Notes

The Mark Degree is the third largest order in Freemasonry after Craft and Chapter. The degree is a separate entity with its own Grand Lodge which was founded on 23rd June 1856. The Essex Province was founded on 26th May 1899 and has 47 Lodges and, including multiple membership, has nearly 1,500 members (as at September 2007). To become a Mark Masons you need to be a Master Mason (Craft) and undertake a single ceremony called an Advancement. The Chair of a Lodge of Mark Master Masons is open to all of its members and it is not a prerequisite to have been through a Chair of a Craft Lodge. As with Craft Masonry, Provincial and Grand Honours are awarded to Past Masters and other brethren who have given notable service to their Lodge or to the Province. The current Mark Grand Master is M.W.Bro. HRH Prince Michael of Kent KCVO and the Provincial Grand Master is R.W.Bro. Michael Spencer.

The Mark Degree is one of hope and encouragement and the ritual is built around a single verse from Psalm 118: “The work 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 the contemplation of human strength and weakness.

The Dunmow Mark Lodge was founded on 23rd May 1900 and has met continuously since then. The Consecration Meeting was held at the Saracens Hotel, Great Dunmow but 12 years later it transferred its meetings to Braintree and took up residence at the Masonic Hall, New Street. Finally it moved in 1934 to the Howard Hall.

On 23rd May 2000 the Lodge held its Centenary Meeting which was attended by 125 Mark Masons from Essex and other Provinces. The Lodge currently has around 40 members which makes it one of the largest in Essex. A booklet entitled “One Hundred Years of Marking Well” gives the full history of the Lodge up to the year 2000 and is available for a donation to charity.

Further information can be obtained from the Secretary:
W.Bro.Chris Bonney
01376 573733
bonney@bonneyc.wanadoo.co.uk