What is Cryptic Masonry

Our Rich History

Their collective vision, leadership, and commitment to Masonic principles helped establish a lasting legacy that continues to influence the Cryptic Rite Masonry in Maryland to this day.

~ Formation Of Prince Hall Grand Council Of Maryland ~

In January 1992, the members of Owen H. Thompson Council No. 15 expressed a strong and unified desire to establish a Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters for the State of Maryland. At the forefront of this initiative was Thrice Illustrious Master Richard V. Johnson, who undertook the task of assembling a core group to spearhead the formation of two additional Councils—a necessary step toward the creation of a Grand Council.

To that end, Companion Johnson solicited the support of ten dedicated members of Owen H. Thompson No. 15. The Companions who answered the call were: Fred L. Bennett, Joseph L. Clayton, William H. Gross Jr., Kermit A. Hall Jr., Leroy Isaac, James J. Jones, Keith S. Jones, Robert E. Mitchell, Robert H. Roach, and Chester W. Washington.

On March 21, 1992, with the approval of the Most Worshipful Grand Master Samuel T. Daniels, Thrice Illustrious Master Johnson prepared a formal petition for the establishment of Omega Council, under Dispensation. This petition was promptly submitted to Most Illustrious Floyd L. Bass, Thrice Illustrious Grand Master of the Most Illustrious Prince Hall Grand Council, Royal and Select Masters, State of New York.

Shortly thereafter, on May 30, 1992, at the Annual Grand Assembly of the Most Illustrious Prince Hall Grand Council, Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York, a Dispensation was officially granted to Omega Council, Under Dispensation (U.D.). This action was taken by the newly elected Thrice Illustrious Grand Master, Most Illustrious Maurice W. LaFate. The Charter Officers appointed for Omega Council were Illustrious Companion Robert H. Roach, Thrice Illustrious Master; Companion Keith S. Jones, Deputy Master; and Companion Chester W. Washington, Principal Conductor of the Work.

Simultaneously, Thrice Illustrious Master Richard V. Johnson prepared and submitted the necessary documents for the formation of a third Council, to be named Alpha Council, U.D., thereby continuing the strategic effort to establish a Grand Council within the State of Maryland.

Upon the successful completion of their requisite periods of operation under dispensation and following the submission and approval of their respective By-Laws, formal Charters were granted by Thrice Illustrious Grand Master LaFate; thus, Omega Council No. 24 and Alpha Council No. 25, Royal and Select Masters, were officially established in the City of Baltimore.

On July 9, 1994, through the unified action of the Past Thrice Illustrious Masters of Owen H. Thompson Council No. 15, Omega Council No. 24, and Alpha Council No. 25, and with the support and guidance of the Prince Hall Grand Council of the State of New York, the Most Illustrious Prince Hall Grand Council, Royal and Select Masters, State of Maryland and Its Jurisdiction, was officially organized with the first Grand Council officers being:

Illustrious Companion Perry W. Stewart Sr.

Thrice Illustrious Grand Master

Illustrious Companion Yeubeart L. Poe

Deputy Grand Master

Illustrious Companion Benjamin Brown

Grand Principal Conductor of the Work

Illustrious Companion William C. Dare

Grand Treasurer

Illustrious Companion James E. Golden

Grand Recorder

~ Preservation of Historical Records and Current Structure ~

The documents & dates referenced herein constitute the original primary sources chronicling the official history of the Most Illustrious Prince Hall Grand Council, Royal and Select Masters, within the jurisdiction of Maryland. These invaluable records have been meticulously preserved in the archives of the Grand Council.

At its height, the Grand Council oversaw nine (9) constituent Councils, strategically located as follows:

Owen H. Thompson Council No. 1 – Harve de Grace, Maryland
Omega Council No. 2 – Baltimore, Maryland
Alpha Council No. 3 – Severna Park, Maryland
James C. Baker Council No. 4 – Stuttgart, Germany
Yeubeart L. Poe Council No. 5 – Aviano, Italy
Enoch Council No. 6 – Rockville, Maryland
Uric S.G. Hypolite Council No. 7 – Kuwait
Nathaniel H. Cornish Council No. 9 – Salisbury, Maryland
Perry W. Stewart Council No. 10 – Bryans Road, Maryland

Through steadfast leadership and enduring dedication, the Grand Council has withstood the test of time and continues to stand as a beacon of service and fidelity to the Cryptic Rite.

HISTORICAL REFORM & REVISION ~ 2022

HPGTIM Mark E. Heath (KYCH)

Right Illustrious Grand Recorder

Prince Hall Grand Council

Maryland & Its Jurisdiction

Constituent Councils

Core Teachings of Cryptic Masonry

Preservation of Wisdom and Secrets

The degrees of Cryptic Masonry—most notably the Royal Master, Select Master, and sometimes Super Excellent Master—symbolize the hidden or "cryptic" preservation of ancient wisdom. The central allegory involves the building of Solomon’s Temple and the safeguarding of secret knowledge for future generations.

Fidelity and Duty

Members are taught about loyalty to duty, secrecy, and the importance of remaining faithful to obligations, even when others are not observing. The degrees use symbolic stories to demonstrate steadfastness and trustworthiness.

The Human Soul and Spiritual Search

There are strong themes relating to the inner spiritual journey. The crypt, or underground vault, represents the hidden chambers of the human heart and mind, where one must search for truth and light within oneself.

The Completion of the Masonic Story

Cryptic Masonry provides the “missing link” between the Master Mason degree (where the secret is lost) and the Royal Arch degree (where the secret is rediscovered). It fills in the allegorical gaps and gives deeper context to the recovery and preservation of Masonic knowledge.

Moral and Ethical Instruction

Like all Masonic bodies, the degrees emphasize moral virtues: faithfulness, humility, patience, and the proper use of knowledge. The narrative encourages members to value spiritual treasures over material wealth.

membership

The Degrees

Cryptic Masonry, often referred to as the Cryptic Rite or the Royal and Select Masters, is a distinct branch of the Masonic degrees, commonly found in the York Rite. Its foundation teachings focus on spiritual, philosophical, and moral lessons centered around the preservation and recovery of Masonic secrets.

To become an illustrious companion of a council, you must first be a Royal Arch Mason, and then you may apply for a petition. Once accepted, a candidate will receive three degrees:

8° Royal Master

9° Select Master

10° Super Excellent Master

The Rite

Cryptic Masonry is fundamentally about the preservation, concealment, and eventual recovery of divine or esoteric truth. It uses the allegory of secret vaults beneath Solomon's Temple to teach about safeguarding wisdom, loyalty to sacred trusts, and the inward journey of spiritual growth.