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Who we are
Our Mission
Our Foundation
Our Mission
The Mission of the M.I. Prince Hall Grand Council, Royal and Select Masters, State of Maryland and Its Jurisdiction, is to preserve and advance the Cryptic Rite through strong leadership, ritual excellence, historical fidelity, and service to our members and communities, while upholding the principles of Prince Hall Freemasonry at home and abroad.
Our History
Our Foundation
Our Mission
The Cryptic Rite in Maryland began on May 15, 1975, when Owen H. Thompson Council No. 15 was chartered in Baltimore by the Prince Hall Grand Council of New York, marking the first Council of Royal and Select Masters in the state. Over the years, strong membership growth and leadership laid the groundwork for expansion.
In 1992, driven by a
The Cryptic Rite in Maryland began on May 15, 1975, when Owen H. Thompson Council No. 15 was chartered in Baltimore by the Prince Hall Grand Council of New York, marking the first Council of Royal and Select Masters in the state. Over the years, strong membership growth and leadership laid the groundwork for expansion.
In 1992, driven by a desire for self-governance, members of Owen H. Thompson Council initiated the formation of additional councils. With approval from New York’s Grand Council, Omega Council and Alpha Council were established and later chartered in Baltimore.
On July 9, 1994, with three fully chartered councils in operation, the M.I. Prince Hall Grand Council, Royal and Select Masters, State of Maryland and Its Jurisdiction, was officially organized. Perry W. Stewart Sr. was installed as the first Thrice Illustrious Grand Master, along with a full slate of Grand Officers.
Today, the Maryland Grand Council oversees seven constituent councils located in Maryland, Germany, Italy, and Kuwait. The jurisdiction stands as a stable and enduring body, continuing its mission of service and excellence within the Cryptic Rite.
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Our Foundation
Our Foundation
Our Foundation
The Council of Royal and Select Masters, known as Cryptic Masonry, takes its name from the Greek word "crypt," meaning a concealed place or subterranean vault. Indeed, the degrees of Royal Master and Select Master deal with the vault under the Temple of Solomon.
Initially, the degrees were placed between the Craft Lodge and Chapter degrees
The Council of Royal and Select Masters, known as Cryptic Masonry, takes its name from the Greek word "crypt," meaning a concealed place or subterranean vault. Indeed, the degrees of Royal Master and Select Master deal with the vault under the Temple of Solomon.
Initially, the degrees were placed between the Craft Lodge and Chapter degrees, and the stories contained therein serve as a bridge connecting the two branches. The Super Excellent Master's degree, while conferred by the Council of Royal and Select Masters, is not truly a Cryptic Degree as it does not pertain to the crypt or vault.
Sadly, the Cryptic Rite of Freemasonry is often overlooked by many Masons on their way to the Chivalric degrees, as it is not a prerequisite for admission. The Mason who misses this Masonic body misses a great deal, al for the degrees conferred in dramatic representations are rich with Masonic history and instruction.