degree beautifully tells of a period in history in which all Freemasons are interested, that period following the destruction of the First Temple. The essence of the degree is foretold in the presentation by the Principal Sojourner in the Royal Arch Degree when he makes the following reference: “Zedekiah was one and twenty years old when he began to reign and he reigned for eleven years in Jerusalem, and he did which was evil in the sight of the Lord his God,” etc. The degree of Super Excellent Master is one of the best devised, most impressive, and beautiful degrees. It is most enlightening and relevant to one’s daily life. In a display of exciting events, Biblical characters come to life exemplifying this historic event. Here Nebuchadnezzar rules again, Zedekiah proves the results of his wicked life, and Ezekiel and Jeremiah prophesize the promises of Almighty God.