Cryptic Degrees

Cryptic Degrees

Cryptic councils are under the control of the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of New Zealand.

In English masonry the order is called Royal and Select Masters and differs somewhat from our Cryptic councils. The differences come about from the fact that when the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of New Zealand was formed in 1892 it was decided to follow the Scottish pattern rather than the English. The resultant major difference is that in the English system the degree of Excellent Master forms part of the Royal and Select Masters order whereas in New Zealand it is one of the three degrees that make up the Royal Arch ceremonies. 

The background of the Cryptic degrees is the completion and administration of King Solomon’s Temple until 587BCE when the destruction took place, the seventy years of the captivity and finally the rededication (or should it be dedication?) of the second temple.

There are four degrees in the order, Select Master, Royal Master, Most Excellent Master and Super Excellent Master. The presiding officer is called Thrice Illustrious Master. 

The four special and impressive ceremonies provide four new “Navigation Points” on the Masonic journey as follows:

1. The Select Master Degree

Where the candidate has an active role in constructing the Vault.

2. The Royal Master Degree

In which the candidate as the enthusiastic Craftsman and Master Overseer enjoys an enlightening dissertation with the Principal Architect.

3. The Most Excellent Master Degree

Focuses on the dedication of the Temple and the rewards for the most skilful workmen.

4. The Super Excellent Master Degree

Which is a quite recent addition – details the circumstances of the destruction of the Temple at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar – and looks to the future.

5. The Order of the Silver Trowel

Only available to those who have been installed into the chair of a Cryptic Council as Thrice Illustrious Master.

The First Grand Principal of the Royal Arch also becomes the Grand Master of the order in New Zealand and his Grand Chapter officers who are members of the order automatically take their Grand ranking with them. The Cryptic degrees fill in a number of gaps that are left in the six degrees of pure ancient masonry.