Michael Ray Shaw
8th Most Illustrious Grand Thrice Illustrious Master
Royal & Select Masters
P.H.A. · Louisiana
Guardians of the Sacred Word. Keepers of the Cryptic Rite.
Dedicated to light, wisdom, and brotherly love across the great state of Louisiana.
Deposited February 20, 2010 A.D.
3010 A. Dep. · Louisiana
The Most Illustrious Pelican Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters, Prince Hall Affiliated, stands as a pillar of Cryptic Masonry within the great state of Louisiana. Founded on February 20, 2010, our council carries forward the ancient traditions of the Cryptic Rite with honor, dignity, and brotherly devotion.
We are committed to the preservation of the sacred teachings entrusted to the Royal Master, the Select Master, and the Super Excellent Master — illuminating the path of wisdom for every companion who seeks the hidden mysteries of our ancient and honorable institution.
Most Illustrious Companion Michael Ray Shaw has dedicated decades of distinguished service to the Cryptic Rite and the Prince Hall Masonic family throughout Louisiana. A steadfast guardian of the ancient landmarks, he has served with honor across the York Rite bodies, bringing wisdom, vision, and unwavering commitment to every office he has held. Elevated to the presiding chair of the Most Illustrious Pelican Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters, PHA, Illustrious Companion Shaw continues to inspire subordinate Councils and companions statewide, upholding the sacred charge entrusted to this Grand Body — to preserve and faithfully confer the sublime degrees of Royal Master, Select Master, and Super Excellent Master upon worthy Masons of Louisiana.
Full Biography →
The first degree of Cryptic Masonry conveys the lessons taught to Hiram Abiff in the secret vault beneath the Temple of Solomon — preparing the candidate for the reception of that which was lost.
The Select Master degree reveals the construction of the secret vault and the deposit of the Word. It is considered one of the most beautiful and instructive degrees in all of Freemasonry.
Conferred in Councils, the Super Excellent Master dramatizes the events surrounding the destruction of the Temple and the faithfulness of those entrusted with its preservation.
The Cryptic Rite in Louisiana traces its lineage through the noble traditions of Prince Hall Masonry — a legacy forged by men of character, conviction, and unwavering dedication to the principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.
Since its establishment in 2010, the Most Illustrious Pelican Grand Council has grown as a beacon of Masonic excellence in the South, continuing the ancient and honorable work of preserving and conferring the sacred degrees of the Cryptic Rite upon worthy companions throughout the state of Louisiana.
Most Illustrious Pelican Grand Council
Royal & Select Masters · PHA
For inquiries regarding membership, meetings, or general correspondence with the Most Illustrious Pelican Grand Council, please use the form below.