Ritual for Degree of a Mark Master Mason
Indiana

1952

Instruction

Director of Work should arrive early enough to set up the Lodge Room in the manner shown in the appropriate drawings printed in connection with this degree. The stone bench in the East may be omitted if desired. Altar may be left in place or moved to a convenient spot where local conditions or lack of space make it desirable.
Benches should be approximately three feet long, eight to twelve inches wide and about thirty inches high. They may be constructed of rough wood in regulation manner or the rough slab of a log may be used, with the bark side underneath, and supported by round limbs or legs, smooth or with bark left on.
Each bench is furnished with a finished and an unfinished stone of convenient size. Two setting mauls, two chisels, two squares and drawings of square and rectangular stones on parchment like paper (no blue prints) constitute the furnishings of each bench.
After the Prologue one bench will be assigned to each Overseer.
Chisel and mallet should be placed inside preparation room door available to Senior Deacon when needed.
Chairs for candidates should also be placed in the Lodge Room in the West as these will be used immediately after the opening.
Robes and aprons for the Fellow Craft will be placed outside in Tyler’s room or other convenient place but not in the preparation room. Robes should be of suitable material of brown twill or denim. Aprons should be such as were worn in ancient times and of leather, brown twill or denim.
All preparations should be made before the opening so that the work may move smoothly and steadily ahead.
The Brethren taking the part of craftsmen in Prologue remain outside during the opening, investing themselves with the robes and aprons. They will be ready to enter on the instant the Lodge is open.
The Craftsmen with the Overseers, candidate and Senior Deacon constitute the procession in the first section of the degree and they may form the lines east of Altar during obligation while Brethren remain standing in their places.
As soon as the Brethren have entered the Lodge room for the purpose of opening and as those taking part in the Prologue retire to a convenient place for robing, the Director of Work will conduct the candidate to the preparation room. Here he will properly prepare him by asking him to remove his coat, roll up his sleeves, put aside all money and other valuables—and invest himself with a white apron as a Fellow Craft.
The Director of Work will instruct the candidate, if this be necessary, how to give the due guard and sign of a Fellow Craft. He will also instruct him how to carry the Keystone between the thumb and extended four fingers of the right hand by gasping it at the top with Mark inside beneath thumb, holding it with arm hanging at full length.
The Director of Work will also instruct the candidate how to answer the questions of each Overseer and how to present the Keystone to each of them after giving *** * at the station of each Overseer after the manner of the Senior Deacon. This is done by swinging the Keystone up level with the breast, catching right wrist in left hand, left hand underneath. Candidate will be instructed to carefully observe the Senior Deacon and to do and say precisely what he does and says before each of the Overseers.
Keystone
In this degree the Keystone symbolizes the spiritual part of man. It must be held and treated reverently by all except the Master Overseer who represents a materialist, entirely on the physical plane.
The Keystone must be white with the letters of the Mark inscribed thereon plainly visible for several feet. It should be one and one-half inches thick and seven or seven and one-half inches high.
Senior Deacon
The Senior Deacon will carry a white apron with him into the Lodge room before the opening ceremony. Arriving at his station after having displayed the Three Great Lights in the opening he will remove his coat, roll up his sleeves and invest himself as a Fellow Craft over his regular apron, while the Right Worshipful Master and Junior Deacon are completing the ceremony of opening. Thus the Senior Deacon is prepared to comply promptly with the instructions of the Right Worshipful Master.
Robes
King Solomon and King Hiram robes must not be used in this degree. The three first officers may wear simple black robes and the Deacons and Overseers may be clothed in brown Craftsmen robes.
More than one Candidate
As noted in the general instructions applying to all degrees: If there is more than one candidate the Right Worshipful Master and other officers in speaking to or of the candidates will substitute plural forms of speech for the words in the ritual applying to a single candidate.
Music
The song appropriate to this degree, sung to the tune of America, will be found in the back of this Ritual with appropriate directions. If the Chapter has a quartette or chorus and rehearsals are held, the song will be both pleasing and effective. Otherwise it is not recommended.
Officers in Mark Master Lodge
High Priest as Right Worshipful Master
King as Senior Warden
Scribe as Junior Warden
Treasurer as Treasurer
Secretary as Secretary
Capt. of Host as Marshal
Principal Sojourner as Senior Deacon
Royal Arch Captain as Junior Deacon
Master of Third Veil as Master Overseer
Master of Second Veil as Senior Overseer
Master of First Veil as Junior Overseer
Chaplain as Chaplain
Guard as Tyler
 
 
Opening

RWM, *: Brethren be clothed. Officers take your stations.
Brethren clothe themselves and take their seats. Officers put on their jewels. JD closes door.
RWM: Brother Senior Warden: Proceed to satisfy yourself that all present are Mark Masters.
SW either makes personal observation or directs the deacons to collect the pass, using ceremony of the Symbolic Lodge.
SW: Right Worshipful Master: All present are Mark Masters.
RWM gives * which seats SW.
RWM: Brother Junior Deacon: What is the first great care of Masons when in Lodge assembled?
JD: To see that the Lodge is duly tyled, Right Worshipful Master.
RWM: Perform that duty. Inform the Tyler that I am about to open a Lodge of Mark Masters and direct him to tyle accordingly.
JD opens door without knocks and says so that all may hear: Brother Tyler, The Right Worshipful Master is about to open a Lodge of Mark Masters.
You are directed to take notice thereof and tyle accordingly.
JD closes door and gives *** *. Tyler repeats *** *. JD returns to his place and reports: JD: The Lodge is duly tyled Right Worshipful Master.
RWM: How are we tyled, Brother Junior Deacon?
JD: By a Brother Mark Master without the door armed with the proper instrument of his office.
RWM: What are his duties there?
JD: To keep off all cowans and eavesdroppers and see that none pass or repass but such as are duly qualified and have permission from the Right Worshipful Master.
RWM gives * which seats the JD.
RWM: Brother Senior Warden: Are you a Mark Master?
SW: I am. Try me.
RWM: How will you be tried?
SW: By the chisel and the mallet.
RWM: Why by the chisel and the mallet?
SW: Because they are the working tools of a Mark Master.
RWM: What makes you a Mark Master?
SW: My obligation.
RWM: Where were you made a Mark Master?
SW: In a just and lawfully constituted Lodge of Mark Masters duly assembled in a place representing a work shop erected by our ancient Brethren near King Solomon’s Temple.
RWM: How many compose a Lodge of Mark Masters?
SW: Eight or more.
RWM: When composed of only eight: who are they?
SW: The Right Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Senior Deacon, Junior Deacon, Master Overseer, Senior Overseer and Junior Overseer.
RWM: What is the Junior Warden’s station in the Lodge?
SW: In the South.
RWM gives **, All officers except the RWM arise.
RWM: Why are you in the South: Brother Junior Warden: and what are your duties there?
JW: As the Sun in the South at its meridian height is the glory and beauty of the day; so is the Junior Warden in the South: the better to observe the time; to call the Craft from labor to refreshment; to superintend them during the hours thereof; and see that they do not convert the purposes of refreshment into intemperance or excess; to call them on again in due season that the Right Worshipful Master may have pleasure and the Craft profit thereby.
RWM: What is the Senior Warden’s station in the Lodge?
JW: In the West.
RWM: Why are you in the West: Brother Senior Warden: and what are your duties there?
SW: As the Sun is in the West at the close of the day: so is the Senior Warden in the West to assist the Right Worshipful Master in opening and closing his Lodge; to pay the Craft their wages if aught be due and see that none goes away dissatisfied: harmony being the strength and support of all societies: more especially of ours.
RWM: What is the Right Worshipful Master’s station in the Lodge?
SW: In the East.
RWM: Why is he in the East-: Brother Senior Warden. What are his duties there?
SW: As the Sun rises in the East to open and govern the day: so rises the Right Worshipful Master in the East to open and govern his Lodge; to set the Craft to work and give them good and wholesome instructions for their labors.
RWM gives *** All arise.
RWM: Brother Senior Warden: It is my will and pleasure that … Chapter No. … be now opened on the Mark Master degree for the dispatch of such business as may regularly come before it under the usual Masonic restrictions. Communicate this order to the Junior Warden in the South and he to the Craft for their government.
SW: Brother Junior Warden: It is the will and pleasure of the Right Worshipful Master in the East that … Chapter No. … be now opened on the Mark Master degree for the dispatch of such business as may regularly come before it under the usual Masonic restrictions. Communicate this order to the Craft for their government.
JW: Brethren: It is the will and pleasure of the Right Worshipful Master in the East, communicated to me by the Senior Warden in the West: that … Chapter No. … be now
opened on the Mark Master degree for the dispatch of such business as may regularly come before it under the usual Masonic restrictions. Take notice and govern yourselves accordingly. Look to the East.
Following movements of RWM all give due guard and signs. RWM gives *** *. SW gives *** *. JW gives *** *. Chaplain or someone selected by the RWM, with a good voice will reverently read the Charge from the First Epistle General of Peter, Chapter 2, reading the 1st, 3rd, 4th and the 5th verses thereof, omitting the last three words of the 5th verse. At conclusion of the reading the RWM says
RWM: Brother Senior Deacon: Display the three Great Lights.
SD goes directly across to the Secretary’s desk and receives from the Secretary the three Great Lights and arranges them on the Altar. The Bible is opened at Ezekiel 44. He then returns to his place without salute, leaving Altar on his right, removes coat, rolls up sleeves and puts on apron as a Fellow Craft. When SD reaches his station the RWM immediately says
RWM: In the name of God and Hiram Abif I declare … Chapter No. … open in form on the Mark Master degree. Brother Junior Deacon, inform the Tyler.
The RWM seats himself and gives * which seats the Lodge. The JD goes to the door and gives *** *. Tyler repeats *** *. JD opens door and says:
JD: Brother Tyler, … Chapter No. … is now open on the Mark Master degree.
JD closes the door and goes to his place and says
JD: Right Worshipful Master, that duty is performed.
RWM gives which seats the JD and completes the ceremony of opening.
 
 
Prologue
 
RWM: Brethren: We have met for the purpose of conferring the Mark Master degree upon Brother …, a Master Mason, who has been regularly elected by this Chapter to receive it. If there be no objection we will proceed with the ceremony.
RWM: I declare the Lodge at refreshment during the Prologue. Brother Junior Deacon you will inform the Craftsmen that we are in readiness. Brother Senior Deacon you will close the three Great Lights and after the Craftsmen are at work, conduct the candidate into the Lodge room and seat him.
Brethren remain seated. Officers vacate their stations. Craftsmen come in immediately and take their positions, two at each bench and begin tapping softly with chisel and mallet, or trying their finished work with squares. There is an air of quiet industry.
After the candidate is seated Master Workman enters immediately through Tyler’s door, proceeds east a few steps so as not to obstruct vision of candidate, and says:
MW: Brethren, the sixth hour of the sixth day of the week approaches. Let us assemble our finished work and repair to the Temple. There we will present it to the Overseers for their inspection: and receive our wages. You will make sure that all work presented has your Marl~ upon it.
Master Workman walks slowly out of the room through Tyler’s door. The workmen lay aside their tools and assemble around a place marked ASSEMBLY. As they come they arrange their clothing and mop perspiration from their brows.
If desired the parts of 1st and 2nd Craftsmen may be divided among all six or a fewer number.
1C: ’Tis said the Temple nears completion and that this is the last square work we will have to do. What think you Brothers: will there be other work for us to do?
2C: Of a truth there will: for I have seen the designs upon the trestleboard. The stone are smaller and of irregular design. Some appear to be very intricate and others are rather ornamental. It will require our utmost skill to execute them. It is my opinion therefore that the Temple nears completion.
3C: Why don’t we ask permission to go into the Temple enclosure after we receive our wages and before the Sabbath hour begins. Surely the Chief Overseer can arrange this for us-and then we can see for ourselves how the work progresses.
1C: Hmm-m-m. Maybe you are right: but I’m not so sure of that. Ever since the sad death of our Grand Master Hiram Abif; no one has been allowed within the Temple enclosure without a good reason. For my part, I would prefer to wait until the Temple is completed and then view it in all of its beauty and majesty.
2C: Brothers, you are right! After all a building partially completed looks disorderly. We should be patient. How fortunate it was that our Grand Master had completed his plans before his tragic death.
3C: I have heard it said that he was working on some special details just before his death but nothing has yet been found to confirm this rumor. What a pity he cannot be with us in person to see the beauty and the glory of the thing he created.
A young Fellow Craft but newly employed and confused as to his responsibilities enters from the preparation room door. He carries a Keystone and examines it curiously from every side.
1C: Hail Brother! What have you there?
YFC: I was passing through an old part of the quarry and found this curious stone half hidden in the rubbish.
YFC hands Keystone to 1C, pauses a moment and continues
YFC: Its peculiar form tempted me to pick it up and its great beauty compelled me to bring it along.
1C: Hmm-m-m. This is an odd looking stone: and looks like the work of a Master Craftsman. How perfectly it is wrought! And this Mark; Brothers, have any of you ever seen a Mark like this?
2C: Never.
Others shout m chorus: Nor I.
1C: Neither have I. Probably someone made a mistake and then discarded the stone as worthless.
1C hands stone back to YFC, sayingShow this to the Master Workman. He’ll know the Mark: or some use for the stone.
Master Workman enters from Tyler’s door.
MW: Come Brothers: We must hasten to the TempIe and present our finished work to the Overseers for inspection.
The Craftsmen exit through Tyler’s door by 2’s, taking their work with them. Only YFC and MW remain. MW pauses as YFC begins to speak:
YFC: What is this inspection by the Overseers? I am but newly come and my work may not be as good as yours. Will my work pass inspection?
MW looks sharply at YFC and speaks severely
MW: That is to be decided by the Overseers. It is their business to pass on the quality of your work.
YFC: Look at this stone which I picked up in the quarries. Is it of any use?
YFC hands Keystone to MW. MW takes stone and examines it carefully.
MW: Hmm-m-m. What an odd looking stone. Where did you find it?
YFC: In an old part of the quarry: almost hidden in the rubbish.
MW continues his examination of stone:
MW: What an excellent piece of work! Strange, that a Craftsman so skilled should spoil such a splendid example of the stone mason’s art. And the Mark! Surely that is not the Mark of anyone known to us. Someone just trying out his skill no doubt. Just a useless piece of stone: I should say.
MW hands or carelessly tosses stone back to YFC and exits through Tyler’s door. YFC feelingly, as if to himself:
YFC: Why does everyone call it just a useless piece of stone?
YFC holds tip Keystone about level with his eyes and a little to his right with inscription visible to candidate. YFC is facing away from candidate.
YFC: To me it is a beautiful piece of work! No one could have made this stone by mistake! I would be proud if I could do such work as this.
YFC lowers stone. He regards it thoughtfully for a moment.
YFC: Perhaps I ought to take it to the Temple and present it to the Overseers. Certainly they will know some use for it. Even if they reject it, they must admire it. And if I do not claim that the work or the Mark is mine: surely no harm can come of it. I’ll do it!
YFC exits, running, through Tyler’s door. SD approaches candidate and says:
SD: My Brother: You will now represent the Young Fellow Craft portrayed in the Prologue.
 
 
Work
First Section
 
SD conducts candidate to the preparation room. RWM resumes his station and gives * which calls the Lodge to order, and says
RWM: Officers will resume their stations. Brother Overseers: Place benches before your respective positions: and arrange Lodge room in proper order.
If Altar has been moved it is returned to correct position and Marshal displays three Great Lights Marshal then goes to preparation room door and opens it and returns to his station. SD and candidate are ready to enter. SD is grasping square stone and candidate is grasping Keystone in proper manner. SD speaks to candidate so that all may hear:
SD: You are now representing a Craftsman repairing to the Temple with work for inspection. Follow me at a distance of about six feet. After I leave each station you will approach-pause: and turn as I do: give raps with your foot and answer the questions as I answer them. Follow me.
SD and candidate enter immediately, proceed east and thence south, east of Altar and thence west to station of JO.
To properly portray the symbolic significance of this degree and the Spiritual attributes of the Keystone, it must be remembered that the lines of the Overseers are of tremendous implication. The Overseers should rehearse their work before conferring degree until they are convinced that they are conveying the full meaning to the candidate.
SD reaching station of JO turns, facing station and gives JO is tapping lightly with mallet and chisel on his unfinished work. After a few seconds he lays down his tools, looks up and says:
JO: Who comes here?
SD: A Craftsman from the quarries with work for inspection.
JO stoops, picks up his square and says:
JO: Present your work.
SD swings hand carrying the square stone once from rear to front, throwing it up level with the breast, arm extended, palm of hand upward. He catches the right wrist in left hand with left hand underneath. JO takes the stone and applies square to angles. As he hands stone back to SD he says:
JO: This is good work, true work, square work. You have my permission to pass to the Senior Overseer.
SD advances about six feet toward SO and halts. The candidate advances to the station of the JO who is again busily engaged at his bench as before. Candidate gives *** *. After a few seconds JO lays down his tools, looks up and says:
JO: Who comes here?
Can: A Craftsman from the quarries with work for inspection.
JO stoops, picks up his square and says-JO: Present your work.
If candidate has been properly instructed he will present his work correctly and in same manner as SD. JO takes the Keystone, registers a startled look and immediately lay. down his square for two reasons. 1st. he can see that the stone is neither oblong nor square. 2nd. in his station he has not yet progressed sufficiently to understand its Spiritual significance, but there is that about the stone which causes hi in to avoid touching it with a physical object. Taking the stone in both hands he contemplates it a moment longer and then says: as if to himself
JO: This is a singular piece of work. It is neither oblong nor square. But owing to its peculiar form At this point JO is looking at back of stone. He turns it slowly so that he is looking at the Mark before he proceeds: and beauty JO now addresses candidate I am unwilling to reject it; and will permit it to pass to the Senior Overseer for his inspection.
SD advances to station of SO, turns, facing station, and gives *** *.
SO is tapping lightly with mallet and chisel on his unfinished work. After a few seconds he lays down his tools, looks up and says
SO: Who comes here?
SD: A Craftsman from the quarries with work for inspection.
SO stoops, picks up his square and says:
SO: Present your work.
SD presents work as before. SO tests work with square and says:
SO: This is good work: true work: square work. You have my permission to pass to the Master Overseer.
SD advances about six feet toward MO and halts. The candidate advances to the station of the SO who is again busily engaged at his bench as before. Candidate gives *** *. After a few seconds SO lays down his tools, looks up and says:
SO: Who comes here?
Can: A Craftsman from the quarries with work for inspection.
SO stoops, picks up his square and says:
SO: Present your work.
If candidate has been properly instructed he will present his work correctly and in same manner as SD. SO takes the Keystone, registers a startled look and immediately lays down his square for two reasons. 1st. he can see that the stone is neither oblong nor square. 2nd. in his station he has not yet progressed sufficiently to understand its Spiritual significance, but there is that about the stone which causes him to avoid touching it with a physical object. Taking the stone in both hands he contemplates it a moment longer and then says: as if to himself
SO: This is a singular piece of work. It is neither oblong nor square. But owing to its peculiar form At this point SO is looking at back of stone He turns it slowly so that he is looking at the Mark before he proceeds and beauty. SO now addresses candidate: I am unwilling to reject it: and will permit it to pass to the Master Overseer for his inspection.
SD advances to station of MO, turns, facing station and gives *** *.
MO is tapping lightly with mallet and chisel on his unfinished work. After a few seconds he lays down his tools, looks up and says:
MO: Who comes here?
SD: A Craftsman from the quarries with work for inspection.
MO stoops, picks up his square and says:
MO: Present your work.
SD presents work as before. MO tests work with squire and says:
MO: This is good work: true work: square work-just such work as I have orders to receive. You are entitled to wages. Stand aside.
MO lays square stone on bench and indicates place at his right and west of him for SD to stand, leaving space for candidate between MO and SD. SD faces south.
Candidate advances to the station of the MO who is again busily engaged at his bench as before. Candidate gives . After a few seconds MO lays down his tools, looks up and says:
MO: Who comes here?
Can: A Craftsman from the quarries with work for inspection.
MO stoops, picks up his square and says-MO: Present your work.
Candidate presents work as before. MO is a Materialist, entirely on the physical plane and is not concerned with thoughts of the Spiritual. Square work and square work only is the sole thought which engages his attention. While he quickly observes the shape of the stone he places square at the top to demonstrate clearly to the candidate that it is neither oblong nor square and then says sharply to the candidate:
MO: This is a singular piece of work. It is neither oblong nor square. Square work, and square work only, is such as I have orders to receive. Is this your work?
Candidate will reply in the affirmative or negative as he is moved without prompting from anyone. Pointing to Mark, MO questions candidate again:
MO: Is this your Mark?
Reply of candidate is again a voluntary yes or no. In either case MO says:
MO: Stand aside!
Candidate takes his place between SD and MO facing south. MO gives **. JO and SO arise and come to attention.
MO: Brother Overseers: You will approach the East gate.
JO will advance due north. SO will step out to meet JO and then they will walk abreast to a point about three feet south of MO’s bench, turn and face MO.
MO is angry and impatient. As he views the situation there is absolutely no reason why JO and MO should have passed the Keystone.
MO: Brother Junior Overseer: Did you permit this piece of work to pass your inspection?
MO holds out Keystone and points to Mark as he asks the question. JO, in defense of his action, replies with emphasis:
JO: I did. Because of its peculiar form, and beauty, I was unwilling to reject it, and passed it to the Senior Overseer for his inspection.
MO turns to SO with even greater sternness.
MO: Brother Senior Overseer: Did you permit this piece of work to pass your inspection?
SO, likewise on the defensive: For the same reasons, I permitted it to pass to the East Gate for your inspection.
MO, contemptuously and scornfully, shaking his head slightly in token of his utter lack of comprehension of what appears to him to be only gross disobedience of orders, and again sternly and sarcastically addresses the Overseers.
MO: Brothers, Square work, and square work only, is such as you have orders to receive. You should never let peculiar form and beauty cause you to violate a positive command. Do either of you know of any use for such a stone shaking Keystone before their faces in the building of the Temple?
JO and SO are disappointed and smarting under rebuke:
JO: No: I do not.
SO: Neither do I.
MO, very sarcastically: And neither do I. What shall we do with it?
JO: Well, why don’t we just heave it over among the rubbish?
SO: I’ll agree to that.
MO: And so will I.
MO quietly drops or places stone in place provided for it back of his station: and comes to attention. SO and JO return to their stations and as MO sits down, each seats himself at same time.
RWM: Brother Junior Warden: What is the hour?
JW: It is the sixth hour of the sixth day of the week.
RWM: Brother Marshal, you will assemble the Craftsmen to repair to the apartment of the Senior Warden to receive wages.
Marshal draws sword and brings it to a carry. He advances to the south east corner of the room, faces west and calls up those who take part; in procession by three raps of heel on floor.
Mar: The Craftsmen will form in procession on the south side of the room: single file: facing East.
Only the Craftsmen who took part in Prologue with MO-SO-JO-Candidate and SD. In order named take part in procession. Marshal may step to side to see that procession is properly formed. Being satisfied he about faces to East which is cue for RWM, who arises, to begin his lines.
RWM: The Craftsmen will now apply for wages.
The laborer is worthy of his hire. He who works must eat. The true and faithful Craftsman need not fear to apply for wages: but let cowans beware.
The Marshal leads the procession north, thence west and thence south past the wicket of the SW into which every Craftsman thrusts his hand at least half way to elbow. Marshal stops and stands at south side of wicket with sword at a carry. The Craftsmen receive their wages and are immediately seated.
As the Overseers pass they swing left and stand three abreast: MO on north: about three feet east of wicket, facing west.
The candidate advances and thrusts his right hand into the wicket. The situation is intensely dramatic. The candidate unknowingly risks incurring a tragic penalty. Let what follows be done accordingly with tragic seriousness: but with plenty of voice and action.
SW: An impostor! An impostor! Strike off his right hand!
SD rushes in between Marshal and candidate as Marshal raises his sword to execute order-and grasping sword wrist of Marshal, cries out with much force:
SD: Hold! He is not an impostor! I know him to be a Fellow Craft. I have wrought with him in the quarries.
SW hesitates just a moment. The thought occurs to him that he may have impulsively overstepped his authority. SD still holds wrist of Marshal.
SW: Stay! Let justice be tempered with mercy. Brother Marshal: I place him in your charge.
You will conduct him to the Right Worshipful Master for his decision.
Marshal and SD with candidate between them turn left and advance three abreast toward East, passing south of Altar. Overseers swing about, MO on south, three abreast, and fall in behind. As soon as Overseer have passed Altar they left oblique and thus halt before station of RWM six abreast in East in following order from south to north; Marshal-Candidate-SD-MO-SO-JO. Marshal immediately steps two paces ahead to denounce candidate. SD quietly steps behind candidate, moves him a little to the north and takes his place between regular position of Marshal and candidate.
Marshal, out in front and pointing toward candidate, vigorously and scornfully cries out:
Mar: Right Worshipful Master: Here is one detected as an impostor.
RWM: Detected as an impostor?
Mar: Yes, Right Worshipful Master, he attempted to receive wages when none were due him. The denouncement by the Marshal, superior in rank to the MO, is all that the officer needs to induce him to throw off what restraint he formerly exercised when the candidate was at his station.
With much force and vigor he steps out quickly and pointing toward candidate, exclaims:
MO: Right Worshipful Master: He is an impostor.
He presented work that was neither oblong nor square. Neither had it any of the regular Marks of the Craft thereon.
Marshal steps back into line. RWM meditates a moment and says:
RWM: Presenting work that was neither oblong nor square: attempting to receive wages when none were due you! Let the penalty be inflicted. Brother Marshal, strike off his right hand!
Marshal starts to carry out order with considerable vigor. As he raises his sword, SD lunges ahead, grasping wrist of Marshal and shouting excitedly
SD: HOLD! Right Worshipful Master: He is not an impostor. I know him to be a Fellow Craft. I have wrought with him in the quarries.
RWM: A Fellow Craft you say? Can you convince me that you are a Fellow Craft? Give me the due guard and sign of a Fellow Craft.
Candidate gives due guard and sign of a Fellow Craft. RWM nods with approval. Addressing the officers present, he says:
RWM: The Brother is indeed a Fellow Craft. Perhaps he has not been taught to receive wages as such.
RWM arises and addresses candidate
RWM: My Brother, this is a method which we as Mark Masters take to impress upon the mind of the candidate an important lesson: which I trust you will never lose sight of in your future dealings with mankind. It is this, never claim as your own the property of another, or attempt to receive wages when none are due you. You will now be placed in charge of the Master Overseer who will remand you to the quarries, and in due time you will be taught to receive wages as a true and faithful Craftsman.
In leaving the East the Marshal may say: “Twosright.” Marshal and SD abreast―MO and candidate abreast―SO and JO abreast. JO and SO drop off at their respective stations. SD: on right of Marshal returns to his station, removes white apron, rolls down sleeves and puts on coat.
Marshal opens door of preparation room and goes to his station. MO and candidate pass through door to preparation room. MO closes it and immediately gives *** *. The alarm must be given immediately. There will be ample time after SD has answered the alarm and closed door to finish investing with c-t, which is put on at this time. It is not used in first section.
Director of Work will make final check to see that all money and valuables of candidate have been removed.
 
 
Second Section
 
SD does not wait to report alarm if not completely reinvested, but says:
SD: Right Worshipful Master, there is an alarm at the door of the preparation room.
RWM: Attend to the alarm.
SD goes to door of preparation room and gives *** *, opens door and speaking loudly enough for all to hear, says:
SD: Who comes here?
MO must speak loudly for all in Lodge Room to hear.
MO: A Brother who has been regularly initiated, passed, and raised to the sublime Degree of a Master Mason, and now wishes to receive further light in Masonry by being advanced to the degree of Mark Master.
SD: My Brother, is this of your own free will and accord?
Can: It is.
SD: Brother Master Overseer, is he worthy and well qualified?
MO: He is.
SD: Is he duly and truly prepared?
MO: He is.
SD: Has he wrought in the quarries and exhibited specimens of his skill?
MO: He has.
SD: By what further right or benefit does he expect to gain admission?
MO: By the benefit of the Pass.
SD: Has he the Pass?
MO: He has it not. I have it for him.
SD: Give me the Pass.
MO advances and gives it in a whisper which must be inaudible to the candidate.
SD: Let him wait with patience: until the Right Worshipful Master has been informed of his request and his answer returned.
SD closes door: goes to the Altar and gives *** *.
Outside MO sees that c-t is securely f… times around body of candidate.
RWM: Who comes here?
SD: A Brother who has been regularly initiated-passed: and raised to the SUBLIME DEGREE of a Master Mason-and now wishes to receive further light in Masonry by being advanced to the degree of Mark Master. All the questions have been answered in the affirmative. The Pass is: ….
SD gives it in low voice.
RWM: Since he comes endowed with all these essential qualifications, it is my will and pleasure that the candidate enter this Lodge of Mark Masters and that you receive him in due and ancient form.
SD returns to preparation room door and opens it without raps.
SD: It is the will and pleasure of the Right Worshipful Master that the candidate enter this Lodge of Mark Masters.
MO conducts candidate into the Lodge and remains one pace in the rear.
SD: My Brother: It is the will and pleasure of the Right Worshipful Master that I receive you into this Lodge of Mark Masters in due and ancient form. I receive you on the edge of an engravers chisel and under the pressure of a mallet.
SD places chisel point against the left breast of candidate, strikes lightly *** * and says:
SD: Which is to teach you that the moral precepts of this degree should make a deep and lasting impression upon your future life and conduct. You will accompany me: single file.
SD hands wkg-tls to the MO who follows in rear as far as his station and there pauses until SD and candidate leave the East and then takes them to the RWM.
SD and candidate proceed to East where SD stops and faces candidate and himself toward RWM.
RWM: Harken unto a lesson from the Holy Scriptures.
Chaplain or some qualified Brother appointed by the RWM will read in a reverent manner, the 5th Verse of the 44th Chapter of Ezekiel and at the conclusion thereof he will be seated.
SD proceeds with candidate around west of Altar. As SD and candidate pass JW station, JW gives *** * and as they pass SW station SW gives *** *. Arriving in East, SD faces himself and candidate to East and gives *** *.
RWM: Who comes here?
SD: A Brother who has been regularly initiated-passed and raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason and now wishes to receive further light in Masonry by being advanced to the degree of Mark Master.
RWM: My Brother: Is this of your own free will and accord?
RWM: Brother Senior Deacon, is he worthy and well qualified?
SD: He is.
RWM: Is he duly and truly prepared?
SD: He is.
RWM: Has he wrought in the quarries and exhibited specimens of his skill?
SD: He has.
RWM: By what further right or benefit does he expect to gain admission?
SD: By the benefit of the Pass.
RWM: Has he the Pass?
SD: He has it not. I have it for him.
RWM: Advance and communicate it.
SD advances and whispers the Pass in the ear of the RWM. No grip is given here.
RWM: It is well. You will be conducted to the Senior Warden in the West: who will teach you to approach the East in due form.
SD conducts the candidate to the station of SW, leaving Altar on right. In West SD faces himself and candidate toward SW.
SD: Brother Senior Warden, it is the will and pleasure of the Right Worshipful Master in the East, that the candidate be taught to approach the East in due form.
SW: Brother Senior Deacon, you will cause the candidate to face the East.
SD wheels with candidate so that he is on the right of candidate when facing East.
SW: My Brother, you will take one step with your right foot. Bring the heel of the left to the heel of the right and thereby form a right angle. Stand erect.
SD: Your order has been obeyed: Right Worshipful Master.
RWM arises to address candidate.
RWM: My Brother: You are again before the Altar of Masonry: but before proceeding further it will be necessary for you to take upon yourself a solemn obligation pertaining to this degree. Yet I am free to inform you that this obligation contains nothing which can conflict with your duty to God: your country, your neighbor, or yourself. With this pledge on my part as the Right Worshipful Master of this Lodge, I ask you: are you willing to take such an obligation as all Mark Masters have taken before you?
Can: I am.
RWM: Brother Senior Deacon, you will place the candidate at the Altar in due form to be made a Mark Master.
SD and candidate advance to the Altar.
SD: Kneel on both knees: your body erect. Both hands resting on the Holy Bible, Square and Compasses.
SD: The Brother is in due form, Right Worshipful Master.
The RWM gives *** *. All arise. The Craftsmen of the Prologue and the Overseers form two parallel lines from Altar to East. The others may remain standing in their places. The Wardens and Junior Deacon remain standing in their stations. The RWM uncovers and goes between the lines to the Altar.
RWM: You will say: I, pronounce your name in full and repeat after me,
No laying on of hands.
O m o f w a ac: i th prsnc o A G a ths R W L o Mk Ms e t hm a dedctd t H A d h-by a h-on in s a s p a s-tt I w n com th s o ths deg t a per o pers whmsvr xcpt i b t a tr a lwfl Bro Mk M o w th
bdy o a j a lwfly con L o Mk Ms nor u o thin u b s t d ex o lwfl i I s hve f or thin a lwfly e t thin a I a mysf.
I frthrmr p a s tt I w slct f mysf a ink wch whn d recded I w not alt o xchng nthr w I pldg in ink a sec tme untl rdmd frm a frmer pldg.
I fthrinr p a s tt shd a Bro Mk M pre ni hs mk rqstng asst I w rec a rtain hs mk grntg hs req i i in pwr i n I w r-trn hin hs mk wth th prc throf wch i a Jwsh hf-shkl o slvr equal i val I t frth pt o a dlr.
A ths I inst s a sinc p a s wth a f a s r t k a prfrm th s without th 1 equiv men res o slf evsn whtsvr b m u n 1 pen thn tt o hvng in rt e smote o a m rt hnd strk o shd I i th 1 k o wtngly v o t ths m Mk M ob S h m G a k m stdfst.
RWM: My Brother, in token of your sincerity of purpose in these solemn engagements-you will disengage your hands-and kiss the Holy Bible.
RWM: Brother Senior Deacon: Our Brother being bound to us by a four fold convenant which cannot be broken; you will release him from his cable tow.
RWM returns to the East, seats the Lodge with * and recovers. Officers take their respective
stations. Craftsmen of the Prologue retire to NW part of Lodge room in informal group, seated or standing until RWM returns to East after explaining Pass, Token of Pass, Grip and Word and then begin confusion as indicated at that point.
RWM: You now discover me as the Right Worshipful Master of this Lodge: approaching you from the East upon the step and under the due guard and sign of a Mark Master.
The RWM does not take the step until after he has made the statement.
RWM: This is the step of a Mark Master-take one step with the right foot: bring the heel of the left to the heel of the right and thereby form the right angle of a perfect square. This is the due guard. This is the first sign. This is the second sign.
The RWM gives due guard and each sign as he speaks
RWM: These refer to the penalty of your obligation. Upon entering or leaving a Lodge of Mark Masters, you will advance to the Altar and give the due guard and signs.
RWM or Brother: My Brother, at this time: I desire to call your attention to a point in your obligation. You have just solemnly sworn that you will receive the Mark of a Brother Mark Master when offered to you as a pledge and will grant him his request if in your power. If not you will return his Mark with the price thereof. I now request you to lend me five dollars for which I offer you my Mark as a pledge.
RWM or Brother extends his hand, holding out the Mark until the Brother receives it. Should the Brother hesitate to take the Mark RWM or Brother giving the lines, says: You have sworn to receive a Brother’s Mark.
You cannot refuse to take my Mark.
The candidate takes the Mark and the one giving the lines continues: Will you grant my request?
Candidate says he cannot.
Will you return my Mark so that I may apply to some other Brother?
Candidate offers to return Mark. RWM or Brother giving lines refuses to receive it and says: You have sworn that you would return a Brother’s Mark with the price thereof, which is a Jewish half shekel of silver, equal in value to the fourth part of a dollar. You must return my Mark with its price.
Candidate says that he is unable to do so.
Then you are indeed in a destitute condition. Brethren: you here behold a Brother Mark Master so entirely destitute as to be unable to comply with a point in his obligation. Who will assist him?
SD: I will.
SD gives the candidate a quarter of a dollar. No one else attempts to do so. The candidate returns the Mark and the price thereof to the RWM or Brother. If a Brother from among the members, he returns to his seat. RWM approaches the Altar.
RWM: My Brother: By the assistance of a Brother … you have been enabled to comply with a point in your obligation. This is a method which we as Mark Masters: take to impress upon the mind of the recipient of this degree: another important lesson. It is this: should you in your future life meet with a Brother Mark Master in destitution and want you will remember the time when you knelt at the Masonic Altar, in a Mark Master Lodge, unable to comply with a point in your obligation until assisted by a Brother: and remembering this you will contribute at least twenty five cents to relieve his necessities, and although the amount is small, there are times and occasions in the lives of many when even this sum: cheerfully given with a kind word accompanying it, may not only save a Brother from the pangs of hunger, but possibly prevent the commission of a crime. Remembering this my Brother, what you give give freely, for the Lord loveth a cheerful giver.
RWM: My Brother, you will arise and step backward two paces.
RWM passes on north side of Altar to candidate.
RWM: In token of my Brotherly Love and Friendship: I present you with my right hand and with it the Pass-token of the Pass-Grip and Word of a Mark Master.
RWM takes candidate by the true grip of a Master Mason.
RWM: Brother Senior Deacon, will you be off or from?
SD: From.
RWM: From what unto what?
SD: From the grip of a Master Mason to the pass grip of a Mark Master.
RWM: Pass. What is that?
SD: The Pass grip of a Mark Master.
RWM: Has it a name?
SD: It has.
RWM: Give it me.
SD gives pass.
RWM: …, my Brother, is the Pass of this degree. It alludes to the ancient seaport to which most of the material for the building of King Solomon’s Temple was brought by sea in floats from Mount Lebanon. Masonic tradition informs us that the coast near that place was so steep that it was difficult for the workmen to ascend without assistance, which was afforded them by means of this strong grip-given by Craftsmen stationed for that purpose.
RWM: Brother Senior Deacon, will you be off or from?
SD: From.
RWM: From what unto what?
SD: From the pass grip of a Mark Master to the true grip of the same.
RWM: Pass. What is that?
SD: The true grip of a Mark Master.
The RWM may instruct the candidate to advance his right foot and do such other things as will enable the RWM and candidate to easily and conveniently form the true grip of a Mark Master.
RWM: Has it a name?
SD: It has.
RWM: Give it me.
SD: I did not so receive it. Neither can I so impart it.
RWM: How will you dispose of it?
SD: I will syllable it with you.
RWM: Syllable and begin.
SD gives last syllable. RWM gives first syllable and then SD gives word in full.
RWM: … my Brother: Is the name of this grip. It alludes to a certain text of Scripture: "And the Lord said unto me, Son of Man, mark well, and behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears, all that I say unto thee concerning all the ordinances of the house of the Lord, and all the laws thereof; and mark well the entering in of the house, with every going forth of the Sanctuary." (Ezekiel 44: 5).
RWM informally explains position of body of RWM and candidate and significance of grip, associating letters with the words thereof.
RWM returns to East and SD conducts candidate to a seat on north side of Lodge as neat- East as possible to enable candidate to observe action of Overseers to follow immediately.
As the RWM returns to East the Craftsmen of the Prologue begin complaining and making some confusion because there is apparently no further material. RWM gives *.
RWM: Brother Senior Warden: What is the cause of the confusion.
SW: The Craft is at a stand for want of a Keystone for which I fear no order has been given.
MO half rises from his station, drops back, placing hand to head in serious thought.
RWM: That piece of work was assigned to our Grand Master Hiram Abif, and from his well known punctuality I have full confidence to believe that it was completed.
RWM: Brother Overseers, you will approach the East.
JO and SO approach station of MO as before and then they advance, three abreast to the East. MO on north of line.
MO is in a serious situation since announcement by SW that Craft is at a stand. As a Materialist he thinks only of some way to talk himself out of the difficulty.
RWM hands MO a drawing of the Keystone with the Mark thereon. This should not be a blue print but a drawing heavy enough to be visible to the candidate when overseers sloop over a little later to examine it.
RWM: Brother Overseers: Has a piece of work of this form: and bearing this Mark: been presented for inspection?
RWM points to drawing of Keystone and to Mark as he asks question.
The Master Overseer takes the drawing and the three Overseers turn about facing north and stoop over, examining the drawing. Though they pay no attention to the candidate they hold the drawing in such manner that he cannot help seeing its general outline and the Mark After a moment the JO says, looking toward MO:
JO: This is a drawing of the stone you heaved over among the rubbish. You should so report to the Right Worshipful Master.
The Overseers swing about and are again facing the RWM in same order as before. The MO, true to his character as a Materialist, feels that he is under the necessity of working himself out of responsibility for the error he has committed and in some manner putting at least part of the blame on the other Overseers. Wherefore he begins very smoothly:
MO: Right Worshipful Master, on consultation we find that a piece of work of this form and bearing this Mark has, been presented for inspection.
MO points to drawing of Keystone and to Mark thereon as he gives above lines. Now he steps forward and points out to RWM drawing of Keystone and a moment later of Mark, as in mock earnestness and seriousness he continues:
MO: But it was neither oblong nor square, square work, and square work only, being such as we had orders to receive. Neither had it the Mark of any of the Craft thereon and we MO stretches his arm full length to right including SO and JO not knowing the Mark which was upon it were unanimous in deeming it unfit for use and heaved it over among the rubbish.
RWM: That is truly unfortunate for upon that stone depended the completion of the Temple. You will make strict search among the rubbish to see if it can be found.
Overseers do not delay. MO takes drawing. They go to rubbish, find stone immediately and pause only to compare with drawing and then return to the East, standing in order as before.
MO: Right Worshipful Master, strict search has been made and the stone is found.
RWM: Present it.
MO presents Keystone and drawing and steps back into line. RWM arises to receive Keystone. RWM examines Keystone a moment, reverently uncovers, holds Keystone above his head, with Mark toward Overseers and says, with feeling:
RWM: This is the stone which was set at naught of you builders, which is become the Chief Stone of the Temple.
RWM places Keystone on pedestal before him, Mark toward candidate. It remains in this position until end of the degree unless the Brother selected to give the lecture desires to take it in hand to illustrate portions thereof. If he does he replaces it in same position.
RWM: Brother Senior Deacon, you will conduct the Brother to the East.
Overseers quickly return to their stations. MO remains standing at his station until SO and JO reach their respective stations. Overseers seat themselves at same time.
RWM steps to side of Keystone so he can point to it at will. When SD and Brother are standing before him, facing East. Without waiting for Overseers to reach their stations, RWM wil1 say immediately:
RWM: This is an imitation of the Keystone upon which this degree is founded. Its color is white and alludes to a certain passage of Scripture: "To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna and I will give him a white stone and in the stone a new name written which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it." (Revelation 2:17).
The new name which I now present to you as a Mark Master is composed of certain words of which the letters H.T.W.S.S.T.KS. on the stone are the initials.
RWM standing to one side so as not to obstruct view of candidate, points to the letters as he proceeds, giving the words for which the letters stand and then directing the candidate to repeat the words after him. He should proceed slowly in order that candidate may fully understand. Be sure of pronunciation of second word.
RWM: Within this points to Mark circle of letters, each Craftsman is taught to place his private Mark to which his obligation alludes. This was once the private Mark of our Grand Master Hiram Abif and is now the general Mark of the Craft.
RWM should select some qualified Brother to come forward, stand on the floor before the Dais and present the working tools. The meaning and language is worthy of the utmost effort in thoughtful presentation. Chisel and mallet should be exhibited during speaking of first two sentences. Lay down mallet and present chisel and then lay down chisel and present mallet.
I will now present to you the working tools of a Mark Master. They are the chisel and mallet. The chisel morally demonstrates the advantages of discipline and education. The mind—like the diamond in its original state—is rude and unpolished, but as the effect of the chisel on its external coat soon presents to view the latent beauties of the diamond, so education discovers the latent virtues of the mind and draws them forth to range the large field of matter and space to display the summit of human knowledge—our duty to God and man.
The mallet morally teaches us to correct irregularities and to reduce man to a proper level so that by quiet deportment he may in the school of discipline learn to be content. What the mallet is to the workman enlightened reason is to the passions. It curbs ambition, it depresses envy, it moderates anger and it encourages good dispositions. Whence arises among good Masons that comely order "Which nothing earthly gives or can destroy the soul’s calm sunshine and the heartfelt joy."
RWM or some qualified Brother, appointed by him will give Token.
My Brother, early in this degree you attempted to receive wages when none were due you. You were detected as an impostor and nearly lost your right hand. After an admonition you were informed that in due time you would be taught to receive wages as a true and faithful Craftsman.
In receiving wages it will be necessary for you to thrust your right hand through a latticed window into the private apartment of the Senior Warden and at the same time give this Token. Done.
The Token is given by extending the right hand, palm upward, first and second fingers extended, thumb pressing upon the second joint. The third and fourth fingers are closed in imitation of our ancient Brother who thus carried and retained a copy of his Mark in the palm of his right hand when applying for wages.
RWM: You will now be seated among the Brethren.
SD conducts Brother to a seat and remains with him.
Third Section
RWM: Brother Junior Warden, what is the hour?
JW: It is the sixth hour of the sixth day of the week.
RWM seats JW with *.
RWM: Brother Marshal, you will assemble the Craft and repair to the apartment of the Senior Warden to receive wages.
Marshal draws sword and brings it to a carry. He advances to the south east corner of the room, faces west and gives *** with heel on floor, which calls up those Brethren who are to form the procession.
Mar: Craftsmen, you will form in procession on the south side of the Lodge—single file—facing east.
Procession will be composed of Marshal at head followed in order named by MO-SO-JO-Brother-SD and those Craftsmen in robes who took part in the Prologue. Marshal may step to side of line to view procession and see that it is correctly formed and may give directions for order of procession. Being satisfied, he steps to head of line, facing east and may give command: "Column left-march."
Marshal will lead procession to north thence west and thence south past wicket of SW where each Craftsman will receive a penny. Marshal moves on to south thence east and thence north, east of Altar and thence around to a point about three feet north of JW station. The last Brother of procession halts exactly opposite Marshal and thus a semicircle is formed. Now the Marshal moves across room east of Altar to the last Craftsman and says:
Mar: How much did you receive?
Can: A penny.
Marshal asks next Craftsman and so on, varying his questions so as to avoid monotony, in such wise as "And you?" or "How much were you paid?" until he comes to the candidate and says:
Mar: How much did you receive?
Can: A penny or candidate exhibits penny.
Mar: What! you a penny too?
Marshal exhibits considerable anger as he gives the line just above and then continuing in a loud and excited voice he says-turning to the various Craftsmen as he speaks:
Mar: Craftsmen! Here pointing to candidate is one who came in at the eleventh hour—and he has received as much as we who have borne the burden and heat of the day. It is not right and I will not receive my wages.
Marshal throws down penny with emphatic gesture and then, in unison, each shouting angrily:
Craftsmen: Neither will I.
Each Craftsman throws down his penny.
RWM: Brother Senior Warden: What is the cause of this confusion?
SW: The Craftsmen are not satisfied with their wages.
RWM: Have you not paid every man according to agreement?
SW: I have.
RWM: Then Brethren: Why are you not satisfied?
Mar: Right Worshipful Master, we who have borne the burden and heat of the day complain pointing to candidate and Overseers that those who came in at the eleventh hour have been made equal unto us.
RWM: Is it not the Traditional Law?
Marshal holds out both hands-fingers separated palms upward-and asks the Craftsmen generally:
Mar: Do any of you know of the Traditional Law?
General shaking of heads and murmurs of "no," "I don’t." Etc.
Mar: Right Worshipful Master: We know of no such Traditional Law.
RWM: Will you hear it?
Marshal holds out his hands silently as before. Reluctant murmurs of "Yes." "We will." Etc.
Mar: We will.
RWM remains seated in his station. If he is the only one who gives the Traditional Law he should have some qualified Brother fill his station in the Third Section. The Brother who gives this truly Sublime and the crowning Symbolic lesson of this degree is seated in the East to the left of the RWM or in the Chaplain’s station—the latter station preferred. He arises and walks to a position immediately to the east of the Altar, and remains in that position while he gives-slowly, distinctly and reverently: For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder—which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.
And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day—he sent them into his vineyard.
And he went out about the third hour—and saw others standing idle in the marketplace.
And said unto them—Go ye also into the vineyard—and whatsoever is right will give you. And they went their way.
Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour—and did likewise,
And about the eleventh hour he went out—and found others standing idle—and saith unto them—Why stand ye here all the day idle?
They say unto him—Be hath hired us. He saith unto them—Go ye also into the vineyard—and whatsoever is right—that shall ye receive.
"So when even was come—the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward—Call the labourers—and give them their hire—beginning from the last unto the first.
As the Brother giving Tra. Laws proceeds he points to candidate and Overseers.
And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour—they received every man a penny.
As the next verse is given Brother giving lines points to Marshal and last Craftsman of procession.
But when the first came——they supposed that they should have received more—and they likewise received every man a penny.
And when they had received it they murmured against the good man of the house—
Saying: These last have wrought but one hour—and thou hast made them equal unto us which have borne the burden and heat of the day.
Brother giving lines walks around Altar, stoops and picks up a penny thrown there by one of Craftsmen, walks up to Marshal who has instigated the trouble and continues:
But he answered one of them—and said— Friend—I do thee no wrong—didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
Marshal answers: I did.
Take that thine is and go thy way.
Marshal receives penny. Brother giving lines walks over to candidate and places his arm about shoulder, faces Marshal and continues: I will give unto this last—even as unto thee.
Then Brother giving lines, with hands held out to all as if in appeal says: Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own?
Again facing Marshal: Is thine eye evil because I am good?
Pointing out first the candidate and then the Marshal and Craftsman at rear of procession, last verse is given:
So the, last shall be first—and the first last—for many we called—but few chosen. (St. Matthew 20: 1-16).
RWM: What say you now, are you satisfied?
Marshal directs inquiring look at Craftsmen who nod in token of their approval.
Mar: We are
Craftsman picks up penny and goes immediately to his seat. Penny returned after closing.
 

Lecture

Lecture should be given by some qualified Brother, appointed by RWM, speaking slowly and distinctly and illustrating meaning by pointing to Keystone at appropriate intervals. Lecturer should occupy position on floor near Dais.
A brief explanation of the ceremonies of this degree will prove equally interesting and instructive.
At the building of King Solomon’s Temple—there were employed eighty thousand craftsmen—one of whom you have this evening represented—whose custom it was—at the close of the sixth day of each week—to repair to the Temple with work for inspection.
The Inspectors—who were selected from among the most skillful craftsmen—were called Overseers—and were stationed at the South-West and East gates—to receive all work brought up for the building of the Temple.
To provide against faulty work wrought by unskilled craftsmen being received—King Solomon had ordained—that every craftsman should select for himself a Mark—a copy of which should be placed upon each piece of work by him wrought. Thus it might be known and distinguished when promiscuously presented for inspection.
The wages of a workman were a penny a day— paid by the Senior Warden—who under orders from King Solomon—required every craftsman entitled to wages—to thrust his right hand through a latticed window—into his private apartment—bearing in the palm of his hand a copy of his Mark—and at the same time giving this token gives it.
The Senior Warden—seeing the Mark and token knew that wages were due him—and paid him accordingly. Without the Mark or token—he would be detected as an impostor and would suffer the penalty—having his right hand stricken off.
The ceremonies of this degree were founded on the Keystone—of which this is a smaller representation—wrought by our Grand Master Hiram Abif— and used in the principal arch of King Solomon’s Temple.
Our traditions inform us—that upon a certain sixth day—a young craftsman-repairing to the Temple with work for inspection—found this curiously wrought Keystone in the quarries. Observing its peculiar form and beauty—he was tempted to substitute it for his own work. He then presented it at the South gate for inspection.
The Junior Overseer hesitated to receive it—but because of its peculiar form—and beauty—permitted it to pass to the Senior Overseer—who for similar reasons—passed it to the Master Overseer.
The Master Overseer—observing that it was neither oblong nor square—the only work he had orders to receive—and that it had none of the regular marks of the craft upon it—called a Council of the Overseers. They knew of no use to which it could be converted in the building of the Temple—and thereupon the Master Overseer heaved it over among the rubbish.
The young craftsman then attempted to receive wages—but for want of this token gives it was detected as an impostor. Had it not been for the timely interposition of a Brother—he would have suffered the penalty. gives it.
When the Temple was nearing completion—the Senior Warden reported to King Solomon that the Craftsmen were unable to proceed with the work—because of the want of Keystone—belonging to the principal arch of the Temple. King Solomon replied: "That piece of work was assigned to our Grand Master Hiram Abif—and from his well known punctuality I have full confidence to believe it was completed." Search was ordered—the Keystone found—and in de time placed in its proper position in the Arch.
This degree was founded by Solomon King of Israel— Hiram, King of Tyre—and Hiram Abif—not only as a reward for Industry, Fidelity and Skill—but also render it impossible for any Brother to suffer for the necessaries of life,when the price of his Mark would obtain them.
Brother who has given the lecture retires to his place in the Lodge.
 
 
Charge
 
It is suggested that RWM select another well qualified Brother to give the Charge. A change of voice and personality helps to maintain interest. The Brother giving Charge takes same position taken by lecturer.
RWM, ***: My Brother—I congratulate you on having been thought worthy of being advanced to this honorable degree of Freemasonry. Permit me to impress it upon your mind that your interest and zeal should ever be commensurate with your duties—which become more and more extensive-as you advance in Masonry.
In the honorable character of Mark Master—it is more particularly your duty—to let your conduct in the Lodge-and among your Brethren—be such as may stand the test of the Grand Overseer’s square-that you may not—like the unfinished and imperfect work—of the negligent and unfaithful of former times—be rejected and thrown aside—as unfit for that Spiritual Building—that House not made with hands—eternal in the heavens.
While such is your conduct-—should misfortune assail you—should friends forsake you
—should envy traduce your good name-and malice persecute you—yet may you have confidence—that among Mark Masters you will find friends—who will administer relief to your distresses and comfort to your afflictions. And ever bear in mind as a consolation under all the frowns of fortune-and as an encouragement to hope for better prospects— that the stone which the builders rejected-possessing merits to them unknown—became the chief Stone of the Temple.
RWM: You will now be seated among the Brethren.
Except in cases of the utmost necessity the RWM should immediately proceed to close his Lodge. All that follows the degree is anti-climax. To call upon the candidate for "remarks" is usually to embarrass him. Give him an opportunity, without molestation, to think upon what he has received. He will appreciate it. Close the Lodge so that those desiring it may have a few moments of informal fellowship, and those who may have to leave. may do so.
 
 
Closing
 
RWM: Brother Junior Deacon: What is the last, as well as the first great care of Masons when in Lodge assembled?
JD: To see that the Lodge is duly tyled, Right Worshipful Master.
RWM: Perform that duty. Inform the Tyler that I am about to close this Lodge of Mark Masters and direct him to tyle accordingly.
JD goes to door and gives *** *. Tyler repeats *** *. JD opens door and says
JD: Brother Tyler, the Right Worshipful Master is about to close this Lodge of Mark Masters. You are directed to tyle accordingly.
JD closes door and returns to his station.
JD: Right Worshipful Master, the Lodge is duly tyled.
RWM, ***: Brother Senior Deacon, close the three Great Lights.
SD goes to the Altar, leaving it on his left, reverently closes the Great Lights and takes them to the Secretary. SD may remain standing at Secretary’s desk while
RWM: In the name of God and Hiram Abif, I declare … Chapter No. … closed in form on the Mark Master degree. Brother Junior Deacon, inform the Tyler.
JD opens door without raps and says
JD: Brother Tyler, this Lodge is closed.
JD returns to his station and says
JD: Right Worshipful Master, that duty is performed.
RWM gives * which dissolves Lodge.

Home