All about the Mark Degree

Rightly known as ‘The Friendly Degree’ the Degree of Mark Master Mason is open to all Master Masons. The ceremony, in which a Brother is ‘advanced’, can be said to comprise two Degrees; the first in which he is acknowledged as a Mark Man, followed by the second where he becomes a Mark Master Mason. The Mark referred to in its title takes its name from the mark or symbol with which the stonemason identified his work and can still be found in many cathedrals and important buildings.

Much use is made of Holy Writ to instruct the Candidate and Brethren in the story which serves to teach that the real message is one of contemplation of human strengths and weaknesses. In chronological terms the Degree follows that of the Second Degree in Craft masonry. There is reputedly some evidence that the Degree is 400 years old but the earliest English records stem from 1769 when it was first worked in Friendship Royal Arch Chapter No. 257 in Plymouth. However, a minute book dated 1599 of the Lodge of Edinburgh states that several speculative brethren had appended their marks after their names.

The ordinary members’ regalia comprises an apron and breast jewel. The apron is of white kid with a triangular flap bordered with a two inch ribbon of light blue with crimson edges. It has rosettes of the same colour whilst Masters and Past Masters have the rosettes replaced with silver levels. The jewel of the order is a key stone appended to a ribbon which matches the apron and bears a mallet & chisel which are the tools of the Order. The key stone, which bears certain characters, forms an integral part of the ceremony.

Mark Masonry in Cyprus

The Genesis of Mark Masonry in Cyprus began on The 29th November 1892 at Polemidia, Limassol. The consecration meeting of the 1st lodge of Mark Masters took place Under the name of ; St. Paul’s No. 455 Followed by the installation meeting on the 30th January 1893. The Ceremony was conducted by W.Bro. F.L Thackwel.

Unfortunately the Lodge stopped working on the 14th May 1908 and it surrendered its Warrant. The Lodge was Reponed on 15th October 2005 . (See St. Paul’s Mark lodge page for further information). Click here for more information about the original St Paul’s Mark Lodge

Today The District Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Cyprus, established on Saturday 27th November 2010 has four Mark Master Mason Lodges operating under its banner.

If you are a Master Mason residing in Cyprus and are interested in joining the Mark Degree please view our fact sheet HERE which will give you all the information you will require then contact our District Grand Secretary using the ‘Contact’ menu item.