York Rite Masonry

Saint Paul, Minnesota

 

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Mark Master Degree –Trivia& Facts

By Ray Hayward

 

 

 

  1. Another name for the Masons mark is the Tyrian signet.

  2. In Scotland, the Mark degree can be confered in a Blue lodge, a Mark Lodge, or a Royal Arch Chapter.

  3. Exposed marks were reserved for Masters. Apprentices marks are carved where they will be covered.

  4. Some marks were passed down from fathers and grandfathers.

  5. You received some Mark Master teachings in your Entered apprentice degree.”We read in the Book of Ruth that this was the manner in former times concerning redeeming and concerning changing, for to confirm all things, a man plucked off his shoe ( to be redeemed later with his pledge) and gave it to his neighbor…”

  6. In Scotland, bakers as well as masons were required to mark their work, so inferior baked goods could be traced back to their bakers.

  7. Hiram of Tyre was not involved in the keystone work. That work was assigned to Hiram Abif only. It was not sent by two people, only one. In the U.K. the “T” stands for “the”, where the original Hebrew letters are used. We could say Tyrian, if H.A.s Napthali tribe was within the borders of the Kingdom of Tyre. My good friend, a PGHP, suggested the letters stand for; Hot Tempered Women Should Strive To Keep Still

  8. Marks were only carved on Perfect Ashlars. Food for thought; we can only receive this degree after the Master Mason degree, even though it preceeds it.

  9. The earliest conferral of the Mark Master degree in Ireland was found in a certificate dating from August 27th, 1775, granted by… the Knights Templar!

  10. The father of our country, the first president, Brother George Washington, received his Mark Master degree from Military Lodge#227, attached to the  46th regiment.

 

Compiled by Ray Hayward , High Priest 2004&2005, MN Chapter #1 RAM