About Mark Master Masonry
Mark Master Masons usually referred to as The Mark Degree is a fascinating degree and is rightly known as the Friendly Degree; it was originally worked in craft Lodges and consisted of two ceremonies.
The first came after the Fellowcraft Degree where the candidate was ‘made’ a Mark Man, and the second after the Master Mason’s Degree when he was advanced to the Degree of Mark Master Mason. In 1856 English Mark Masons established their own Grand Mark Lodge and the two ceremonies were combined into one. Since then, it has been conferred, not in Craft Lodges, but in Mark Lodges consecrated for that purpose.
The ritual explores the building of King Solomon’s Temple and, like all other Masonic Orders, the teaching of the Mark Degree significantly adds to the knowledge and enjoyment of Masonry linking to other Orders such as Royal Ark Mariners, Royal & Select & Allied.
Mark Masonry in Whalley
Priory Lodge of Mark Master Masons was created on Monday, 15th September 1919 in the Assembly Rooms, Whalley following several years of discussion regarding the question of founding a Lodge of Mark Master Masons by the Brethren of Abbey Lodge.
The discussions took a more concrete form in the spring of 1919 when W. Bro. T H Thompson was requested to “take the matter in hand”. Several members of Abbey Lodge wanted to become founder members, but as they were not Mark Master Masons the Scarlet Mark Lodge 189, Burnley offered to advance them into the Degree.
The following Brethren of Abbey Lodge were advanced by Scarlet Mark Lodge in May 1919, Bros:- Longworth, Hanson, Travis-Clegg, Taylor, Postlethwaite, Roland and Bassnett. In recognition of the assistance given by Scarlet Mark Lodge all the Officers and those who took part in the ceremony were invited to the Consecration of Priory Mark.
By choice, the Lodge would have been called Abby Mark Lodge but in order to avoid confusion with the Craft and Chapter the alternative name of Priory Mark was chosen.
Bro. R Verney Clayton officiated at the Consecration and the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, W. Bro. F W Broadbent was installed as the first Worshipful Master.
The additional furniture required by the Lodge was made by James Langshaw to blend in with the existing Lodge furniture. The first candidate for advancement was Bro. William Horrocks and by special dispensation the Union Club Steward, Bro. James Ellis Kenyon was made a “Serving Brother” and took over the role of Tyler and the 3 shillings and sixpence per meeting pay.
Bro. R Verney Clayton was made the first Honorary member on the 17th May 1920 in appreciation of his service as the Consecrating Officer.
Priory Lodge of Mark Master Masons meets on the first Wednesday of March, October and December plus the third Wednesday of June with their Installation Meeting taking place in March.
The Lodge celebrated its Centenary in October 2019.
Future Lodge Meetings
Our next Mark Master Masons Lodge meetings are shown here. They usually start at 7pm prompt followed by a Festive Board held at the Hall.
Should you wish to visit us please let our Lodge Secretary know well in advance so that he can ensure you are catered for. For your convenience we have provided a simple form below for this purpose which goes directly to the Lodge Secretary.
