Royal & Select Masters

The Order of Royal and Select Masters, also known as the Cryptic Rite, is a Masonic body focused on the preservation of ancient knowledge related to King Solomon's Temple. Its degrees include Select Master, which deals with the construction of a secret vault to protect sacred treasures; Royal Master, reflecting on labour, death, and resurrection through the story of Hiram Abiff; Most Excellent Master, celebrating the Temple's completion; and Super Excellent Master, which highlights loyalty and sacrifice during the Temple's destruction. Central to the Order's teachings are themes of secrecy, integrity, faithfulness, and the safeguarding of divine truths. Governed by Grand Councils, this Order plays an intermediate role within the broader Masonic structure, connecting with other bodies such as the Royal Arch and the Knights Templar.