St. Paul Council #1 of Cryptic Masons prides itself on history, ritual, and fraternal bonds. 

We strive to put on the Royal and Select Master twice a year if possible, and it is a tradition to put on the Super Excellent Master in the spring.  We are proud to be able to put on the degrees with full costumes, have beautiful backdrops, and have a degree team that does the ritual from memory and with passion. 

This is just a sampling of the dedication and preparation that goes into setting up for the degrees we take pride in.  From last second directions, to double-checking that the lights people and props are in place. 

The excitement from the Candidates carries over to the degree team who is eager to put on a good show and leave a good lasting impression.  Without dedication from our Grand Council officers, guidance of our Past Illustrious Masters, and energy of our newest companions none of this would be possible. 

In 2004 and 2005 St. Paul Council #1 had a great years and we are following that up with another full degree cycle in 2006. 

 Below is a quote from  The Cryptic Freemason, Internet Newsletter Volume 26-1 and 2 which was posted 02/11/2005. 

             “2004 Minnesota-Wisconsin Cryptic Masonic Festival
     Seventy-three Companions were present for the Cryptic Masonic Festival held on September 18, 2004 that was hosted by St. Paul Council No. 1 at the St. Paul Masonic Center. The Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Wisconsin sponsored the festival.
     Twenty new Companions were greeted as Royal and Select Masters. Twelve of these candidates were from Wisconsin and eight were from Minnesota. Companions of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Wisconsin performed the Royal Master Degree using the Wisconsin ritual. Companions of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Minnesota performed the Select Master Degree using the Minnesota ritual. Minnesota conferred the Super Excellent Master Degree on 32 Companions from Minnesota and Wisconsin. The Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Wisconsin is planning to confer the Super Excellent Master Degree on a periodic basis to Companions there.
     Companions from the following Wisconsin Councils participated in the Royal Master Degree:

                Beloit Council No. 1
                Gebal Council No. 2
                Oshkosh Council No. 8
                Kilburn Council No. 9
                Tri-County Council No. 16
                Heart of Wisconsin Council No. 39

     Companions from the following Minnesota Councils participated in the Select Master Degree and the Super Excellent Master Degree.

                St. Paul Council No. 1
                Minneapolis Council No. 2
                Tyrian Council No. 4
                Duluth Council No. 6
                Alpha Council No. 8
                Northfield Council No. 12

     The Companions of St. Paul Council No. 1, under the leadership of Illustrious Master Donald L. Holberg and Illustrious Companion Harland L. Thomesen are to be congratulated for coordinating the local arrangements for the festival. Illustrious Companion Charles W. Nelson coordinated the Minnesota cast requirements, including the arrangement of the degree practice. The coordinator of the festival, including cast requirements, for the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Wisconsin was Right Illustrious Companion Parker C. Dow, Grand Deputy Master. The coordinator of the festival for the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Minnesota was Most Illustrious Companion Barnes A. Sharitt, Jr., PIGM.
      The following Illustrious Grand Masters were present at this festival: The Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Wisconsin Most Illustrious Companion Ronald Rasmussen. The Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Minnesota Most Illustrious Companion Kevin Jones. The Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Western Canada Most Illustrious Companion Gordon Ebel. Illustrious Companion\Leif Hansen accompanied Most Illustrious Companion Ebel on this trip.

Submitted by Barnes A. Sharitt, Jr. PMIGM, Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Minnesota.”

We are following up this success in 2006 by putting on the three degree for 7 Companions and when we put on the Super Excellent this spring that number will grow. 

The Council has set to work its labors, and we toil hard for our candidates, our brothers and our long history. 

From all of us in the East, the West and the South, we thank you for taking the time to stop in and check out St. Paul Council #1 and we hope that we can see you soon, either on the side lines or part of the next candidate class.