Click here to view all of the Grand Council Awards and Honors Recipients
Lady of the Council
Cryptic Masons know and appreciate the help and support of their ladies. The General Grand Council has developed an Award to recognize and honor these Ladies for outstanding dedication and support to Cryptic Masons.
First Responders Award
A brand-new opportunity to recognize members of our Masonic Family and Community, the First Responder Award is a “Thank You” to those who serve (or who have served) and an opportunity for the Council to reach “to and through the Lodge” to show that Masonry respects those who dedicated their lives to preserving our communities.
Veterans Medal
The ability to honor Veterans and their service on behalf of their country was implemented in September of 2018. Service above self is one of the most laudable characteristics a Companion can embody, and Cryptic Masons International has developed the Cryptic Mason Veterans Medal to distinguish those among us who have answered that call. The Cryptic Mason Veterans Award is rich in symbolism and honors a Veteran’s Service while simultaneously displaying the character of Cryptic Masonry.
10% Gain
A tradition started during the 33rd Triennium, this recognizes a Council’s membership activity and focus on creating more Royal and Select Masters. A Council which increases its membership by 10% (overall) during their year has made an intentional effort to ensure the future viability of the Council – this is good Stewardship of their charge.
Adult Youth Leadership Award
As of the 33rd Triennial, the General Grand Council makes available one Adult Youth Leadership Award to each Grand Council to recognize a volunteer from the International Order of Rainbow for Girls, Jobs Daughters International or DeMolay International within their jurisdiction. We currently also support the Organization of Triangles, Inc., a youth organization for young ladies between the ages of 10 and 21 years old, in New York State. In 1996, this award became available to recognize non-Masons, including ladies. Since 1978, some hundreds have been awarded, but this award is currently under-utilized as a method of encouraging the support of youth groups and the awareness of the Council.
Ronald L. Thomas Ritualist Award
On Saturday, February 27, 2016, the Grand Council of Alabama approved the request of the General Grand Council to assume the responsibility of administering a Ritualist Award for the Royal Master, Select Master, and Super Excellent Master Degrees.
General Grand Council Cryptic Mason of the Year
One medal each year presented to a Cryptic Mason by the General Grand Council to a man selected by each Grand Council for outstanding service to Cryptic Masonry. Each Grand Council and each subordinate Council will select its own Cryptic Mason of the Year.
Order of the Secret Vault College of Preservation
The General Grand Council has started a new organization under its auspices. The organization is called the College Of Preservation. It consists of the General Grand Officers and select individuals as College Deans. These College Deans will form the core of the selection committee for Companions to be invited to join. This is an invitation only organization.
Mordhurst Award
The award was started by approval of the General Grand Council at the 33rd Triennial in 1978 and was initially given to any Companion serving his Grand Council as Grand Recorder for 15 years with distinction. Since adoption, there have been fifty-one medals awarded to Companions.
Columbian Award
Named for what is reputed to be the first organized Council of Royal Masters in the United States – Columbia Council No. 1 of New York, which was organized September 2, 1810 – This is an award of merit for service given at the Regional level. Each Triennial, one is awarded to an outstanding Cryptic Mason for each of the Regions of the General Grand Council (now 13), and a maximum of an additional three at large awards given. This award was approved by the General Grand Council during the 33rd Triennial.
Brownlee-Shearer Traveling Zabud Apron
Each year, the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters in Mississippi recognizes one outstanding Companion who has demonstrated outstanding proficiency in Council ritual. The recipient only possesses the Apron for one year, at which time he passes it on to his successor.