The Degree of Royal Master

One of the most beautiful degrees in American Rite Freemasonry is that of the Royal Master, first of the degrees of the Cryptic Rite. In the review section of the proceedings of the Grand Council of Missouri is to be found this description of the degree and its symbolism.

Far too little attention has been given by students of Freemasonry to the first of the degrees conferred in the Council of Royal and Select Masters. We refer to the degree of Royal Master, a degree which is essential to a proper understanding of Ancient Craft Masonry and its symbolism. A candidate for the degree of Royal Master may be regarded as a Fellowcraft in search of Divine Truth, who, having received the necessary preceding degrees believes that he is, of right, entitled to a full enlightenment in the Masonic mysteries by receiving the secrets of a Master Mason. There seems to be several opinions as to why the name Royal Master is used. Some are of the opinion that it is derived from the name of the traditional Masonic patron, Solomon, King of Israel, who, with Hiram, King of Tyre, is said to have established this substitute for the Master Mason degree. Others are of the opinion that the title is given to those who have acquired a true knowledge of the WORD, and have thereby become Masters – indeed Royal Masters – for the true Freemason is a King, not of a material kingdom but a Kingdom of Love, Love for fellow-man, that Love that will bring the universal brotherhood.