CRYPTIC MASON OF THE YEAR AWARD
This highest award in Cryptic Masonry is granted annually to one recipient our jurisdiction.
The medal is awarded to members for their many years of devotion and service to the Cryptic Rite. However, elected grand officers and past grand officers are not considered.
Each Council in Illinois may recommend, in writing, to the Most IllustriousGrand Master a companion belonging to anycouncil in Illinois they deem worthy of this outstanding award. Because the decision rests solely with the Grand Master, it is imperative that all pertinent information be included in the recommendation. The award will be announced and presented at the Annual Assembly of the Grand Council.
ISH SODI or KNIGHT OF THE SECRET VAULT
This is an honorary title granted by the M.I.G.M. based on nominations by the councils. The order is conferred in recognition of outstanding service to Masonry in general and Cryptic Rite Masonry in particular and is limited to those who are not elected grand council officers. The elected Ish Sodi officers confer the degree in a public ceremony.
COUNCIL OF THE YEAR
This program is based on activities of the constituent Councils for the Cryptic Year. First and second places are awarded in each category. Each separate activity has a point value and the total score will determine the winner in each category. There are three categories for this competition, which are based on membership:
Actual sizes to be determined after Annual Reports are analyzed and will be supplied by email for addition to this manual.
|
Category |
Council Size |
|
A |
50 and Fewer |
|
B |
51 through 100 |
|
C |
101 and More |
The winning Council will show a well-developed and active program for its membership.
GRAND MASTER’S LEADERSHIP AWARD
This award goes to the Thrice Illustrious Master of all councils earning the requisite number of points. The TIM of the council with the highest number of points will be the Thrice Illustrious Master of the Year. The Grand Council wants to promote effective leadership that will result in active Councils with a strong foundation in ritual and activities. A well-rounded program of activities that will keep the interest of your members and attract the attention of candidates requires advance planning and preparation by the Officers. Thrice Illustrious Masters who put forth a sincere effort to achieve the goals of this program cannot help but to have a very successful year. Encourage the TIM’s to start early, not to wait until the last minute to read and complete the report. There are five categories to work on.
- Attendance
- Membership
- Ritual
- Grand Council Programs
- Council Activities
MASONIC YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARD
The Masonic Youth Award is given each year to a Companion (and/or Lady) who is a recognized worker and a leading supporter of the Order of DeMolay, International Order of Job’s Daughters or the Order of Rainbow for Girls. The rule and method of recommendation for this award are essentially the same as those for the Cryptic Mason of the Year Medal. This award is also announced and presented at the Annual Assembly of the Grand Council.