CHAPTER XXIX

MARK MASTERS, AND ROYAL ARK MARINERS
THE Degree of Mark Master is recognized by the Grand Lodges of Scotland and Ireland. It is regrettable, however, that the Degree of Mark Master was not recognized by the United Grand Lodge of England in 1813 as. coming within the definition of ‘pure and ancient Masonry.’
‘As a part of Speculative Masonry it ex- isted before 1813; indeed, there are authentic records dating September, 1769. It is a complement of the Fellow-Crafts degree of a particularly interesting character. It is, however, conferred only on Master Masons.
In former times it was the custom, in all Fellow-Craft Lodges, for each Fellow-Craft to choose a mark by which his work might be known to his Overseer, the mark selected being one not previously chosen by a Brother of the same Lodge. This mark he presented at the Senior Warden’s wicket to receive his
wages as a Mark Man. 4I2
Mark Masters, and Royal Ark Mariners
In due course, when he became a Master
Mason, he had the degree of Mark Master = ,
conferred upon him.
It is at this stage that the Legend of the Mark Master who prepared a curious stone commences. He has the mortification of having it rejected in the first instance, and subsequently has the ecstatic joy of seeing it placed in one of the most important posi- tions in the Building.
In 1855 a Committee appointed by Grand Lodge reported that, whilst not positively essential, it was a graceful appendage to the degree of a Fellow-Craft.
In March, 1856, it was resolved by Grand Lodge ‘that the degree of Mark Mason or Mark Master is not at variance with the Ancient Landmarks of the Order, and that the degree be an addition to, and form part of, Craft Masonry’; but at the subse- quent meeting in June this was not con- firmed.
Three months afterwards the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons was formed, and has proved very successful, controlling 654 Lodges, and has recorded 66,616 advance- ments of Candidates.
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Freemasonry and its Etiquette
The degrée of a Royal Ark Mariner is con-
ferred only on Mark Master Masons. It has been worked from ‘time immemorial’ (!).
The earliest records are of a date civca 1790.
In 1870 the Royal Ark Mariners came under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons, and since then these Arks have been ‘moored’ to Mark Master Masons’ Lodges.
The ritual goes back to the time of Noah, and refers to the despatch of the dove which returns with the olive branch. It is dis- tinctly a side degree, and bears no apparent relation to Craft Masonry or its Etiquette.
It is not recognized by the United Grand Lodge of England, but is recognized by the Supreme Grand Chapter of Scotland.
It is only mentioned here on account of its relationship with the Mark Masters.
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