My Dear Brethren,
Fraternal Greetings to you!
This Order is known also as “Cryptic Masonry” in allusion to the Crypt under the legendary Solomonic temple. It has a long history of nearly 120 years in India with the first RSM Council being consecrated on 5th December 1892. Membership of this Order of Freemasonry requires candidates to be Master Masons, Royal Arch Companions and Mark Master Mason. The reason for this demanding requirement will be apparent during the wonderful ceremonial of this "Cryptic" Order of Freemasonry.
Having been present in India for over 124 years and with a robust membership, it was but natural for the members to think of forming an own sovereign body to administer the Order under self rule. Such a desire combined with the increasing cost of international affiliation resulted in our petition to Grand Master for the formation of Grand RSM Council In India. After careful consideration he agreed to the formation of the sovereign body inspite of losing a considerable chunk of membership thereby.
Brethren, the Constitution and Consecration of this Grand Sovereign body took place on 14 December, 2013 at Chennai. Most Worthy the Grand Supreme Ruler, M.Wy.Bro. Michael William Guest lead a team from London for the formation of this Grand Order.
Yours forever,
M.Ill.Comp. STEPHEN JOHN HINDES
Grand Master
At the 10th Annual Convocation of the Grand Council held on 8 December 2023 in Kolkata, M Ill Comp.Stephen John Hindes, M Ill the Grand Master of The Grand Council of the Order of Royal and Select Masters in India, was pleased to confer on R Ill Comp. Routhu Varadanarayana Umashankar, as the first recipient of Custodian of the Ninth Arch, for his services rendered to the Grand Council of the Order of Royal and Select Masters in India.
