2003
First Section
RWM: Brethren, this lodge is about to advance Brother A.B., a
Master Mason to the degree of a Mark Master. He has been found proficient in the
preceding degrees. If there are no objections he will be introduced and received
in due form. If no objections: Brother
Senior Deacon SD rises and faces RWM, a
Brother Master Mason is in attendance, desiring to be advanced to the degree of
a Mark Master. Proceed to the performance of your duties.
SD, faces west, advances on direct line through preparation room door without
knocking: My brother, in preparing you for the ceremonies of this
degree, it is necessary that you be divested of all monies, which you may have
on or about your person. SD receives K’s money.
You will remove coat done, roll up your
sleeves done, don this apron and wear it in
the manner of a Fellowcraft. Done. You will
give me the due guard and sigh of a Fellowcraft. Done,
SD instructs K if necessary. You are now about
to represent a Fellowcraft repairing to the temple with work for inspection. You
will carry this stone in your right hand, top up, between the thumb and fingers,
with the mark out, and swing it full arm length at the side. SD demonstrates
as he gives instructions. There are three stations at which you will halt
and give the following alarm *** * SD demonstrates with
his foot. You will be asked "Who comes here?" You will
replay, "A craftsman from the quarries with work for inspection."
Repeat that please. Done. You will be told,
"Present your work." You will present it in this manner: swing the
stone from rear to front, the back of the right hand extended in the palm of the
left. On its return to you, you will receive and carry it in the same manner
until again challenged. You will follow me and remain about six feet behind.
The stone used should be white, one and one half inches thick and about seven
and one half inches long. SD and K enter in single file, without an alarm, go
eastward along north side of the lodge until just west of the altar, thence by a
right angle, south to station of JO. Mar closes the door.
SD gives with foot *** *.
JO rises: Who comes here?
SD: A craftsman from the quarries with work for inspection.
JO: Present your work.
SD swings stone from rear to front, bringing it level with breast, arm
extended, palm of left hand upward, catches right hand (with stone) in left,
left hand underneath.
JO takes stone between thumb and fingers of left hand, palm down, turning
hand to bring palm upward. Examines stone critically, remarking: This
is good work, true work, square work. You have my permission to pass to the
Senior Overseer.
After "good work" JO applies square to stone for trueness, saying
"true work"; he then applies square to corner for squareness,
"square work". After "square work" JO returns stone to SD in
same manner as he received it, palm down and opens gate to allow SD to pass.
SD passes gate, right faces advances one pace westward, then faces SO,
advances two paces and halts.
K advances to JO and gives *** * with foot.
JO: Who comes here?
K: A craftsman from the quarries with work for inspection.
JO: Present your work.
K presents work in same manner as SD. The mark on the stone should face down.
JO takes work as in the same manner as from SD, but turning hand so mark is
facing upward. He does NOT try the stone with square, but merely examines it
critically:
This is a singular piece of work. It is neither oblong nor square, but owing
to its peculiar form and beauty, I am unwilling to reject it, and will permit it
to pass to the SO for his inspection.
After "inspection" JO returns stone to K in same manner he received
it, palm down. Opens gate for K to pass.
K enters gate and turns toward SO.
SD advances to station of the SO, K following and halts two paces behind SD.
SD with foot *** *
SO: Who comes here?
SD: A craftsman from the quarries with work for inspection.
SO: Present your work.
SD swings stone from rear to front, bringing it level with breast, arm
extended, palm of left hand upward, catches right hand (with stone) in left,
left hand underneath.
SO takes stone between thumb and fingers of left hand, palm down, turning
hand to bring palm upward. Examines stone critically, remarking: This
is good work, true work, square work. You have my permission to pass to the
Master Overseer.
After "good work" SO applies square to stone for trueness, saying
"true work"; he then applies square to corner for squareness,
"square work". After "square work" SO returns stone to SD in
same manner as he received it, palm down and opens gate to allow SD to pass.
SD passes gate, right faces advances one pace westward, then faces MO,
advances two paces and halts.
K advances to SO and gives *** * with foot.
SO: Who comes here?
K: A craftsman from the quarries with work for inspection.
SO: Present your work.
K presents work in same manner as SD. The mark on the stone should face down.
SO takes work as in the same manner as from SD, but turning hand so mark is
facing upward. He does NOT try the stone with square, but merely examines it
critically:
This is a singular piece of work. It is neither oblong nor square, but owing
to its peculiar form and beauty, I am unwilling to reject it, and will permit it
to pass to the MO for his inspection.
After "inspection" SJO returns stone to K in same manner he
received it, palm down. Opens gate for K to pass.
K enters gate and turns toward MO.
SD advances to station of the MO, K following and halts two paces behind SD.
SD with foot *** *
MO: Who comes here?
SD: A craftsman from the quarries with work for inspection.
MO: Present your work.
SD swings stone from rear to front, bringing it level with breast, arm
extended, palm of left hand upward, catches right hand (with stone) in left,
left hand underneath.
MO takes stone between thumb and fingers of left hand, palm down, turning
hand to bring palm upward. Examines stone critically, remarking:
This is good work, true work, square work; just such work as I have orders to
receive. You are entitled to wages; stand aside.
After "good work" MO applies square to stone for trueness, saying
"true work"; he then applies square to corner for squareness,
"square work". MO does not return stone, but lays it aside.
SD after "stand aside" SD steps one pace to right of, and two paces
west of MO.
K advances to MO and gives *** * with foot.
MO: Who comes here?
K: A craftsman from the quarries with work for inspection.
MO: Present your work.
K presents work in same manner as SD. The mark on the stone should face down.
MO takes work as in the same manner as from SD, but turning hand so mark is
facing upward. He does NOT try the stone with square, but merely examines it
critically:
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?
After "work" K should answer. If he does not, MO should continue: Is
this your mark?
After "your mark" K should answer. If he does not, MO should
continue: Stand aside!
MO should direct K to proper place to the left of SD. SD’s hand should
press against K’s left arm. MO give one knock with foot *: Brothers
Senior and Junior Overseers, SO & JO rise
approach the east gate.
SO & JO go to station of MO, JO advances northward from his station,
passing just west of the altar. SO advances eastward from his station. They meet
and go to MO’s station abreast, halting three feet west of MO. Their positions
should form a triangle, MO east, SO west, JO south. K should be so placed that
he can observe work of Overseers.
MO: Brother Junior Overseer hands stone
to JO did you permit this piece of work to pass your inspection?
JO: I did. Owing to its peculiar from and beauty, I was unwilling
to reject it and permitted it to pass to the SO for HIS inspection.
Returns stone.
MO: Brother Senior Overseer hands stone
to SO did you permit this piece of work to pass your inspection?
SO: For the same reasons, I permitted it to pass to the East gate
for your inspection.
Returns stone.
MO: Brethren, square work and square work only is such as we have
orders to receive. You should never let peculiar form and beauty cause you to
violate a positive command. Do you know of any use for such a stone in the
building of the Temple?
SO: I do not.
JO: Neither do I.
MO: Neither do I. What shall we do with it? All
study the question for a time.
JO: Let us heave it over among the rubbish.
MO & SO: Agreed.
After agreed, Overseers take hold of the stone, palms underneath, thumbs
upward saying each time the word "Heave" before giving heave, coming a
little higher each time until at the fourth Heave, the stone is thrown over the
MO’s left should. SO and JO return to their stations, following the same lines
by which they came. They should reach their stations at the same time. They
about face and are seated in unison with MO, who waits until SO & JO are in
position. SD, on "What shall we do with it?" should position himself
behind MO’s left shoulder to catch the stone. Deposits the stone among the
class and returns to his position.
RWM: Brother JW JW rises, how
goes the hour?
JW: The sixth hour of the sixth day of the week, Right Worshipful
Master. JW is seated.
RWM:
Brother Marshal, Mar rises and gives officer’s
salute with sword, acknowledged by RWM, you will assemble the craft
and repair to the apartment of the Senior Warden to apply for wages.
Mar carries sword, right faces, advances to a point on a line just south of
the JO’s station, turns left, advances eastward to a point at least two paces
west of the dais, about faces and gives *** with foot. RWM does not rise, all
others do, including wardens: Craftsmen, you will form in procession
on the south side of the lodge, single file, facing East.
Procession is formed with MO, SO, JO, craftsmen, SD and K. MO goes to point
north and west of altar, turns left, goes south, to point where line is forming,
turns left and advances to just in front of Mar. SO goes eastward, turns right
and follows MO, JO goes eastward and falls in behind SO. When formed, Mar about
faces, steps to left of MO and salutes (officers) RWM returns.
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.
Mar carries sword: Forward, column left, MARCH!
SW and JD place wicket cages on SW’s pillar. Procession passes northward to
a point behind MO’s station, column left and proceeds west until one pace east
of SW’s station, column left to pass procession in front of SW’s station by
less than an arm’s length. On reaching the west, Mar will change sword to left
hand, thrusts his right hand through the wicket cage giving token. SW will
pretend to pay him his wages and Mar withdraws his hand. Mar takes station south
of cage, facing north, sword in right hand at carry. MO now leads procession,
each member receiving wages. MO leads procession to stations about five feet
east of cage, facing westward, MO in north, then SO, then JO. SD should take
position about three feet east of Mar, facing west as K thrusts hand through
cage. If K hesitates to take wages, SD should prompt. As K reaches in SW seizes
his hand and cries:
SW:
An impostor! An impostor! STRIKE OFF HIS RIGHT HAND!
Mar raises sword after Hand, as of to strike. SD steps between Mar and K with
outstretched arm to prevent it. Scene should appear as realistic as possible.
SD:
Hold! He is not an impostor. I know him to be a Fellowcraft. I have wrought
with him in the quarries.
SW:
Stay! Let justice be tempered with mercy. Brother Marshal, I will place him
in your charge. You will conduct him to the Right Worshipful Master in the East
for his decision.
SW retains K’s hand while Mar grasps K’s right wrist with his left hand,
turning toward K to bring K’s right arm under his left, still holding the
wrist. Mar conducts K around south end of line of overseers, SD following
immediately in rear. Mar and K, followed by SD pass north in rear of line
overseers to north side of lodge. As SD reaches position of MO he right faces
and falls in behind SD. JO & SO also right face and fall in behind MO.
Procession then passes eastward, keeping north of SO & MO stations to a
point two paces west of dais, then south until K is directly in front of RWM.
All halt, left face. Mar retains hold on K. SD steps out of line and stands
about one pace to rear of a point between Mar and K. Order of line (south to
north) Mar, SD (slightly behind), K, MO, SO, & JO.
Mar: Right Worshipful Master, officers
salute, acknowledged by RWM here is one who has been detected as an
impostor.
RWM: Detected as an impostor?
Mar: Yes Right Worshipful Master, he attempted to receive wages
when none were due him.
RWM: Attempted to receive wages when none were due him?
Mar carries sword.
MO: RWM, 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.
RWM: Presenting work that was neither oblong nor square;
attempting to receive wages when none were due him! Let the penalty be
inflicted! Brother Marshal, Mar gives officers salute,
acknowledged by RWM, strike off his right hand!
Mar carries sword, raises K’s arm to a horizontal position, and raises
sword as if to strike. SD steps between Mar & K to prevent the execution of
the order.
SD: Right Worshipful Master, he is NOT an impostor. I know him to
be a Fellowcraft. I have wrought with him in the quarries.
RWM: Convince me that you are a Fellowcraft. Give me the dueguard
and sign of a Fellowcraft.
Mar releases K’s arm and SD steps back to former position. K gives dueguard
and sign of a Fellowcraft.
RWM: The brother is indeed a Fellowcraft. Perhaps he has not been
taught to receive wages as such. Rises, 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, nor 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. Takes seat.
Mar: Right, Face; forward March.
The line of officers and K right face, SD steps into line in rear of Mar: MO
steps forward and takes K by right arm. Mar leads procession to south side of
the lodge, thence westward to just west of altar, thence northward to north side
of lodge, thence westward to prep room door. When JO reaches station he drops
out of line. When SD reaches north side of lodge, west of altar he right turns
and goes to his station. When SO reaches his station he drops out of line. Mar
opens door. MO and K continue into prep room. Mar closes door and returns to his
station. Mar, SD, SO & JO remain standing until all are in position and are
seated in unison when RWM raps.
* Ends first section.
Gates are removed prior to the start of the second section.
Second section
MO causes K to bare his breast, then places a cable tow four times around his
body, conducts K to the door and causes him to give four distinct knocks thereon
with his own hand.
K: *** *
SD rises and faces RWM: Right Worshipful Master, there is an alarm
at the door of the preparation room.
RWM: Attend the alarm, Brother Senior Deacon
SD faces west, goes directly to prep room door and gives *** *. Opens the
door: Who comes here?
MO: A brother, who has been regularly initiated as an Entered
Apprentice, passed to the degree of a Fellowcraft, 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 a Mark Master.
SD: Is it of your own free will and accord?
K: It is.
SD: Is he duly and truly prepared?
MO: He is
SD: Worthy and well qualified?
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: Advance and give it. MO advances
and gives pass (Jappa). No token is exchanged. You will wait with
patience until the Right Worshipful Master is informed of your request and his
answer returned.
SD closes door, faces east and advances along north side of lodge to a point
one pace west of the altar, then south to the center of the altar, halts, faces
east and *** * with foot.
RWM: Who comes there?
SD: A brother, who has been regularly initiated as an Entered
Apprentice, passed to the degree of a Fellowcraft, 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 a Mark Master.
RWM: Is it of his own free will and accord?
SD: It is.
RWM: Is he duly and truly prepared?
SD: He is
RWM: Worthy and well qualified?
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: Give me the pass. Given.
Let him enter and be received in due form.
SD returns to prep room and opens door without a knock:It is the
will and pleasure of the Right Worshipful Master that you enter this lodge of
Mark Masters and be received in due form.
Faces east, advances four steps, halts and faces west. MO takes K by the
right arm and both advance to SD. MO halts K on reaching SD, releases his arm
and steps back one pace: My brother, I receive you on the edge of an
engraver’s chisel, places edge of chisel on ’s
right breast, and under the pressure of a mallet, SD
taps chisel lightly four times with the mallet. Which is to teach you
that the moral precepts of this degree should make a deep and lasting impression
on your future life and conduct.
SD turns right, then places himself at right of K, takes K by right arm and
with backward motion hands chisel and mallet to MO: Right Worshipful
Master, your order has been obeyed.
RWM: Brother Senior Deacon, conduct the brother to the west of the
altar, and then to the Junior Warden in the South.
As SD and K start eastward Mar goes to prep room door and closes it. Returns
to his station. MO follows SD to the east, deposits chisel and mallet with RWM
and returns to his station. RWM places chisel and mallet where he can reach
them. SD and K proceed to the altar.
RWM: Then he brought me back the way of the gate of the outward
sanctuary, which looketh toward the East, and it was shut.
RWM *: Then said the Lord unto me, "This gate shall be shut;
it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter in by it; because the Lord, the
God of Israel hath entered in by it, therefore it shall be shut."
RWM **: It is for the Prince, the Prince, he shall sit in it to
eat bread before the Lord; he shall enter by the way of the porch of that gate,
and shall go out by the way of the same.
RWM ***: 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.
RWM *** *.
SD and K proceed to the JW’s station by going north, east, south and then
west and halt, with K directly in front of and facing JW. SD gives with foot ***
*. JW rises.
JW: Who comes here?
SD: A brother, who has been regularly initiated as an Entered
Apprentice, passed to the degree of a Fellowcraft, 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 a Mark Master.
JW: Is it of his own free will and accord?
K: It is.
JW: Is he duly and truly prepared?
SD: He is
JW: Worthy and well qualified?
SD: He is.
JW: Has he wrought in the quarries and exhibited specimens of his
skill?
SD: He has.
JW: By what further right or benefit does he expect to gain
admission?
SD: By the benefit of the pass.
JW: Has he the pass?
SD: He has it not, I have it for him.
JW: Advance and give it. Given.
You will be conducted to the Senior Warden in the west for further examination.
SD & K turn right and proceed westward to the SW’s station and halt
with K facing SW. SD gives with foot *** *. SW rises.
SW: Who comes here?
SD: A brother, who has been regularly initiated as an Entered
Apprentice, passed to the degree of a Fellowcraft, 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 a Mark Master.
SW: Is it of his own free will and accord?
K: It is.
SW: Is he duly and truly prepared?
SD: He is
SW: Worthy and well qualified?
SD: He is.
SW: Has he wrought in the quarries and exhibited specimens of his
skill?
SD: He has.
SW: By what further right or benefit does he expect to gain
admission?
SD: By the benefit of the pass.
SW: Has he the pass?
SD: He has it not, I have it for him.
SW: Advance and give it. Given.
You will be conducted to the Right Worshipful Master in the east for final
examination and instruction.
SD & K turn right and proceed to the station of the RWM. SD turns K to
face RWM and gives with foot *** *. RWM rises.
RWM: Who comes here?
SD: A brother, who has been regularly initiated as an Entered
Apprentice, passed to the degree of a Fellowcraft, 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 a Mark Master.
RWM: Is it of his own free will and accord?
K: It is.
RWM: Is he duly and truly prepared?
SD: He is
RWM: Worthy and well qualified?
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 give it. Given.
You will be re-conducted to the SW in the west, who will teach you to approach
the east, advancing by one upright regular step, your feet forming an angle of a
square, your body erect to the Right Worshipful Master in the East. RWM
is seated.
SD & K turn right and proceed by right angles to the SW’s station,
halts so K is directly in front of SW.
SD: Brother Senior Warden SW rises
it is the will and pleasure of the Right Worshipful Master that you teach the
brother to approach the east, advancing by one upright regular step, his feet
forming an angle of a square, his body erect to the Right Worshipful Master in
the East.
SW turns K toward the east, by backing around to is left. using K as a pivot
so K is facing east directly in front of the SW.
SW: Face to the East. Done. Advance
one step with your right foot. Done. Bring
the heel of the left to the heel of the right, and form an angle of a square,
your body erect. Done. Right Worshipful
Master, your order has been obeyed.
RWM rises: My brother, you are again at the altar of Freemasonry,
but before proceeding farther it will be necessary for you to take upon yourself
a solemn obligation pertaining to this degree, which will not conflict with your
duty to God, your country, your neighbor or yourself. With this promise on my
part as Master of this Lodge, I ask you, are you willing to take such and
obligation, as all Mark Masters have done before you?
K: I am.
RWM: Brother Senior Deacon, place the brother in due from to be
made a Mark Master.
SD: Advance to the altar. Done. Kneel on both knees, Done.
Your body erect, Done. both naked hands
resting on the Holy Bible, Square and Compass Done.
Right Worshipful Master, the brother is in due form. SD
takes position one pace behind K.
RWM: Brother Marshall, Mar rises and
salutes. You will form the brethren in parallel lines at the altar.
Mar carries sword. Proceeds south, passing one pace north of altar. Stops one
pace west of dais and about faces. Brings sword to horizontal position, pointing
west with hilt of the sword close to the center of his body. Commands: Brethren
in the north, three only, names three Companions
Advance to the line of the sword.
When brethren are in position, carries sword, and dresses line in the north
by passing westward inside the line. Passes to west of the altar, turns left,
advances to one pace south of the altar, turns east and proceeds to two pace
west of dais. About faces. Brings sword to horizontal position, pointing west
with hilt of the sword close to the center of his body. Commands:
Brethren in the south, three only, names three
Companions Advance to the line of the sword.
When brethren are in position Mar about faces, salutes the RWM and faces
north.
RWM removes hat and places in on the pedestal, then advances directly to the
altar.
RWM: The class will please rise. You will say I, your name and
remain silent: of my own free will and accord, in the presence of almighty God,
and this Right Worshipful lodge, erected to Him and dedicated to Hiram Abiff, do
hereby and hereon, most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear, as I have
heretofore done, but with these additions, that I will not reveal the secrets of
a Mark Master to a Master Mason, any more than those of a Master Mason to the
rest of the world, neither these or any of them, to any person or persons
whomsoever, until by strict trial, due examination, or lawful information, I
shall have found him or them, as lawfully entitled to the same as I am myself.
I furthermore promise and swear, that I will select for myself a mark, which,
when duly recorded, I will not alter or exchange, neither will I pledge my mark
a second time, until redeemed from a former pledge.
I furthermore promise and swear, that should a Brother Mark Master pledge me
his mark, requesting assistance, I will receive and retain his mark, granting
his request, if in my power, if not, I will return his mark with the price
thereof, which is a Jewish half shekel of silver, equal in value, to the forth
part of a dollar.
The class and the active candidate will now repeat after me:
All this, \ I most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear, \ with a firm
and steadfast resolution, to perform the same, \ without the least equivocation,
\ mental reservation, \ or self-evasion whatsoever, \ binding myself under no
less penalty, \ than that of having my right ear smote off, \ and my right hand
struck off, \ should I in the least, knowingly or wittingly, \ violate or
transgress, this, \ my Mark Masters obligation, \ so help me God and keep me
steadfast.
RWM reaches forward with both hands, grasps K’s hands and places one on
each side of the Great Lights and turns one or more pages of the Bible.
In token of your sincerity of purpose in these solemn engagements you will
kiss the Holy Bible now open before you. Done.
Brother Senior Deacon, our brother being bound to us by a fourfold covenant
which can never be broken you will release him from his cable tow.
SD removes c-t and places it on the floor north of the altar. RWM faces
eastward and goes directly to pedestal, picks up had, turns westward, advances
to a point two paces west of the dais, directly east of the center of the altar,
stops and recovers.
You now discover me as Master of the lodge, approaching you from the East begins
to advance with four short steps while talking under the due guard
and signs of a Mark Master halts having given the due
guard and signs while advancing. You were taught to advance one step
with your right foot advances right foot
bringing the heel of the left to the heel of the right, advances
left foot and completes step forming the angle of a square. This is
the due guard gives and these the signs gives
and allude to the penalty of the obligation. This due guard gives
and these signs gives are always to be given
upon entering, or retiring from a lodge of Mark Masters. This is the grand
hailing sign gives it and alludes to the
manner in which you carried the stone in a previous portion of this degree. RWM
advances as he says In token of the further continuance of my
brotherly love and friendship I present you my right hand extends
right hand, but does not let K grasp it and with it the grips and
words of a Mark Master, but before doing so 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 you as a pledge, and will grant him
his request if in your power; if not, that you will return him his mark with the
price thereof. I now request you to loan me ten dollars, for which if offer you
my mark as a pledge.
RWM offers K his mark. If K hesitates to take the mark RWM will say:
You have sworn to receive a brother’s mark; you cannot refuse to take my
mark.
K takes mark and RWM continues:
Will you grant me my request?
K cannot.
Will you return my mark so that I may apply to some other brother?
K attempts to return mark, which RWM refuses to accept.
You have sworn that you will 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.
K is unable to comply.
Then you are indeed in a destitute condition.
RWM faces eastward and returns to the east end of the lines, his expression
showing deep thought, faces west and with an expression of decision says:
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?
Several Mark Masters move to comply.
SD: I will. Hands K a quarter. K hands it
to RWM, along with his mark.
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 a Masonic Altar in a Mark Master’s 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. I will now invest you with the pass grip,
pass word, true grip and true word of a Mark Master. As you are uninstructed,
Brother SD will answer for you. Arise.
RWM takes K by an ordinary grip, assists him to rise with SD’s help and
conducts K to front of the class. SD moves to right rear of K.
Take me as I take you. Takes K by strong grip of a
Master Mason.
Will you be off or from?
SD: From.
RWM: From what?
SD: From the strong grip of a Master Mason to the pass grip of a
Mark Master.
RWM: Pass. Moves from strong grip to pass
grip. What is this called?
SD: The pass grip from a Master Mason to a Mark Master.
RWM: Has it a name?
SD: It has.
RWM: Give it me.
SD: Japa.
RWM: This is the pass grip of a Mark Master, the name of which is
Japa. 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 Mt.
Lebanon. Masonic tradition informs us that the coast near that place was so
precipitous that it was difficult for the workmen to ascend without assistance,
which was afforded then by means of this strong grip, given by craftsmen
stationed for that purpose.
To SD: Will you be off or from?
SD: From.
RWM: From what?
SD: From the pass grip of a Mark Master to the true grip of the
same.
RWM: Pass Done. What is this
called?
SD: 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: Syllable and halve it.
RWM: Syllable it and begin.
SD: Begin you.
RWM: Nay, you begin.
SD gives first syllable: Well.
RWM gives second syllable: Mark.
SD gives full word: Mark Well.
RWM: This is the true grip of a Mark Master, the name of which is
"Mark Well". It alludes to a certain passage in 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."
RWM explains the formation of the grip and the shaping of the letters
"M" and "W". When finished he faces east and starts for
station. SD takes position at right of candidate. When RWM is in station Mar,
MO, SO & JO start confused discussions. Confusion taken up by the rest of
the craft. RWM gives *, upon which officers return to their stations, except SD
who stays with K. Officers and brethren are seated.
Brother Senior Warden, SW rises, what is
the cause of this confusion?
SW: The craft is at a stand for want of a keystone, for which I
fear no order has been given.
RWM: That piece of work was assigned to our Grand Master Hiram
Abiff, and from his well known punctuality, I have full confidence to believe
that it completed. SW is seated.
RWM: Brother Overseers no knock, MO, SO
& JO rise approach the East.
MO, SO & JO go to east in direct lines from their stations. They are in
line in the east, MO to the north, SO in the middle, JO in the south. RWM hands
MO design of the keystone.
Has a piece of work of this form, and bearing this mark, been presented to
you for inspection?
MO receives design and consults with SO & JO. Should be audible.
MO: Right Worshipful Master, on consultation we find that a piece
of work of this form, bearing this mark, WAS presented for inspection. It was
neither oblong nor square; square work and square work only is such as we had
orders to receive. Neither had it the mark of any of the craft thereon; being
unacquainted with the mark which was upon it, we were unanimous in deeming it
unfit for use, and heaved it over among the rubbish. Returns
design to RWM.
RWM: This 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.
MO, SO & JO search for the stone, find it and return to the east, MO
carrying the stone, taking positions as before.
MO: RWM, strict search has been made and the stone is found.
RWM: Present it.
MO presents stone to RWM in same manner as K presented it to overseers in the
first section. After examining stone RWM holds it high in left hand, mark toward
the craft.
RWM: THIS is the stone on which was set at naught of you builders,
which is become the chief stone of the temple.
Gives * with gavel, MO, SO & JO return to stations in direct lines west
and are seated in unison.
Brother Senior Deacon, conduct the brother to the East.
SD takes K by right arm and proceeds northward to a point on a line one pace
north of the MO’s station, thence eastward to a point one pace west of dais,
then south until directly in front of RWM’s station. Face RWM
RWM: My brother, exhibits keystone
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 him that
receiveth it." The new name which I now present you as a Mark Master is
composed of certain words of which the letters, H T W S S T K S, on this stone,
are the initials. "Hiram Tyre Widows Son Sent King Solomon". Repeat
them with me, "Hiram Tyre Widows Son Sent King Solomon". Within this
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 Abiff, and now is the general mark of the craft.
Tools
I 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 the 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 to 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; when arises among good Masons that comely order,
"Which nothing earthly gives or can destroy, The soul’s calm sunshine,
and the heartfelt joy."
RWM: Brother SD, you will seat the brother with the class. SD
seats the candidate with the class. The lecture of this degree will
be presented by Companion … names lecturer.
Lec.: My brother, 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 80,000
craftsmen, one of whom you have this morning 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 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, so that 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 given. 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, that of having his right hand struck off.
The ceremonies of this degree were founded on the keystone, wrought by our
Grand Master, Hiram Abiff and used in the principal arch of King Solomon’s
Temple. Our traditions inform us that on a certain sixth day a young Craftsman,
repairing to the Temple with work for inspection, found the curiously wrought
keystone in the quarries, and, observing its peculiar form and beauty,
substituted 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 being unacquainted with the principles of the arch, and
observing that it was neither oblong nor square, the only work he was ordered to
receive, and that it had none of the regular marks of the Craft upon it, called
a council of Overseers, and they knowing of no use to which it could be
converted in the building of the Temple, heaved it over among the rubbish.
The young craftsman then attempted to receive wages, but for want of this
Token given, was detected as an impostor;
and had it not been for the timely interposition of a brother, would have
suffered the penalty gives sign.
When the Temple was nearing completion, the Senior Warden reported to King
Solomon that the Craft was unable to proceed with the work because of the want
of a keystone belonging to the principal arch of the Temple. King Solomon
replied that that piece of work was assigned to our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff,
who, from his well-known punctuality, had no doubt promptly executed it. Search
was ordered, the keystone found, and in due time placed in the proper position
in the arch.
This degree was founded by Solomon, King of Israel, Hiram, King of Tyre, and
Hiram Abiff, and was intended not only as a reward for Industry, Fidelity and
Skill, but also to render it impossible for any Brother Mark Master to suffer
for necessities of life, when the price of his Mark would obtain them.
RWM: The class will rise and receive the charge, as presented by names
companion.
Charge
My Brothers, I congratulate you on having been thought worthy of being
advanced to this honorable degree of Freemasonry. Permit me to impress it on
your mind that your diligence should ever be equal with your duties, which
become more and more extensive as you advance in Freemasonry.
In the honorable character of a Mark Master it is more particularly your duty
to let your conduct in the lodge and among the 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, ever
bearing 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.
The class may be seated.
RWM: Brother Junior Warden rises how
goes the hour?
JW: The sixth hour of the sixth day of the week, Right Worshipful
Master. Sits.
RWM: Brother Marshall Mar rises and
salutes you will assemble the craft and repair to the apartment of
the Senior Warden to receive wages.
Mar carries sword, right faces and advances to a point on a line just south
of the JO’s station, turns left, advances eastward to a point at least two
paces west of the dais, about faces and gives *** with foot. All, including
candidates, rise.
Craftsmen, you will form in procession on the south side of the lodge, single
file, facing East.
MO, SO & JO, SD and class form as follows: MO goes to a point north and
west of the altar, turns left and falls in. SO goes eastward, turns right and
follows MO. JO goes eastward, and falls in behind SO. SD directs class to fall
in behind him, with active K last in line. SD should be behind the JO. When
formed Mar steps to left of MO facing east and commands: Forward,
Column left, MARCH!
The procession moves northward to north side of lodge, then westward, keeping
north of MO & SO stations to a point one pace east of SW’s station, then
south past apartment of the SW. Mar commands Column left, MARCH as required. The
SW & JD will set up the wicket. As Mar approaches the wicket he changes
sword to left hand, thrusts right hand into the wicket, gives token and receives
a penny. Mar changes sword to right hand and takes position south of wicket,
stands at guard. MO, followed by the procession each in turn thrusts hand into
wicket to receive a penny. SW places a penny in each hand, placing a chapter
penny in each candidate’s hand. MO leads procession from apartment of SW in a
circle, passing just west of altar. As they pass the SW’s station a second
time Mar steps to head of procession and leads it until he reaches a point on
south side of lodge, west of the altar, directly opposite rear of line, halts
and inwards faces, as does procession. Mar should have K on his right, with a
space at least as wide as the altar. Mar will pass around the circle asking: How
much did you receive?
MO: A penny.
Mar goes to each in turn asking the same question and getting the same
response until he reaches the active K: WHAT! YOU A PENNY TOO?
Turns and addresses the craftsmen, moving backward towards south as he talks
until, when he has concluded he is back at his former position at the south end
of the line.
Craftsmen, here are several who came in at the eleventh hour and have
received as much as we who have borne the burden and the heat of the day. It is
not right and I will not receive my wages.
Mar throws penny on floor. MO, SO & JO do the same, saying:
Nor will I!
RWM, *: Brother Senior Warden, what is the cause of THIS
confusion?
SW: The craft are not satisfied with their wages, Right Worshipful
Master.
RWM: Have you not paid every man according to agreement?
SW: I have.
RWM, rises: : Then, brethren, why are you dissatisfied?
Mar, after prompting by MO, SO, & JO: Right Worshipful Master,
salutes and comes to officer’s salute we
who have borne the burden and the heat of the day complain that those who came
in at the eleventh hour have been made equal unto us.
RWM: Is it not the traditional law?
Mar confers with overseers: We know of no such traditional law.
RWM: Will you hear it?
Mar, after consulting with overseers: We will. Carries
sword.
RWM leaves station and goes to altar, turns bible around: This is
the traditional law: reads: "For the
kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out
early in the morning to hire laborers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed
with the laborers 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 market place, and
said unto them: go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right, I will
give you. And they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth and ninth
hours, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out and found
others standing idle, and saith unto them: Why stand you here all the day idle?
They say unto him: Because no man 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 laborers and
give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. And when they came
that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. 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
the hear of the day. But he answered one of them and said: Friend, I do thee no
wrong; didst thou not agree with me for a penny? Take that thine is and go thy
way; I will give unto this last even as unto thee. Is it not lawful for me to do
what I will with mine own? Is it in thine eyes evil because I am good? So the
last shall be first and first last; for many be called but few chosen."
What say you now? Are you satisfied?
Mar confers with overseers, turns to RWM and salutes, coming to officer’s
salute: We are.
Carries sword and each picks up penny.
RWM turns bible around and goes back to stations. Gives one knock with the
gavel.
Candidates are seated. Mar leads craft past SW’s station where each
deposits their pennies and return to their stations.
The RWM hands out cards and a description of the Mark is given. When all is
complete RWM gives **.
The degree team will retire.