A Message from the Provincial Grand Master
Welcome to our website, the home of Mark Master Masons in West Yorkshire. Here you will find a wealth of information about the Order of Mark Master Masons and The Antient and Honourable Fraternity of Royal Ark Mariner in our Province. If you would like to know more about us, what we stand for, how we are organised, latest news and how to join us, I am confident that you will find our website useful and informative.
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons West Yorkshire was formed in 1871, with six Lodges on the roll: there are now 43, including a daylight Lodge. There are also 21 Royal Ark Mariner Lodges. The Province is one of the largest outside London, with over 1050 memberships, who are proudly enjoying their Mark and Royal Ark Mariner Masonry. Mark Lodges generally meet four to six times a year, mostly in the winter months. Mark Masons recognise the importance of family involvement, and our popular social events run throughout the year.
The Degree of Mark Master Mason is open to all Master Masons. The ceremony of being made a Mark Master Mason, known as an Advancement, is beautiful, interesting, and enlightening, with the Candidate right at its heart. It can be said to comprise of two Degrees; the first in which he is acknowledged as a Mark Man, followed by the second where he becomes a Mark Master Mason. The Mark referred to in its title takes its name from the mark or symbol with which the stonemason identified his work and can still be found in many cathedrals and important buildings. The Advancement Ceremony depicts an incident at the building of King Solomon’s Temple, and the use of a stone mason’s selected Mark. It teaches important lessons about our roles in life, and how good work in due course earns its just reward.
In 1906 the Earl of Euston who was then the Pro Grand Master for the Order of Mark Master Masons said “Let us keep the Order in all honour and respect, so that people can turn around and say ‘Look at the Order of Mark Master Masons, how it is governed, how amicable they are, and how prosperous and how successful they are, and how harmony dwells among them’” These words are as true today as they were a hundred years ago. So, whether or not you are a Mark Freemason, please come in and have a look round. If you would like to know more, please do not hesitate to contact us by using the interactive form provided. We will be delighted to hear from you.
J Trevor Bolton
Provincial Grand Master