The Mark degree takes its name from the practice of the early operative mason signing his work with a distinctive and exclusive mark Our candidates likewise, early in the ceremony, choose their 'mark' which thereafter is exclusively theirs. This degree continues the moral teachings of Freemasonry in the enactment of a beautiful and at times somewhat dramatic 'one-act' play based on a fictional incident arising at the building of King Solomon's Temple. The message of the Mark Degree is founded on a single verse from Psalm 118 'the stone the builders rejected has become the capstone', and it is one of hope and encouragement. The play examines human strengths and weaknesses, and not only teaches us that we all have something to contribute in thus Life no matter how insignificant we may feel this to be, but also that no man is beyond redemption and distinction is always within his grasp.

The origins of Mark Masonry is shrouded in the 'mists of obscurity' but its ceremonial was recognised as early as 1723. Prior to the union of the Antients and Moderns Grand Lodges in 1813, the Mark was extensively worked under the shelter of Craft Lodges or Royal Arch Chapters. Article 11(2) of the Union, however, stated that 'pure Masonry should consist of the Three Degrees including the Royal Arch and no more'. Although rejected Mark Masons continued to form Mark Lodges and these 'irregular' and independent Lodges continued to work under their former 'shelter'.

In 1856 a second abortive attempt was made to bring the Mark degree under the control of the United Grand Lodge of England, which culminated in the foundation of the independent Grand Mark Lodge on 23rd June 1858. In Scotland, New Zealand and many other countries, the Degree is still part of either the Craft or Royal Arch Masonry and a candidate may be given the Mark Degree once he has become a Fellowcraft. Hence, by many, it is considered to be a continuation to that degree. To become a Mark Mason under the English Constitution, however, it is necessary to have received all the three degrees of Craft Freemasonry.

The Mark Degree has less formality about it than Craft Masonry, and in fact is known as the 'friendly degree'. It is the third largest Order in Freemasonry, and as already mentioned is a separate entity with its own Grand Lodge.

The Province of the Channel Islands has 6 Mark Lodges (inclusive of an Installed Masters Lodge) and 4 Royal Ark Mariner Lodges, with appropriate respective memberships of 247 and 145. The earliest Channel Island Mark Lodge was founded in Jersey in 1865, nine years after the formation of Grand Mark Lodge.

The Royal Ark Mariner degree is attached to the Mark Degree. and its ritual is based upon the story of Noah and his Ark, and the tools with which he built that Ark are used to emphasise and moralise upon the cardinal virtues.

Whether as a Craft Mason, a Mark Mason or an enquiring member of the public, I extend to you all a very warm welcome to this site, and I hope one day to be able to greet you in person.

Sincerely and fraternally

Paul E.A.Carré
Provincial Grand Master
Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of the Channel Islands.