Mark Master Mason

It is an undisputed fact that in mediaeval times operative stone masons indented the stones they had prepared with marks that indicated where and how the stone would be aligned in the building, and the identity of the mason who had prepared it. The first records of a speculative Mark Degree being worked date back to 1769.

The Act of Union in 1813 declared that “Pure Antient Masonry consists of three degrees and no more; the Entered Apprentice, the Fellow Craft, and the Master Mason, including the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch”.

The Mark Degree was already worked at that time but to achieve harmony so that Grand Lodge could be formed, certain compromises had to be made. As a result of these the Mark Degree and some other Orders were left to their own devices but some Craft Lodges and Royal Arch Chapters continued (unofficially) to work the Mark Degree.

After a period of considerable intrigue and “political” manoeuvring a separate English Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons was established in 1856. The structure of Mark Grand Lodge is similar to that of United Grand Lodge but with its own Grand Master and Grand Officers. In size of membership it ranks third behind the Craft and the Royal Arch.

The Mark Degree is sometimes described as an extension of the Second Degree in the Craft. However, this is a gross over-simplification since the Ceremony of admission, which is called “Advancement”, is comparable in length to the Third Degree. It is based on the preparations for the building of King Solomon’s Temple and follows the progress of an ambitious craftsman (the candidate) whose undoubted talents initially go unrecognised but whose persistence and courage eventually leads to him being justly rewarded for his work. It is a beautiful Ceremony containing elements of drama and humour, and above all, strong moral lessons. The concept of Masons as “living stones” being built into a spiritual house in parallel with the construction of the Temple is a powerful theme in the Degree.

Mark Masonry is known as “The Friendly Degree” and this is certainly the case in Sussex where we enjoy many social events as well as our Lodge meetings. We also have Charity in our hearts and support many Sussex worthy causes.

Membership requirements.

To join the Mark Degree in England, a candidate must be a Master Mason of the English Constitution, or of a constitution recognised by the English Craft Grand Lodge.

Regalia

The regalia of a Mark Master Mason is similar to that of a Master Mason in the Craft except that the Mark apron is bordered with light blue with crimson edges. He also wears a breast jewel in the form of a keystone suspended from a ribbon of light blue and crimson. The Installed Mark Master’s apron is likewise similar to a Craft Installed Master’s apron. Also, like the Craft, when a brother receives Provincial Grand Rank or Grand Rank the light blue is replaced with Garter blue.

For more information, please

CONTACT

The

Provincial Grand Secretary
ProvGSec@sussexmark.org.uk