Council of Royal and Select Masters

Cryptic Degrees

Seymour # 15

Of South Carolina

The degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry are not told in a chronological manner. This is done intentionally so that as one advances in education and understanding of the degrees, they will be more impressive and have a more lasting impact on the candidate. In the degrees of the Council, the remaining questions and gaps in all of the preceding degrees are explained in a very dramatic fashion. The final degree of this body, that of Super Excellent Master has no direct connection to the degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry, but serves to depict events leading up to the destruction of the temple, and inculcates impressive lessons on truth and fidelity. The Cryptic degrees are:

Royal Master
Select Master
Super Excellent Master (optional)

Without the Royal and Select Master degrees, neither the Master Mason degree nor the Royal Arch degree is complete. These two degrees account for the concealment and preservation of the treasures revealed in the Royal Arch.

The Super Excellent Master is an honorary degree, qualifications for which are fulfilled by virtue of being in good standing in a Council. This degree is the most dramatic and spectacular of all Masonic systems.
 

Grand Council

Royal & Select Masters

Of South Carolina