It is strongly recommended that any Master Mason contemplating becoming a Mark Master Mason, first refers to our page About Mark Masonry - the Friendly Degree, and then reads this page.

Why Should a Craft Mason be a Mark Mason?

Many reasons could be advanced, and some have already been alluded to, but three are of special importance.

Firstly, it greatly enhances his knowledge of Craft Masonry.

Secondly, it teaches, in a delightful way, many important practical lessons about life.

Thirdly, it gives a greater appreciation of the Royal Arch and provides an essential qualification to other Orders in Masonry.

The first reason? There are many terms and phrases, even Biblical characters, introduced in the Craft that remain a mystery to many brethren. For example, what does the Senior Warden mean, at the closing of the Lodge, by the expression 'having seen that every Brother has had his due'? This is but one of many peculiarities of the Craft that become much clearer in the Mark.

The second reason? Mark is not only a true craftsman's degree but it also teaches invaluable lessons about life. For example, the studious application of skill and ingenuity, resulting in high quality workmanship, will, ultimately be rewarded, even if at first it is not understood or appreciated by others. We each have different skills to offer and different contributions to make. To be accepted we must always be honest and give of our best - the imposter will inevitably be uncovered and receive his due punishment. We cannot properly judge others unless we are sufficiently competent ourselves and exercise humility in the process. We must all accept responsibility for the tasks we agree to undertake and not blame others for our own short comings.

Such lessons the craftsman learns, in a dramatic way, in the ceremony. He is, of course, to apply them, not just to the immediate task of symbolically building the Temple, but in the way he conducts himself through life.

The third reason? A Craft Mason who joins the Royal Arch directly from the Craft, as most do under the English Constitution (it is not permitted in other Constitutions), is confronted with a sudden and bewildering change of symbolism. This is because an important intermediate step has been omitted: the Mark. The Mark adds essential background and symbolism on the construction of the Temple, the Principal Arch and the Keystone, thereby providing a clearer introduction to the Royal Arch ceremony.

A Mark Mason may be installed, by dispensation, into the Chair of his Mark Lodge before taking the Chair in the Craft. The Mark is also an essential qualification for the keen Mason desiring to progress further in Orders beyond the Craft.

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Qualification

Admission to the Mark Degree in England requires that a candidate be a Master Mason of the English Constitution, or of a constitution recognised by the English Craft Grand Lodge, Mark Masons of other bodies.

If you are interested in joining a Lodge of very enthusiastic and friendly Masons, please contact the Lodge Secretary, whose details appear on our Contacts page, who will be happy to supply you with an application form, on the completion of which, we can set the wheels in motion for an early entrance into one ot the most enjoyable areas of Freemasonry.

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The Royal Ark Mariner Degree

Although a separate Order, this degree comes under the jurisdiction of the Mark Degree and you must be a Mark Master Mason before you can be considered for membership.

It is a beautiful degree in it's own right and worthy of consideration after you have taken the Fourth Regular Step in Freemasonry into the Mark Degree.

If you wish more to know about Royal Ark Mariners, you will find information here, which you should find useful.

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