ABOUT CRYPTIC MASONRY

The Councils of Cryptic Masons operate under the jurisdiction of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of each state, and in our case the Grand Council of Kentucky Royal and Select Masters, and most Grand Councils operate under the General Grand Council of the United States. We confer the following three degrees:

• Royal Master

• Select Master

• Super Excellent Master

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.

Gentlemen,
    
Owing to the recent death of MIPGM James T. "Tommy" Banton, I have appointed Archie Smallwood, MIPGM, to the Finance Committee.  Tommy will be sorely missed by all of us, and MIPGM Smallwood has my full support in this position.
 
Timothy L. Owens
Most Illustrious Grand Master
Grand Council of Kentucky
Royal & Select Masters