Royal and Select Masters
“The Order of Royal and Select Masters of England and Wales and it’s Districts and Councils Overseas”
In Freemasonry, the Word was only known to and could only be pronounced by the three Grand Masters. The search for the Lost Word is the esoteric theme of all genuine Masonic Ritual.
The Cryptic Degrees
The Order of Royal and Select Masters is frequently referred to as ‘Cryptic Degrees’ or ‘Cryptic Masonry’.
The Cryptic Degrees are based on various Jewish legends. In one it is stated that while the Temple was in the early stages of construction, King Solomon, realising the danger of attack by heathen powers, determined to take steps to safeguard the more important Temple treasures. He ordered the construction of a vault, within which the sacred artifacts could be placed. A subterranean passage was built from the King’s palace to a spot under the Sanctuary. It was supported by nine arches and ended in a chamber or vault. Those who worked on the tunnel and the vault were sworn to secrecy.
After the untimely death of Hiram Abif, certain treasures together with a copy of the Word and the key to its pronunciation, were placed in the Secret Vault.
The ceremonies the Order, complete the Solomonic legend as they prove the essential link between the degrees of Mark Master Mason, the Raising in Craft, and The Holy Royal Arch.
Select Master
This degree takes place in a secret vault beneath the Temple consisting of several arches into which the secrets were deposited and later discovered. It tells of a well known mason employed by King Solomon who accidentally enters into the crypt where the three Grand Masters were meeting and illustrates the consequence of the intrusion.
Royal Master
This degree is set just before the completion and dedication of the first Temple and deals with an inquisitive Fellow Craft seeking certain assurances from Hiram Abif as to when he may receive the secrets of a Master Mason. It shows how the secrets came to be deposited in the crypt. The reply to the Fellow Craft’s enquiry is said to be one of the most enthralling and personal pieces of ritual found in Freemasonry.
Most Excellent Master
This degree deals with the completion of the first Temple and the celebration to mark it’s completion.
Super-Excellent Master
The degree is based on the time of the temples imminent destruction and refers to the siege of Jerusalem.
The Solomonic Legend
974–967 BC — Preparation of materials and the start of building of the Temple — (Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft & Mark Master Mason)
969–968 BC — The building is progressing and construction of a secret vault —(Select Master)
968 BC — Death of HA — (Royal Master and Master Mason)
967 BC — Dedication of the temple — (Most Excellent Master)
586 BC — Destruction of Temple, the word is lost — (Super-Excellent Master)
534 BC — Recovery of the word — (Holy Royal Arch)
The Masonic Jigsaw
Qualification
A candidate who wishes to be ‘chosen’ as a Select Master must be a Master Mason, a Mark Master Mason, and a Companion of the Holy Royal Arch.