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Mark Masonry.
MARK MASONRY .
— : o : — CONSECRATION OF THE ROYAL SAVOY LODGE , No . 355 .
IF popular opinion of the Mark Degree is to be guaged by the frequency with which new Lodges are established—and surely no better criterion need be sought—this particular branch of Freemasonry at present occupies a prominent place in the minds of English Craftsmen . There is a strong feeling among some of those
who are opposed to Freemasonry—whether on religions grounds or otherwise—that the majority of men are disgusted with themselves after their initiation , and consider they have been made such fools of that they not only discontinue their search after Masonic knowledge , but at once renounce as far ns possible their connection with the
Order , nnd that , too , in the most determined fashion . We who are able to judge of this from actual experience , can testify that tho reverse is the case , and that comparatively few of those who are initiated sever their connection with Freemasonry until they have passed through its three degrees , while certainly a majority seek a
further association with its teachings in the mysteries of tbe Royal Arch , or the Mark . The prosp rity attending this last degree is in itself a striking illustration of the troth of this view , while the frequent consecration of new Lodges for its practice affords an undeniable prrof that some , at least , of those who are initiated into
Freemasonry find sufficient to interest them in its teachings to constrain them to continue their researches outside . Another strong point in support of our view , that Freemasonry does not disgust its initiates , may be found in the fact thafc somo of its best ; men may be found among those who go further than the
three steps of Craft Masonry ; indeed , some of the higher grades are supported by the most influential members of the Craft—men who have not only made their mark within the porta's of Freemasonry , bnt also in the every day pursuits of ordinary life , either as statesmen , soldiers , or members of the
most brilliant professions . Bnt , argue those who are opposed to us , these great men only continue their association with the Order , and only support its offshoots , from unworthy motives . They make use of their position to serve the worst of ends , and under the cloak
of Masonry and the higher degrees they plot against all that is good , honest , and lawful . We shall not stay longer now to argue this subject , but simply content ourselves with observing that the establishment of a new Lodge is a matter for congratulation , and when it is started with brethren at its bead and with associations sn
pleasing as those which surround the Royal Savoy Lodge of Mark Masters , it is not only a matter for gratification , bnt one which should be heralded with rejoicing hy the Craft at large . The consecration took place on Saturday , the 11 th instant , at the Criterion , Regent Circus , London , under the able direction of Bro .
Fred . Binckes , whom it is readily admitted has done more for Mark Masonry than any man living . The Royal Savoy Lodge is numbered 355 on the register of Grand Mark Lodge , and its Officers and many of its members are intimately associated with the Lodge bearing the same name in Craft Masonry , and are the men who have won
for tbat a reputation among the most brilliant in the Order . Bro . J . L . Mather opened a Lodge of Mark Masters , and in due conrse the following were advanced to the Mark Degree : —Bros . H . Dickey , W J . Ferguson , C . J . Knightley , G . Mordey and J . H . Batty . Bro . F . Binckes , Past Grand Warden , Grand Secretary Mark Degree , then
took the chair as Consecrating Officer , and called upon tho Director of Ceremonies to read the warrant by which he was empowered tc act . He expressed the pleasure with which he entered upon this dnty and called upon Bro . J . L . Mather to assist him as Senior Warden , and Bro . W . Lake ns Junior Warden , while Bro .
Robert Berridge P . G . M . 0 . officiated in his capacity as Director of Ceremonies . Directions having been given , the Founders of the Lodge were arranged in order , and tbe Petition and Warrant were formally read . The members having signified their approval of the Officers named in tbe Warrant , Brother Binckes announced
that he had anticipated that Brother A . M . Broadley Past District Grand Master of the Mediterranean would have been present to deliver the Oration customary on theso occasions , but inasmuch as Bro . Broadley ' s engagements necessitated his attendance elsewhere , with the permission of the brethren he would endeavour
to give them some slight idea of the progress the Mark Degree bad achieved since tbe day of tbe Union of the rival Craft Grand Lodges , at which time the claims of the Mark Degree for identification more intimately with the Craft were fully considered . The decision arrived at , as those present were aware , was that" pure Antiem
Masonry consists of three degrees and no more , viz ., those of the Entered Apprentice , the Fellow Craft , ancl the Master Mason , including the Supreme Order of the Holy Roynl Arch . " Since those clays several proposals had been made with a view fr amalgamation , with arguments which have been received with more
or less favour . Now , he might say , thafc desire , so far as Mark Masons were concerned , was at an end . T ey were firmly established as an independent body , and could boast a programme of their own complete in itself . Bro . Binckes referred to the long line of illustrious brethren who bad been associated in the management of the Mark
Degree , and more particularly spoke of those who had filled the office of Grand Mark Master , and the work they bad done toad vance tbe interests of tbe degree . The list comprised Rt . Hon . Lord Henniker , Rt . Hon . Lord Lathom , Rt . Hon . Lord Leigh , Rt . Hon . Earl of Carnarvon , Rt . Hon . Viscount Holmesdale , W . W . B . Beach , M . P .:, Rev .
Canon Portal , M . A ., Rt . Hon . tbe Earl Percy , M . P ., Rt . Hon . the Earl of Limerick ; all of whom had upheld the principles of tfu degree , and zealously fulfilled their dnties dnring the three years they had each in turn held office . I he Consecrating Officer thei ' referred to the interest taken in the degree by the Most Worshipful the Grand Master of Craft Masonry—H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , as
Mark Masonry.
evidenced by his acceptance of the rank of a Past Grand Master and then spoke of the similar honour conferred on the degree by another member of the Roynl Family , the lamented Duke of Albany whose early death caused the first gap in the list of Pa * t Grand Masters of the Mark Degree . The consecration was then completed
wMi full ceremonial . Bro . James Willing jun . was regularly installed as first Master , and the Wardens designate—Bros . W . M . Stiles and W . A . Scurrah—wero invested . Other offices were filled as follows : Bros . G . Gregory M . O ., H . Dickey S . 0-, J . H . Batty J . O ., G . Mordey R . of M ., 0 . J . Knightley See , W . J . Ferguson S . D ., and S . Smith
Tyler . A hearty vote of thanks to Bro . Binckes , for his services as Consecrating Officer , was proposed by the W . M ., seconded by the J . W . and carried wi'h acclamation . The vote having been gracefull y acknowledged , Bros . Binckes , Davison , Berridge , Mather , L \ ke Taylor , and Sr > pp <» t were elected honorary members of the Lod <» e , a
compliment for which thanks were returned by Bro . Davison . Six propositions for advancement and one for joining were hande 1 in . A committee for framing Bye-Laws was appointed , and a proposition for the establ i shment of a Mark Lodge of Instruction , with Bro . J . L . Mather ns Preceptor , was considered ; after which , other formal
bnsiness having been disposed , of the Lodge was closed . Among those present were Bros . E rb » rt Roberts Org . 223 , E . Hoaro G . Or > r W . W . Morgan S . D . 357 . E . Storr S . O . 234 , G . Emhlin P . IVr . 237 ' G . Gardner S . W . 357 . E . Mills S . W . 350 . J . T . Briggs J . W . 18 l ] R . J . H . Goldnev Old Kent , John Skinner J . D . Old Kent , & - > ., & o .
A banquet was afterwards served , and later on tho usual toasts were hononred . Bro . James Willing , who p-esided , carriel out this part of the programme with hU accustomed ability . After thn toasts of the " Queen nnd Mark Masonry , " the" M W . the Earl of Kintore G . M . M . M . and the Grand Lodge of England . " " H . R . H . the Prince of
Wales , K . G .. & c \ , and fche rest of the Past G . M . M . M ., " that of fche " Deputy G . M . M . M . Lord Egerton of Tatton , an-1 the rest of the Grand Officers , " was submitted . Bro . Berridge replied . He referred to the important services rendered by Lord Egerton , ancl expressed his belief that , when that nobleman succeeded to the chair at present
filled by Lord Kintore they wonld find in him a worthy successor . Aa an Officer of Grand Lodge Bro . Berridge was delighted to come amongst them to take part in the ceremonies of the dav . He believed the Grand Officers of the Mirk Decree had b- 'en carefully selested , and well deserved their hononrs . Bro . Soppefc also acknowledged the
tonst . " The R ' ghfc Worshipfnl Sir Francis Burdett , Bart ., Prov . G . M . M . M . and the Provincial Grind Officers , Present and Past , of the Provincial Grand Lod e of Middlesex and Surrny , " was the next toast . Bro . Willing , in proposing ifc , spoke of the estimable qualities nf Sir Francis Burdett , and accounted for his absence from their
meeting in consequence of his having to consecrate a Craft Lodge in Hounslow . With this toast was associated fche name of Bro . Davison Grand Treasurer , who in replying said he was always delighted to support the Provincial Grand Master , who was one of the most zealous of Masons , in every possible way . He congratulated the
brethren on the success of the day ' s proceedings ; he should take pleasure in attending th ° ir meetings whenever possible . The selection > . f Bro . Willing as first Master had made it certain thafc the Lodge would be prosperous and conduce to the strength of Mark Masonry in the Province . He felt pleasure at witnessing Bro . Binokes ' s
idmirable working , and all would agree with him they had thafc day Had a rare treat . Bro . Binckes proposed the Worshipful Master . Fie supposed there was not a single toast given at their Masonic meetings which did not , afc one time or another , receive the designation of " tin toast of the evening ; " that , entrusted to hira
cer-• ainly merited that appellation . The toast of tho Supreme Ruler of the Order might fairly claim the distinction in an ordinary way , but when they came to consider the special nature of their meeting rhe honour fell on thafc of the Worship fnl Master . Bro . Binckes spoke if the energy and the ability of Bro . Willing , a more zealous Mason
-han whom he did not know . He had fulfilled every expectation formed of him , and ifc was an honour to be the means of placing him in the chair of the Royal Savoy Lodge of Mark Masters . Bro . Binckes congratulated the members on having selected hira . fco preside over their Lodge , and felt no one was more likely to carry out tbe prin .
ciples of Masonry—to be happy and to communicate happinessrhan Bro . Willing , for whom he wished success during his term of office . Bro . Willing tendered his sincere thanks . He was gratified afc the establishment of the Royal Savoy Mark Lodge , as he felt its meetings would afford the members an opportunity of becoming
better acquainted with each other , and as a consequence would tend r , o remove prejudices which might exist to the detriment of thafc - < pirifc of "friendship and brotherly love which should prevail among rhem . He was of opinion that , so far from Masonic meetings being too frequent , as some argued , the reverse was tho case , and that
more especially in regard to the Royal Arch and the Mark Degree , He felt the ritual of these latter was often very imperfectly rendered in consequence . He should devote his energy , and do all that lay in his power to secure the success of the Royal Savoy Lodge of Mark Masters , and in doing so felt sure he should receive the
coiperation of all who were associated with hira in its foundation . The toast of the Consecrating Officer was next jiven . The W . M . said Mark Masons looked up to Bra Binckes as ' he official representative of Grand Lodge , ever ready to devote himself to the work of tbe Degree , while his knowledge of the
; eremonies and history of Masonry generally entitled him to respect wherever he was known . Speaking from an intimate acquaintance with Bro . Binckes , he unhesitatingly asserted thafc a more generous or upright Mason did not exist , while , as Secretary of one of the great Masonic Charitable Institutions , he had done much for
nhe cause of those in distress . He thanked him for his valuable assistance in the establishment of the Royal Savoy Lodge , and hoped he would often be present at its future meetings . Bro . Binckes
replied with his accustomed ability . It had aff . rded him much oleasure to perform the ceremony of the day . He hoped the Royal Savoy Lodge had a career of prosperity before * tt > He had been a Mason for thirty . fchree years , aod during that time
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Mark Masonry.
MARK MASONRY .
— : o : — CONSECRATION OF THE ROYAL SAVOY LODGE , No . 355 .
IF popular opinion of the Mark Degree is to be guaged by the frequency with which new Lodges are established—and surely no better criterion need be sought—this particular branch of Freemasonry at present occupies a prominent place in the minds of English Craftsmen . There is a strong feeling among some of those
who are opposed to Freemasonry—whether on religions grounds or otherwise—that the majority of men are disgusted with themselves after their initiation , and consider they have been made such fools of that they not only discontinue their search after Masonic knowledge , but at once renounce as far ns possible their connection with the
Order , nnd that , too , in the most determined fashion . We who are able to judge of this from actual experience , can testify that tho reverse is the case , and that comparatively few of those who are initiated sever their connection with Freemasonry until they have passed through its three degrees , while certainly a majority seek a
further association with its teachings in the mysteries of tbe Royal Arch , or the Mark . The prosp rity attending this last degree is in itself a striking illustration of the troth of this view , while the frequent consecration of new Lodges for its practice affords an undeniable prrof that some , at least , of those who are initiated into
Freemasonry find sufficient to interest them in its teachings to constrain them to continue their researches outside . Another strong point in support of our view , that Freemasonry does not disgust its initiates , may be found in the fact thafc somo of its best ; men may be found among those who go further than the
three steps of Craft Masonry ; indeed , some of the higher grades are supported by the most influential members of the Craft—men who have not only made their mark within the porta's of Freemasonry , bnt also in the every day pursuits of ordinary life , either as statesmen , soldiers , or members of the
most brilliant professions . Bnt , argue those who are opposed to us , these great men only continue their association with the Order , and only support its offshoots , from unworthy motives . They make use of their position to serve the worst of ends , and under the cloak
of Masonry and the higher degrees they plot against all that is good , honest , and lawful . We shall not stay longer now to argue this subject , but simply content ourselves with observing that the establishment of a new Lodge is a matter for congratulation , and when it is started with brethren at its bead and with associations sn
pleasing as those which surround the Royal Savoy Lodge of Mark Masters , it is not only a matter for gratification , bnt one which should be heralded with rejoicing hy the Craft at large . The consecration took place on Saturday , the 11 th instant , at the Criterion , Regent Circus , London , under the able direction of Bro .
Fred . Binckes , whom it is readily admitted has done more for Mark Masonry than any man living . The Royal Savoy Lodge is numbered 355 on the register of Grand Mark Lodge , and its Officers and many of its members are intimately associated with the Lodge bearing the same name in Craft Masonry , and are the men who have won
for tbat a reputation among the most brilliant in the Order . Bro . J . L . Mather opened a Lodge of Mark Masters , and in due conrse the following were advanced to the Mark Degree : —Bros . H . Dickey , W J . Ferguson , C . J . Knightley , G . Mordey and J . H . Batty . Bro . F . Binckes , Past Grand Warden , Grand Secretary Mark Degree , then
took the chair as Consecrating Officer , and called upon tho Director of Ceremonies to read the warrant by which he was empowered tc act . He expressed the pleasure with which he entered upon this dnty and called upon Bro . J . L . Mather to assist him as Senior Warden , and Bro . W . Lake ns Junior Warden , while Bro .
Robert Berridge P . G . M . 0 . officiated in his capacity as Director of Ceremonies . Directions having been given , the Founders of the Lodge were arranged in order , and tbe Petition and Warrant were formally read . The members having signified their approval of the Officers named in tbe Warrant , Brother Binckes announced
that he had anticipated that Brother A . M . Broadley Past District Grand Master of the Mediterranean would have been present to deliver the Oration customary on theso occasions , but inasmuch as Bro . Broadley ' s engagements necessitated his attendance elsewhere , with the permission of the brethren he would endeavour
to give them some slight idea of the progress the Mark Degree bad achieved since tbe day of tbe Union of the rival Craft Grand Lodges , at which time the claims of the Mark Degree for identification more intimately with the Craft were fully considered . The decision arrived at , as those present were aware , was that" pure Antiem
Masonry consists of three degrees and no more , viz ., those of the Entered Apprentice , the Fellow Craft , ancl the Master Mason , including the Supreme Order of the Holy Roynl Arch . " Since those clays several proposals had been made with a view fr amalgamation , with arguments which have been received with more
or less favour . Now , he might say , thafc desire , so far as Mark Masons were concerned , was at an end . T ey were firmly established as an independent body , and could boast a programme of their own complete in itself . Bro . Binckes referred to the long line of illustrious brethren who bad been associated in the management of the Mark
Degree , and more particularly spoke of those who had filled the office of Grand Mark Master , and the work they bad done toad vance tbe interests of tbe degree . The list comprised Rt . Hon . Lord Henniker , Rt . Hon . Lord Lathom , Rt . Hon . Lord Leigh , Rt . Hon . Earl of Carnarvon , Rt . Hon . Viscount Holmesdale , W . W . B . Beach , M . P .:, Rev .
Canon Portal , M . A ., Rt . Hon . tbe Earl Percy , M . P ., Rt . Hon . the Earl of Limerick ; all of whom had upheld the principles of tfu degree , and zealously fulfilled their dnties dnring the three years they had each in turn held office . I he Consecrating Officer thei ' referred to the interest taken in the degree by the Most Worshipful the Grand Master of Craft Masonry—H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , as
Mark Masonry.
evidenced by his acceptance of the rank of a Past Grand Master and then spoke of the similar honour conferred on the degree by another member of the Roynl Family , the lamented Duke of Albany whose early death caused the first gap in the list of Pa * t Grand Masters of the Mark Degree . The consecration was then completed
wMi full ceremonial . Bro . James Willing jun . was regularly installed as first Master , and the Wardens designate—Bros . W . M . Stiles and W . A . Scurrah—wero invested . Other offices were filled as follows : Bros . G . Gregory M . O ., H . Dickey S . 0-, J . H . Batty J . O ., G . Mordey R . of M ., 0 . J . Knightley See , W . J . Ferguson S . D ., and S . Smith
Tyler . A hearty vote of thanks to Bro . Binckes , for his services as Consecrating Officer , was proposed by the W . M ., seconded by the J . W . and carried wi'h acclamation . The vote having been gracefull y acknowledged , Bros . Binckes , Davison , Berridge , Mather , L \ ke Taylor , and Sr > pp <» t were elected honorary members of the Lod <» e , a
compliment for which thanks were returned by Bro . Davison . Six propositions for advancement and one for joining were hande 1 in . A committee for framing Bye-Laws was appointed , and a proposition for the establ i shment of a Mark Lodge of Instruction , with Bro . J . L . Mather ns Preceptor , was considered ; after which , other formal
bnsiness having been disposed , of the Lodge was closed . Among those present were Bros . E rb » rt Roberts Org . 223 , E . Hoaro G . Or > r W . W . Morgan S . D . 357 . E . Storr S . O . 234 , G . Emhlin P . IVr . 237 ' G . Gardner S . W . 357 . E . Mills S . W . 350 . J . T . Briggs J . W . 18 l ] R . J . H . Goldnev Old Kent , John Skinner J . D . Old Kent , & - > ., & o .
A banquet was afterwards served , and later on tho usual toasts were hononred . Bro . James Willing , who p-esided , carriel out this part of the programme with hU accustomed ability . After thn toasts of the " Queen nnd Mark Masonry , " the" M W . the Earl of Kintore G . M . M . M . and the Grand Lodge of England . " " H . R . H . the Prince of
Wales , K . G .. & c \ , and fche rest of the Past G . M . M . M ., " that of fche " Deputy G . M . M . M . Lord Egerton of Tatton , an-1 the rest of the Grand Officers , " was submitted . Bro . Berridge replied . He referred to the important services rendered by Lord Egerton , ancl expressed his belief that , when that nobleman succeeded to the chair at present
filled by Lord Kintore they wonld find in him a worthy successor . Aa an Officer of Grand Lodge Bro . Berridge was delighted to come amongst them to take part in the ceremonies of the dav . He believed the Grand Officers of the Mirk Decree had b- 'en carefully selested , and well deserved their hononrs . Bro . Soppefc also acknowledged the
tonst . " The R ' ghfc Worshipfnl Sir Francis Burdett , Bart ., Prov . G . M . M . M . and the Provincial Grind Officers , Present and Past , of the Provincial Grand Lod e of Middlesex and Surrny , " was the next toast . Bro . Willing , in proposing ifc , spoke of the estimable qualities nf Sir Francis Burdett , and accounted for his absence from their
meeting in consequence of his having to consecrate a Craft Lodge in Hounslow . With this toast was associated fche name of Bro . Davison Grand Treasurer , who in replying said he was always delighted to support the Provincial Grand Master , who was one of the most zealous of Masons , in every possible way . He congratulated the
brethren on the success of the day ' s proceedings ; he should take pleasure in attending th ° ir meetings whenever possible . The selection > . f Bro . Willing as first Master had made it certain thafc the Lodge would be prosperous and conduce to the strength of Mark Masonry in the Province . He felt pleasure at witnessing Bro . Binokes ' s
idmirable working , and all would agree with him they had thafc day Had a rare treat . Bro . Binckes proposed the Worshipful Master . Fie supposed there was not a single toast given at their Masonic meetings which did not , afc one time or another , receive the designation of " tin toast of the evening ; " that , entrusted to hira
cer-• ainly merited that appellation . The toast of tho Supreme Ruler of the Order might fairly claim the distinction in an ordinary way , but when they came to consider the special nature of their meeting rhe honour fell on thafc of the Worship fnl Master . Bro . Binckes spoke if the energy and the ability of Bro . Willing , a more zealous Mason
-han whom he did not know . He had fulfilled every expectation formed of him , and ifc was an honour to be the means of placing him in the chair of the Royal Savoy Lodge of Mark Masters . Bro . Binckes congratulated the members on having selected hira . fco preside over their Lodge , and felt no one was more likely to carry out tbe prin .
ciples of Masonry—to be happy and to communicate happinessrhan Bro . Willing , for whom he wished success during his term of office . Bro . Willing tendered his sincere thanks . He was gratified afc the establishment of the Royal Savoy Mark Lodge , as he felt its meetings would afford the members an opportunity of becoming
better acquainted with each other , and as a consequence would tend r , o remove prejudices which might exist to the detriment of thafc - < pirifc of "friendship and brotherly love which should prevail among rhem . He was of opinion that , so far from Masonic meetings being too frequent , as some argued , the reverse was tho case , and that
more especially in regard to the Royal Arch and the Mark Degree , He felt the ritual of these latter was often very imperfectly rendered in consequence . He should devote his energy , and do all that lay in his power to secure the success of the Royal Savoy Lodge of Mark Masters , and in doing so felt sure he should receive the
coiperation of all who were associated with hira in its foundation . The toast of the Consecrating Officer was next jiven . The W . M . said Mark Masons looked up to Bra Binckes as ' he official representative of Grand Lodge , ever ready to devote himself to the work of tbe Degree , while his knowledge of the
; eremonies and history of Masonry generally entitled him to respect wherever he was known . Speaking from an intimate acquaintance with Bro . Binckes , he unhesitatingly asserted thafc a more generous or upright Mason did not exist , while , as Secretary of one of the great Masonic Charitable Institutions , he had done much for
nhe cause of those in distress . He thanked him for his valuable assistance in the establishment of the Royal Savoy Lodge , and hoped he would often be present at its future meetings . Bro . Binckes
replied with his accustomed ability . It had aff . rded him much oleasure to perform the ceremony of the day . He hoped the Royal Savoy Lodge had a career of prosperity before * tt > He had been a Mason for thirty . fchree years , aod during that time