We are all aware that the building, destruction and rebuilding of the Temple at Jerusalem forms the corner stone of our Masonic ritual and that these legends and, in particular, the search for the Master Word are allegorical representations of the search for Truth, the essence of our Masonic Philosophy. In the Third Degree, we are informed that the Word or, more precisely, the form of its pronunciation was deemed to have been lost following the death of Hiram Abiff, only to be rediscovered in an underground vault by the Sojourners preparing the ground for the foundation of the second Temple some 470 years later.
The Order of Royal and Select Masters, often known as the Cryptic Masonry is open to those who are both Mark and Royal Arch Masons it consists of four highly dramatic Degrees. They form a vital and interesting link between the Craft and Royal Arch, making the connection much more logical and completing the legend of King Solomon and the building and destruction of the first Temple.
Select Master: Takes for its scenario a time during the building of King Solomon’s Temple when certain work is being carried out in great secrecy. The Candidate represents a Craftsman who accidentally enters into the work area and is sentenced to death.
Royal Master: The Temple is complete and the sacred artefacts are being deposited therein. The Candidate represents one ‘Adoniram’ who engages in conversation with Hiram Abif, shortly afterwards Hiram Abif is slain. This degree is described as the most beautiful ceremony you may ever participate in.
Most Excellent Master: The Temple is complete and is about to be dedicated to the Glory of God when King Solomon determines to reward his most skilful craftsmen for their dedication by appointing them Most Excellent Masters.
Super Excellent Master: Immediately prior to the destruction of the Temple by Nebuchadnezzar, the Candidate represents a Most Excellent Master seeking to assist in the defence of the Temple and is accordingly made a Super Excellent Master and is rewarded with the Badge of the Order.
Plus two further degrees that are open to you once you have been installed as a Thrice Illustrious Master of a Council, they are…
Silver Trowel: Also known as the Past Thrice Illustrious Masters’ Degree. The degree takes the form of a conversation between King David and his son, Soloman, shortly before the passing of King David. Recipients of the degree wear a solid silver trowel on the flap of their Apron.
Excellent Master: The degree concerns the return of the Jewish People to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple, to the honour and glory of the Most High. The degree is also known as the Passing of the Veils. The jewel of this degree is a pentagon, suspended from a tri-coloured ribbon of the Holy Royal Arch.
Click on the link below to download a PDF File leaflet about our Order.
