Council of Cryptic Masons

Cryptic Masonry is the second part of the York Rite system of Masonic degrees, and the last found within the Rite that deals specifically with the Hiramic Legend.

Degrees of the Council

The Council confers the two principal Cryptic degrees, and in many jurisdictions adds an honorary degree as well, each with its own history:

1. Royal Master
2. Select Master
3. Super Excellent Master Conferred as an honorary degree in many Councils

Their histories are indexed together on the degree histories page.

The role of the Council

These degrees are the gateway to Temple restoration rituals or the Second Temple Legend. The body itself is known as either the Council of Royal & Select Masters or Council of Cryptic Masons depending on the jurisdiction.

Within the Rite

In Montgomery County the Council works alongside the Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, whose degrees precede it in the York Rite, and whose members it prepares for the orders of the Knights Templar.