Mark Master Mason Degree
MARK MASTER MASON DEGREE OPENING
Very “Worshipful Master” knocks and says “Rise Brethren, and assist me to open this Lodge of Mark Master Masons”
There is then knocks by Worshipful Master, Senior Warden & Junior Warden
Very “Worshipful Master” then asks, “Brother Junior Warden, what is the first care of a Mark Master Mason in opening a lodge?
Junior Warden: To see that the Lodge is tyled.
Very “Worshipful Master” says “See that duty performed.”
Junior Warden Brother Inside Guard see that the Lodge is tyled.
Inside Guard gives knocks waits for tyler to knock, opens door, listens to the tyler’s announcement, closes door.
Inside Guard says, Brother Junior Warden the Lodge is tyled.
Junior Warden: Worshipful Master the Lodge is tyled.
Very “Worshipful Master”: Brother Senior Warden what next demands our care?
Senior Warden: To see that none but Mark Master Masons are present Very “Worshipful Master.”
Worshipful Master: How is that to be ascertained?
Senior Warden: By giving tokens and exhibiting a sign.
Very “Worshipful Master”: Call the Deacons together, that they are instructed. Direct them to receive the tokens from each one present and report the same to me.
Let the Deacons approach (Each Deacon keeps to his respective side of Senior Warden when giving tokens. The Senior Deacon then proceeds to the south side, Junior Deacon along North side to the Very “Worshipful Master.”
Very “Worshipful Master”: Brethren, I have received the Tokens. On this announcement the Deacons resume places.
Very “Worshipful Master” Brother Junior Warden direct the Brethren to stand to order as Mark Master Masons.
Junior Warden: Brethren it is the will and pleasure of the “Worshipful Master” that you stand to order as Mark Master Masons order as .Mark Master Masons. Very “Worshipful Master,” the Brethren have given me this sign.
Very “Worshipful Master”: Which I acknowledge to be correct and thus ratify it. Brother Inside Guard where is your place in Lodge?
Inside Guard: Inside the door of the porch Very “Worshipful Master.”
Very “Worshipful Master”: What is your duty there?
Inside Guard: To answer all regular knocks, to admit none but Mark Master Masons properly clothed and candidates duly prepared to announce the name and rank to each visiting Brother Mark Master Mason, and to suffer none to enter or depart, save at the will and pleasure of the Very “Worshipful Master.”
Very “Worshipful Master”: Brother Junior Deacon where is your place in the Lodge?
Junior Deacon: At the back of the chair of the Senior Warden or at his right hand if so permitted.
Very “Worshipful Master”: What is your duty there?
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Junior Deacon: To carry all messages from the Senior Warden to the Junior Warden and to distribute the same throughout the Lodge if so directed, to prepare and introduce candidates Very “Worshipful Master”.
Very “Worshipful Master”: Brother Senior Warden where is your place in the Lodge?
Senior Deacon: At the back of the chair of the Very “Worshipful Master” or at his right hand if so permitted.
Very “Worshipful Master”: Brother Junior Overseer, what is your place in the Lodge?
Junior Overseer: In front of the Southern Gate Very “Worshipful Master.”
Very “Worshipful Master”: What is your duty there?
Junior Overseer: To guard that gate, to examine all work brought up from the Quarries for the building of the Temple and if approved to send it onto the Senior Overseer for further inspection.
Very “Worshipful Master” Brother Senior Overseer where is your place in the lodge?
Senior Overseer: In front of the Western Gate
Very “Worshipful Master”: What is your duty there?
Senior overseer: To guard that gate, to examine all work sent on by the Junior Overseer for the building of the Temple, and if approved, to send it on to the Master Overseer for final inspection.
Very “Worshipful Master”: Master Overseer where is your place in the Lodge?
Master Overseer: In front of the Eastern Gate Very “Worshipful Master”
Very “Worshipful Master”: What is your duty there?
Master Overseer: To guard that gate, to examine all work sent on by the Senior Overseer for the building of the Temple and in case of doubt or difficulty to call a council of my Brother Overseers.
Very “Worshipful Master”: Brother Junior Warden where is your place in the Lodge?
Junior Warden: In the South, Very “Worshipful Master.”
Very “Worshipful Master” what is your duty there?
Junior Warden: The better to observe the Sun on the Meridian, to call the Brethren from labour to refreshment and on again to labour so that pleasure and profit may result therefrom, to beware of and punish impostors.
Very “Worshipful Master” Brother Senior Warden where is your place in the Lodge?
Senior Warden: In the West Very “Worshipful Master”.
Very “Worshipful Master”: What is your duty there?
Senior Warden: As the Sun sets in the West to close the glorious day, so the Senior Warden stands in the West to close the Lodge at the will and pleasure of the Very “Worshipful Master” to pay the craftsmen their wages and see that none depart dissatisfied.
Very “Worshipful Master”: Past Very “Worshipful Master” where is the Very “Worshipful Master” place in the Lodge?
Very “Worshipful Past Master”: As the Sun rises in the East to open and illume the glorious day so the Very “Worshipful Master” presides in the East, to work and give them proper instruction for labour.
Very “Worshipful Master”: It is so, I acknowledge my place and duty. Let the Wardens declare to the Brethren that it is my will and pleasure that this Lodge of Mark Master Masons do now open.
Senior Warden: Brethren, it is the will and pleasure of the Very “Worshipful Master” that this Lodge of Mark Master Masons do now open.
Junior Warden: Brethren, it is the will and pleasure of the Very “Worshipful Master” that this Lodge of Mark Master Masons do now open.
Very “Worshipful Master”: Accordingly Brethren, in the name of the Most High God the Great Architect of the Universe, I declare this Lodge of Mark Master Masons to be now open for the transaction of all such business as may be regularly brought before it, your password being ( ) and this your Token and Sign.
Prayer
Knocks
MARK MASTER MASON DEGREE INITIATION (1st part)
Prepared
The candidate is prepared by being divested of his coat; both of his sleeves are then rolled up. He is then divested of all money and valuables. A keystone is then placed in his hands and carried in a manner as if it is heavy. During such, he is adorned with the Master Mason apron.
Very “Worshipful Master”: Brother Junior Deacon will you retire and prepare the candidate?
Ceremony
Junior Deacon and candidate present themselves for admission. Tyler knocks.
Inside Guard: There is an alarm at the door of the porch Very “Worshipful Master”.
Very “Worshipful Master”: Ascertain the cause?
Inside Guard then returns knocks and opens the door, and enquiries ‘Who comes there?’
Outside Tyler: Workmen from the Quarries bringing up their work for inspection.
Inside Guard then closes the door, and announces to the Very “Worshipful Master” ‘Workmen from the Quarries bringing up their work for inspection.
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Very “Worshipful Master”: Admit the workmen.
Inside Guard: Knocks, opens the door and announces ‘I am directed to admit the workmen’.
Junior Deacon: Leads the candidate carrying a rectangle stone – the candidate follows carrying the Keystone, being joined at the door by the Senior Deacon. They proceed by the North to the Junior Officer. They rest the stone on the back of the officers chair. The Junior Deacon gives knocks on the right shoulder of the Junior Overseer.
Junior Officer: Who comes her?
Junior Deacon: A workman from the Quarries bringing up his work for inspection.
Junior Overseer: Produce your work.
The Junior Deacon passes the work over the right shoulder of the Junior Officer and places it on the table.
Junior Overseer: Tries it with the square and being satisfied says, “This is fair work, and square work and such work as we have been instructed to receive for the building of the Temple. Your work is approved. Take it to the Senior Overseer for Further Inspection.
Junior Deacon: Will you give me the tokens.
Junior Overseer: (whispers in the Junior Deacon’s ear) Yes, I will.
The candidate, after being instructed by the Senior Deacon, knocks on the right shoulder of the Junior Overseer.
Junior Overseer: Who comes here?
Senior Deacon: (speaking to the candidate says) Say ‘ A workman from the quarries bringing up his work for inspection.
Candidate then does so.
Junior Overseer: Produce your work.
Senior Deacon: Pass your work over the Junior Overseer’s right side.
Candidates does so.
Junior Overseer: Tries the stone with a square. This is fair work but not square work, nor such work as we have been instructed to receive for the building of the Temple, yet on account of the beauty of the workmanship I am unwilling to reject it. You may, on your own responsibly take it to the Senior Overseer for further inspection.
Senior Deacon: (To candidate) Say ‘Will you give me the token?’
Candidates does so.
Junior Overseer: No. I cannot.
Senior Deacon: Take up your work and follow the Junior Deacon. The deacons and candidate then proceed to the Senior Officer.
Junior Deacon: Knocks as before.
Senior Overseer: This is fair work and square work and such as we have been instructed to receive for the building of the Temple. Has this work been approved by the Junior Overseer?
Junior Deacon: It has.
Senior Overseer: Give me the token.
Junior Deacon: Does so (in right ear).
So: Your work is approved, take it to the MO for final inspection.
Junior Deacon: Will you give me the token?
Senior Overseer: Yes I will (gives G).
Senior Deacon: and candidate as for Junior Overseer.
Senior Overseer: Tries it with a square. This is fair work but not square work, nor such work as we have been instructed to receive for the building of the Temple, yet on account of the beauty of the workmanship I am unwilling to reject it. Has this work been approved by the Junior Overseer.
Senior Deacon: (Says to the candidate) Say, ‘It has not, but he permitted me, on my own responsibility to take it on to you.
Candidate does Senior Overseer
Senior Overseer: You may either return to thecquarries and prepare proper work or on your own responsibilty take it on to the moMaster Overseeror final inspection.
Senior Deacon: Say ‘Will you give me the token?
Senior Overseer: No, I cannot.
Senior Deacon: Take up your work and follow the Junior Deacon. The deacons and candidate proceed to the Master Overseer.
Senior Deacon proceeds as for the Junior Overseer.
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Master Overseer: Tries with square. This is fair work and square work and such as we have been instructed to receive for the building of the Temple. Is this your work?
Junior Deacon: It is.
Master Overseer: Has this work been approved by the Junior and Senior Overseers?
Junior Deacon: It has.
Master Overseer: Give me the token.
Junior Deacon. Gives Word and Grip.
Master Overseer: Your work is approved, you are entitled to receive your wages.
Junior Deacon: Pick up the work and deposit it on the Junior Overseer’s table.
Senior Deacon & candidate: As for Junior Overseer.
Master Overseer: Tries with square and declares, “This is a curiously wrought stone. It is neither oblong and does not conform to our instructions. Is this your work?
Master Overseer: Has this work been approved by the Junior and Senior Overseers?
Senior Deacon: Say, ‘No it has not?
Master Overseer: Rising, and yet you presume to bring it on to me. Stand aside while I consult with my Brother Overseers. Deacons and candidate stand in the North.
Master Overseer: Knocks once on the table. Let the Overseers approach.
Presenting the Keystone he says, ‘Brother Junior Overseer was this work presented at your gate?
The Junior Overseer then takes the Keystone and examines it. It was but not being in accordance with our instructions I was unable to approve it. However, on account of the beauty of the workmanship I was unwilling to reject it, so I permitted the craftsman on his own responsibilty to take it on to the Senior Overseer for further inspection. I did not give him the Token.
‘Brother Senior Overseer was this work presented at your gate?
The Senior Overseer then takes the Keystone and examines it. It was but not being in accordance with our instructions I was unable to approve it. However, on account of the beauty of the workmanship I was unwilling to reject it, so I permitted the craftsman on his own responsibilty to take it on to you for further inspection. I did not give him the Token.
Master Overseer: You have both done wrong. This work does not in any way conform to our instructions, and I know of no use to which it can be put in the building. What then shall be done with it my Brethren?
Senior & Junior Overseers: Heave it over amongst the rubbish.
The act is carried out at the Senior Overseer left.
Master Overseer: Let that be done.
Senior & Junior Overseers then perfect such.
The stone is passed over the right shoulder of the Senior Overseer to the Junior Deacon who conceals it.
Master Overseer: (addresses the candidate) Your work is rejected. The Overseers then resume their places.
Junior Warden: Rises and gives knocks and says, “It is the sixth hour of the sixth day.
Very “Worshipful Master”: Why note the hour?
Junior Warden: Because at the sixth hour of the sixth day the craftsmen cease from labour and receive their wages.
Very “Worshipful Master”: Brother Senior Deacon assemble the craftsmen and conduct them to the Senior Warden to receive their wages. Brother Junior Warden attend there and prepared to discharge your special duty.
Junior Warden then gives knocks on the door of wicket.
Senior Warden opens the door the wicket and symbolically pays the wages.
Senior Warden: Who comes there?
Candidate: A craftsman to receive his wages.
The Senior Warden then opens the door the wicket and the candidate puts his hand in.
Senior Warden: then declares, ‘An Impostor’.
The Brethren then call for the sword penalty.
Senior Deacon: Stay Brother, he is not an impostor, for I have wrought with him in the quarries. Permit me to take him to the Very “Worshipful Master” and if, on my explanation he will not remit the penalty, I pledge myself to bring him back to you for punishment.
Senior Warden: On that assurance Brother Senior Deacon I entrust him to your care.
The deacons then conduct candidate to the Very “Worshipful Master”.
Senior Deacon: Very “Worshipful Master,” this craftsman, on endeavour to obtain wages was denounced as an impostor. The usual penalty was about to be inflicted when I begged the Senior Warden to permit me to submit the case to you. I have wrought with him in the quarries and I am satisfied that he has erred through inadvertence and without intention to defraud.
The Very “Worshipful Master” then asks the candidate, “Are you a fellow of the Craft?”
Candidate: I am.
Very “Worshipful Master”: Give me the sign of a Fellowcraft Mason.
To which the candidate complies.
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Very “Worshipful Master”: I acknowledge you as a fellow of the Craft. The offence with which you are charged is a grave one and the penalty severe, no less, in fact, than having the right hand sawn off. Were you ever instructed in the due method of receiving wages?
Candidate: No Very “Worshipful Master.”
Very “Worshipful Master”: That may account for your offence. Will you undertake never again to offend in a like manner?
Candidate: I will.
Very “Worshipful Master”: In consequence of the good reccommendation I have received of you and your undertaking never again to offend in a like manner, I remit the penalty.
AD: Conducts candidate to the North before retiring. The candidate should acknowledge the remission of the penalty by saluting the Very “Worshipful Master” as a Fellowcraft Mason.
Senior Warden rises and gives the knocks. Very “Worshipful Master” there is no Keystone for the completion of the principled Arch.
Very “Worshipful Master”: I remember the plans included such a Stone, see here is a model before me – the work undertaken by our Grand Master Hiram Abiff.” Brother Master Overseer assemble the Overseers that I may make enquiries concerning it.
Senior Warden then resumes his seat.
Master Overseer: Brother Overseers attend with me in the East.
Very “Worshipful Master”: (Pointing to the model) Brother Junior Overseer, was work such as this presented at your gate?
Junior Overseer then advances and examines the model, and replies, “It was.”
Very “Worshipful Master”: What did you do with it?
Junior Overseer: Not being in accordance with our instructions, I could not approve it, but permitting the Craftsman who presented it, to take it to the Senior Overseer.
Very “Worshipful Master”: Brother Senior Overseer, was work such as this presented at your gate?
Junior Overseer then advances and examines the model, and replies, “It was.”
Very “Worshipful Master”: What did you do with it?
Senior Overseer: Not being in accordance with our instructions, I could not approve it, but permitting the Craftsman who presented it, to take it to the Master Overseer.
Very “Worshipful Master”: Brother Master Overseer, was work such as this presented at your gate?
Junior Overseer then advances and examines the model, and replies, “It was.”
Very “Worshipful Master”: What did you do with it?
Senior Overseer: Not being in accordance with our instructions, I could not approve it. I called a council of my Brother Overseers and we decided to heave it over amongst the rubbish.
Very “Worshipful Master”: Let instant search be made for it. The search is perfected with the candidate finding it.
Senior Deacon: Very “Worshipful Master”, the Stone has been discovered. It was found by the Craftsman who presented it at the Overseers gate.
The Worshipful Master then examines the stone and declares “It is indeed the missing Stone. The Stone which the builders refused has become the headstone of the corner.”
The candidate is then addressed by name and rewarded for his find by being advanced to the position of a true Mark Master Mason.
Brother AB, as a reward for this your advancement to the Degree of Mark Master Mason, you will therefore retire, to be admitted in due form.
The Candidate then acknowledges this compliment by saluting the Very “Worshipful Master” as a Fellowcraft Mason and then retires and the floor is cleared.
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The decline of Freemasonry
English Freemasonry collapse
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For more information read Freemasonry: The Invisible Cult by Jack Harris