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Article MARK SCASONRY ← Page 2 of 4 →
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Mark Scasonry
twenty-one Lodges . These Brethren have , from an early period , desired an amalgation of all interests ,, and the formation of one general body of English Mark Masters , practising the degree according to a uniform system . Hitherto we have not entertained this proposition ; but we feel the time has arrived when such a union is not only desirable , but that the well being of Mark Masonry imperatively demands it .
" The details ofthe proposed union have not been arranged , but it is acknowledged that its basis is to be free , equal s and mutual ; each Lodge to retain its individual existence as before ; the code of laws for its government to be formed by a new Grand Lodge , composed of the Masters , Past Masters , and Wardens of all Lodges that may subscribe to this union ; and the adoption of the , laws and constitutions of the Craft Grand Lodge , as near as circumstances will allow , as the foundation of the new Grand Mark Lodge .
" Besides the Lodges comprised in the body alluded to , and our own , we believe there are only four or five others in the country that exist independently ; and we have little doubt , when they are acquainted with the facts , they will be anxious to be parties to this general union . " The proposition thus submittedto you has received the mature consideration of the Brethren here , and they are very sanguine as to the advantages that will
result from its adoption . We have resolved , therefore , to lay the subject before our respective Lodges , at the ensuing meetings , when ,. . if it meettheir approval , of which we have little doubt , we propose to withdraw our allegiance from the Supreme Grand Chapter of Scotland and join the other Brethren in the formation of a new Grand Mark Lodge , under whose jurisdiction we hope to see firmly united the whole body of Mark Masons in England .
' In thus stating our views and urging them upon your consideration , and that of your Lodge , we wish it to be distinctly understood that we are prompted by no feeling of hostility to the Supreme Grand Chapter of Scotland ; on the contrary , we are anxious to express our warmest gratitude to that body for the services it has willingly rendered to us in propagating the degree .
" Though we cannot in this paper discuss the subject in all its bearings , we submit to your attention a few of the reasons that have influenced us , assuring you that we are actuated only by a sincere desire to restore the Mark degree to the important position it formerly held , and to promote the best interests of the fraternity .
" 1 . —As union is always desirable amongst parties leagued together for a common object , and as this desirability is increased by our Masonic tie , it is clearly our duty , as well as our interest , to show that the same perfect harmony may exist among Mark Masters as with any other body of Masons . " 2 . —History and experience prove that divisions have never permanently existed in the Masonic body ; that whatever circumstances have temporarily separated them , they have seen the wisdom of amicably settling their differences , and by a cordial union strengthening the general cause ; that Mark Masters cannot be held to be an exception to this rule , nor can less advantage be anticipated from the proposed union than has resulted from preceding ones .
" 3 . —The union contemplated is necessary to remove the anomaly of English Mark Masons being compelled to practise the degree under a dis ^ puted authority , or to apply to a sister country for warrants of constitution ; either course , in the present advanced state of English Masonry , being open to grave objections , and derogatory to the national character .
" 4 . —By removing the differences now existing , all Mark Masters will be placed in a more equal and strictly Masonic position , the privileges of the degree more securely established , the practice of it by Lodge visitations made more agreeable , and it » general principles more extensively promoted ,
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Mark Scasonry
twenty-one Lodges . These Brethren have , from an early period , desired an amalgation of all interests ,, and the formation of one general body of English Mark Masters , practising the degree according to a uniform system . Hitherto we have not entertained this proposition ; but we feel the time has arrived when such a union is not only desirable , but that the well being of Mark Masonry imperatively demands it .
" The details ofthe proposed union have not been arranged , but it is acknowledged that its basis is to be free , equal s and mutual ; each Lodge to retain its individual existence as before ; the code of laws for its government to be formed by a new Grand Lodge , composed of the Masters , Past Masters , and Wardens of all Lodges that may subscribe to this union ; and the adoption of the , laws and constitutions of the Craft Grand Lodge , as near as circumstances will allow , as the foundation of the new Grand Mark Lodge .
" Besides the Lodges comprised in the body alluded to , and our own , we believe there are only four or five others in the country that exist independently ; and we have little doubt , when they are acquainted with the facts , they will be anxious to be parties to this general union . " The proposition thus submittedto you has received the mature consideration of the Brethren here , and they are very sanguine as to the advantages that will
result from its adoption . We have resolved , therefore , to lay the subject before our respective Lodges , at the ensuing meetings , when ,. . if it meettheir approval , of which we have little doubt , we propose to withdraw our allegiance from the Supreme Grand Chapter of Scotland and join the other Brethren in the formation of a new Grand Mark Lodge , under whose jurisdiction we hope to see firmly united the whole body of Mark Masons in England .
' In thus stating our views and urging them upon your consideration , and that of your Lodge , we wish it to be distinctly understood that we are prompted by no feeling of hostility to the Supreme Grand Chapter of Scotland ; on the contrary , we are anxious to express our warmest gratitude to that body for the services it has willingly rendered to us in propagating the degree .
" Though we cannot in this paper discuss the subject in all its bearings , we submit to your attention a few of the reasons that have influenced us , assuring you that we are actuated only by a sincere desire to restore the Mark degree to the important position it formerly held , and to promote the best interests of the fraternity .
" 1 . —As union is always desirable amongst parties leagued together for a common object , and as this desirability is increased by our Masonic tie , it is clearly our duty , as well as our interest , to show that the same perfect harmony may exist among Mark Masters as with any other body of Masons . " 2 . —History and experience prove that divisions have never permanently existed in the Masonic body ; that whatever circumstances have temporarily separated them , they have seen the wisdom of amicably settling their differences , and by a cordial union strengthening the general cause ; that Mark Masters cannot be held to be an exception to this rule , nor can less advantage be anticipated from the proposed union than has resulted from preceding ones .
" 3 . —The union contemplated is necessary to remove the anomaly of English Mark Masons being compelled to practise the degree under a dis ^ puted authority , or to apply to a sister country for warrants of constitution ; either course , in the present advanced state of English Masonry , being open to grave objections , and derogatory to the national character .
" 4 . —By removing the differences now existing , all Mark Masters will be placed in a more equal and strictly Masonic position , the privileges of the degree more securely established , the practice of it by Lodge visitations made more agreeable , and it » general principles more extensively promoted ,