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Choosing Your Mark

KSigMason

Traveling Templar
Site Benefactor
My latest article on Mark Masonry.

The first of the Capitular or Royal Arch degrees is that of Mark Master. In this degree the candidate represents a Fellow Craft Mason during the construction of King Solomon’s Temple. The work he presents to the Overseers is rejected at first, but later becomes the piece necessary to complete the Temple as seen in the Most Excellent Master degree. It is a common desire of man to wish to leave a lasting record in this world and in this degree candidates are taught the importance of the Mark whereby one can distinguish his work from others and leave a lasting impression as testament of his efforts. Today, candidates choose a Mark of their own, and this Mark is recorded and kept in every Chapter of Royal Arch Masons.

The Mason's Mark should be seen as an equivalent of a signature, particularly when illiteracy was common place. It represents not only the name of the Mason, his character, but, for the operative Mason, it represented his skill and workmanship. By use of the Mark we are demonstrating that we believe our work is of quality to be used in the construction of a building and through such identification would a craftsman receive his wages for his labor. Knowing such things, the use of the Mark gave the craftsman incentive to do their best work before they identified a particular piece by placing their Mark on it. Alongside identifying a particular craftsman marks were used to indicate where a stone would be placed within the structure.

The use of the Mark is very ancient. Marks have been found that date back farther than 5,000 years. Marks have been found on stones in ancien Egypt; castles, churches, and cathedrals in Europe from about the 12th century on; on ancient Greek temples; Roman ruins; and in preserved cities such as Pompeii.

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Warrior1256

Site Benefactor
I am very much looking forward to joining the York Rite in the near future. Does each candidate himself pick his own mark?
 

crono782

Premium Member
Yup. I just did a presentation on Marks tonight in Chapter. Asked how many Companions had recorded their Marks. Less than half the hands went up. Shame!!
 

Warrior1256

Site Benefactor
Yup. I just did a presentation on Marks tonight in Chapter. Asked how many Companions had recorded their Marks. Less than half the hands went up. Shame!!
So it is not mandatory that you record a mark? I just turned in my petition last night for the York Rite.
 

Companion Joe

Premium Member
As District Deputy Grand High Priest, I sent out a letter to all my Chapters earlier this year telling them to make sure their book of marks is up to date for all current members. Just a wild guess, but I'd say if 50 percent have actually recorded a mark, it's pretty good. I'm as guilty as anyone. It was years after I received the degree before I actually recorded mine. People just don't think about it, I guess. It should be the job of the High Priest and Secretary to see that all new members record a mark.
 

JJones

Moderator
I've been a Mark Master for several years and have yet to record my mark. The reason being that I'd like for it to be meaningful and significant to me and I've yet to find or create anything that meets those requirements yet.
 

MaineMason

Registered User
It was explained to me when I took the Mark Master Degree that I would be expected to record my Mark when I receive my RA Degree, which it so happens will be in a quarry this Saturday. I was given access to the "book" so I could see what other Companions had done and encouraged to develop it. I will be expected to draw it in the Book. Reading some of these comments, it would seem not every Chapter is so strict about that. Ours IS.
 

MaineMason

Registered User
I've been a Mark Master for several years and have yet to record my mark. The reason being that I'd like for it to be meaningful and significant to me and I've yet to find or create anything that meets those requirements yet.
Mine will include a stylized monogram, the "Triple-Tau", and the hedgehog, which appears on my family's traditional coat of arms.
 

MaineMason

Registered User
We chose ours the day of our Degree. They were recorded and then used to make our pennies.
Interesting. I got my "penny" after my Mark Master degree, which shows the name of the Chapter on one side and what one might expect with the Keystone on the other but only must record our Mark after the RA Degree. I will say, there is something nice about the flexibility of Masonry and appendant bodies in the United States.
 

MaineMason

Registered User
As District Deputy Grand High Priest, I sent out a letter to all my Chapters earlier this year telling them to make sure their book of marks is up to date for all current members. Just a wild guess, but I'd say if 50 percent have actually recorded a mark, it's pretty good. I'm as guilty as anyone. It was years after I received the degree before I actually recorded mine. People just don't think about it, I guess. It should be the job of the High Priest and Secretary to see that all new members record a mark.
As I said down thread, when I received my Mark Master Degree I was told that I should think about my mark and would have to record it when I receive my RA degree. The Secretary showed me the book so I could get an idea and even presented me with a "practice sheet" to work mine out.
 

Brother JC

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
I'm sure I've posted this before, but it seems apropos...

markmasterpenny.jpg
 
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