Welcome to Gloucestershire & Herefordshire Mark Master Masons

Welcome to the website of the Mark Masons of Gloucestershire and Herefordshire.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity of introducing you to the Mark Degree.

The Mark Degree, which is open to all Master Masons, is one of the Orders of Masonry which directly follows on from the Craft. Next to the Craft and Royal Arch, it is the largest of the Orders and builds on and develops the stories told in the 2nd and 3rd Degrees in the Craft.

The Degree is one of hope and encouragement with ritual built upon a single verse of Psalm 118, “The stone which the builders rejected has become the headstone of the corner”. It deals with the building of King Solomon’s Temple, but its real message is one of contemplation of human strength and weakness.

The enlightening ceremony teaches our members invaluable and practical lessons, and how to apply them as they conduct themself through life. They also gain a clearer understanding of many of the terms, phrases and characters which have been introduced to them during their journey through Craft Masonry.

Should you ask any Mark Master Mason to describe the Degree and they will invariably smile first and then tell you that it is a most friendly of Masonic Orders. Brotherly love is the keystone of Mark Masonry; the friendliness of the degree is clearly seen in the genuine warmth extended among all Mark Masons.

Members of the Mark Degree, as in all other Masonic Orders, actively participate in charitable activities. The Registered Charity, the Mark Benevolent Fund which was founded in 1868, supports many public charitable causes. All contributions to this Fund come directly from our members.

I very much hope that, if you have not done so already, you will consider joining us. There is no doubt that among Mark Master Masons you will ever find friends.

With my very best wishes,

R W Bro Brian Gargett
Provincial Grand Master
Mark Provincial Grand Lodge of Gloucestershire & Herefordshire