The Cryptic Rite

By Roscoe R. Walcutt (1888 - 1961)

Past Grand Recorder of the Grand Council, R. & S. M. of Ohio; Past General Grand Secretary of the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons.  

   Our word “Rite” come directly from the Latin, and perhaps goes back to the Sanskrit “riti” (a stream or a running way), or “ri” (meaning to flow).  Hence the sense in which Masons use it, to follow a fixed trend or channel, a customary way of doing things.  Webster’s dictionary, among other definitions of “rite,” gives the following: 

    The act of performing divine or solemn service as established by law, precept, or example; a formal act or series of acts of religion or other solemn duty; a solemn observance; as, the rites of Freemasonry.

   The word “ritual” likewise comes from the same root, and, the ritual being the customary way in which history and tradition are portrayed and their lessons taught, of course, goes back to the primary meaning of the word. It is akin in meaning to the word ceremony.

Stated Meeting Notice

The next Stated Meeting of Washington Chapter No. 2, Royal Arch Masons, will be held at the Masonic Hall at 4911 Montrose Boulevard at 7:00 PM on Monday, September 11, 2017.  As a reminder, the Most Excellent High Priest, Joseph Taylor, has set aside the fourth Monday of each month for degree work and ritual practice.  Members of the Chapter are encouraged to attend.

All Royal Arch Masons are welcome.