Royal and Select Masters

The Royal and Select Masters Order known as Cryptic Rite, is also administered from Mark Masons Hall but by the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of England and Wales. It was constituted in 1873 following its foundation in the USA. It comprises four degrees which in order are Select Master, Royal Master, Most Excellent Master and Super-Excellent Master. They are collectively known as Cryptic Masonry from there relationship to a secret vault.

The degree of Select Master is held in the vault under the Temple into which the secrets were deposited. It tells of how a well known mason employed by King Solomon intrudes into the vault where the three Grand Masters are meeting and it illustrates the consequence of his intrusion.

The Royal Master degree is set just prior to the completion of the first Temple whilst the Most Excellent Master degree deals with the completion of the first Temple and the installation of the Ark of the Covenant.

Finally the Super-Excellent Master degree brings the story of the first Temple to its imminent destruction by the forces of Nebuchadnezzar.

The degrees are worked in Councils comprising the principals offices of Thrice Illustrious Master, Deputy Master and Principal Conductor of the Work. To qualify for membership one needs to be both a Royal Arch Mason and a Mark Mason.

The regalia consists of a triangular white apron edged with crimson and trimmed with gold braid. The jewel reflects the apron comprising a white equilateral triangle surmounted by a gold crown suspended from a crimson ribbon. Officers wear a crimson collar from which is suspended a gilt trowel with the emblem of office. There is a tie to the order which is worn in the councils. It reflects the jewel as it too bears a crown and triangle.