Somerset Mark Master Masons

News and information for all Mark Master Masons

Taking the fourth regular step.

The Mark Degree and to is considered by those who are members of it to be “the fourth regular step in Freemasonry". In Somerset there are approximately 1000 Mark Masons in 22 Lodges, and also 10 Royal Ark Mariner Lodges with about 350 members. The Mark Degree is the third largest order in Freemasonry. To be a Mark Master Mason it is a requirement that you are a subscribing Master Mason in a Craft Lodge and undertake a single ceremony of Advancement. To become a Royal Ark Mariner you need to be a Mark Master Mason and then undertake a single ceremony of Elevation. The Mark Degree is one of hope and encouragement and the ritual is built on a single verse from Psalm 118 “The stone which the builders rejected has become the headstone of the corner". It deals with the building of King Solomon's Temple and the various Craftsmen employed; but its real message is one of contemplation of human strength and weakness. The Degree contains many messages for the discerning man and illustrates that the weakest often displays perseverance far better than the strongest; that the insignificant has potential for distinction, and that we all have a part to play in the Building of Life. It is for each of us to put his own interpretation on the message which the degree proclaims; but there is clear encouragement that no man is beyond redemption, and the possibility of distinction is always within our power. Whatever one's religion there is a clear message of hope and for the Christian.Peter in the Book of Acts, states of Jesus, "This is the stone which was set at nought by you Builders, which is become the Head of the Corner.” The degree represents the everyday life of each one of us, for the stone hewn from virgin rock depicts us all on our journey through life and its final recognition as perfection - this should be the guide to our conduct through life.

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