An excellent introduction to Mark Masonry and the Mark Degree may be found on Youtube. It is a wonderful next step for Master Masons, and deserves its reputation as the “fun” degree.
The Mark Degree is conferrable only on Master Masons in the English Constitution, although in other places is often worked as an extension to the Second Degree. In those places, the Mark Degree is often required prior to proceeding to Exaltation into a Royal Arch chapter. It takes its name from the “mark” which operative masons used to identify their work as they were paid piecework for each stone carved.
The Mark Degree itself conveys moral and ethical lessons through allegory involving the building of King Solomon’s Temple. It stresses principles of brotherhood, mercy, charity, regularity and pride in a job well done. It is unique in creating a link between speculative Masons and their operative forebears and helps make more sense of the Craft Degrees. The Degree is thus an important part of our commitment to a “daily advancement in Masonic knowledge”.
The Order is governed by the Grand Lodge of Mark Masons of England and Wales formed in 1856. The Grand Master is HRH Prince Michael of Kent. The Grand Lodge maintains its independent Mark Benevolent Fund with the focus being on “giving without delay”. The regalia includes a distinctive apron and breast jewel.
