Background –
The Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Arizona confers this honorary degree upon the Illustrious Master of a Constituent Council after he has been installed nto that office. The purpose of the degree is to impress upon an Illustrious Master the importance of the office to which he has been elected and to lend dignity and additional honor to the office.
The Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of North Carolina retain the proprietary right to this degree, having received authority to “use and extend it” from the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland in 1931. An American Ritual was devised and Certificates of Authority to confer this degree have been issued to a number of Grand Councils in the United States. The Certificate of Authority reiterates the proprietary status of N.C. to disseminate the degree.
This degree is known, alternately, as “The Degree of Thrice Illustrious Master”, “The Order of the Silver Trowel” (that being its insignia), and the “Council of Anointed Kings” (that being its theme).
The degree is both extremely interesting and colorful and takes place during the final days of King David and recounts the abortive attempt of Adonijah, the half-brother of Solomon, to assume the throne and then the latter’s anointment as King. It concludes with a remarkable discourse between David and Solomon.
In Arizona –
The Order of the Silver Trowel is conferred annually at the Annual Grand Sessions, on the day of the Grand Council Assembly. Current and Past Illustrious Masters are eligible. Contact your local Council Recorder for details.