The Mark degree takes its name from the practice of the
early operative mason signing his work with a distinctive
and exclusive mark Our candidates likewise, early in the
ceremony, choose their 'mark' which thereafter is
exclusively theirs. This degree continues the moral
teachings of Freemasonry in the enactment of a beautiful
and at times somewhat dramatic 'one-act' play based on a
fictional incident arising at the building of King
Solomon's Temple. The message of the Mark Degree is founded
on a single verse from Psalm 118 'the stone the builders
rejected has become the capstone', and it is one of hope
and encouragement. The play examines human strengths and
weaknesses, and not only teaches us that we all have
something to contribute in thus Life no matter how
insignificant we may feel this to be, but also that no man
is beyond redemption and distinction is always within his
grasp.
The origins of Mark Masonry is shrouded in the 'mists of
obscurity' but its ceremonial was recognised as early as
1723. Prior to the union of the Antients and Moderns Grand
Lodges in 1813, the Mark was extensively worked under the
shelter of Craft Lodges or Royal Arch Chapters. Article
11(2) of the Union, however, stated that 'pure Masonry
should consist of the Three Degrees including the Royal
Arch and no more'. Although rejected Mark Masons continued
to form Mark Lodges and these 'irregular' and independent
Lodges continued to work under their former 'shelter'.
In 1856 a second abortive attempt was made to bring the
Mark degree under the control of the United Grand Lodge of
England, which culminated in the foundation of the
independent Grand Mark Lodge on 23rd June 1858. In
Scotland, New Zealand and many other countries, the Degree
is still part of either the Craft or Royal Arch Masonry and
a candidate may be given the Mark Degree once he has become
a Fellowcraft. Hence, by many, it is considered to be a
continuation to that degree. To become a Mark Mason under
the English Constitution, however, it is necessary to have
received all the three degrees of Craft Freemasonry.
The Mark Degree has less formality about it than Craft
Masonry, and in fact is known as the 'friendly degree'. It
is the third largest Order in Freemasonry, and as already
mentioned is a separate entity with its own Grand
Lodge.
The Province of the Channel Islands has 6 Mark Lodges
(inclusive of an Installed Masters Lodge) and 4 Royal Ark
Mariner Lodges, with appropriate respective memberships of
254 and 161. The earliest Channel Island Mark Lodge was
founded in Jersey in 1865, nine years after the formation
of Grand Mark Lodge.
The Royal Ark Mariner degree is attached to the Mark
Degree. and its ritual is based upon the story of Noah and
his Ark, and the tools with which he built that Ark are
used to emphasis. and moralise upon the cardinal
virtues.
Whether as a Craft Mason, a Mark Mason or an enquiring
member of the public, I extend to you all a very warm
welcome to this site, and I hope one day to be able to
greet you in person.
Sincerely and fraternally
Paul E.A.Carré
Provincial Grand Master
Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of the Channel
Islands.