The Mark Degree In England.

Avhich the various Lodges under different jurisdictions bear to each other . You are aware that an organization of Mark Masons already exists under the title of the Grand Lodgo of Mark Masters of England and Wales , representing twenty-one Lodges . These Brethren have , from an early period , desired an amalgamation 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 , hut that the Avell being of Mark Masonry imperatively demands it . The details of the proposed Union have not been arranged , but it is acknowledged that its basis is to be free , equal , and mutual ; e ach 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 Master-, and AVardens 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 Ave have little doubt , when they are acquainted with the facts , thev will be anxious to be parties

to this general "Union . The proposition thus submitted to 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 meet their 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 Ave 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 hiftuenceecl 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 v / hatever 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 Mason being compelled to practice the Degree under a disputed 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 priveliges of the Degree more securely established , the practice by Lodge visitations made more agreeable , and its general principles more extensively promoted . 5 . —That the great want in Mark Masonry , a uniform system of

Avorking , Avill by this means be materiall y facilitated . C . —A re-union with Craft Masonry will more easily and effectually be accomplished by a united body than by various sections maintaining different opinions and interests .

7 . —All Mark Lodges throughout the country Avill be represented , in the government of the Order , the necessary laws for their guidance Avill be more properly formed , and each Lodge will have a voice in the distribution of the general funds . In conclusion , we commend the subject to your serious consideration , and as immediate action , as well as unity of purpose is very desirable , the favour of your early reply , directed to Bro . Sheen , at the above address , will much oblige . AVe are ,

Dear Sir and Brother , Yours faithfully and fraternally , C . J . HOGHES , R . W . M . St . Mark ' s Lodge , No . 1 . J . R , SHEEU , R . AV . M . Thistle Lodge , No . 3 . H . A . ISAACS , R . W . M . Arnott Lodge , No . 4 . J . DIXON , R . W . M . Southwark Lodge , No . 11 .

APPENDIX D . Submitted by Bro . Andrew Kerr , G . L . of Scotland . Extr t from the Minutes of Meeting of Grand Lodge , held 7 th May , 1860 . The Report of the Committee on the Conference held with the Committee of the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland was then read , and on the motion of the Substitute Grand Master approved and tiie matter recommitted to the same parties with the addition of Bro Mann ( No . 1 ) , F . D . MeCowan , and A . Hay , to carry out the suggestions in the Report and prepare a ceremonial for each body .

( Copy Report of the Committee referred , to . ) It was agreed on all sides that the Mark Degree consistedformerly of two parts , the one relating to Fellow Crafts and the other to their Overseers . This latter was intermingled betweenthe Fellow Crafts and Chairman of a Lodge , but that when the-Degree of Master Mason was allowed to be given at all , although not elected to the Chair , it became a substitute for the second part ofthe Mark Degree , now called the Mark Master's Degree ,

If there were any possibility ofthe Grand Lodges of England , Ireland , Canada , United States , and on the continent of Europe agreeing to introduce the Mark Master ' s Degree as a part of the Fellow Craft's Degree , the meeting would recommend the same to the Grand Lodge of Scotland , but as there does not appear to be a probability of such consent being obtained , the meeting recommend the Grand Lodge to concur with the Supreme RoyaL Arch Chapter in adjusting a ceremonial for each , so as not to affect the interests of either body .

Extracts from Minutes of Meeting of Grand Lodge , held 5 th November , 1860 . The Committee appointed by this Grand Lodge and Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland as to the Mark Degree , then presented the following report : — The Committees appointed by the Grand Lodge and Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter , having held a Conference Avith the view to ing out the remit to themunanimously agree that

carry , what is generally known under tbe name ofthe Mark Master ' s Degree Avas wrought by the OperatiA-e Lodges of St . John's Masonry in connection with the Fellow Craft's Degree before the Institution of Grand Lodge of Scotland . That since that date it has continued to be wrought in the old Operative Lodges , but in what may he termed the Speculative Lodges it never was worked at all , or at all events , only in a

very few . That Degree being , with the exception of old Operative Ledges above mentioned , entirely abandoned by the Lodges of St . John ' s Masonry , the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter assumed the management of it as the fourth Degree in Masonry in order to complete the instruction of their candidates in the preliminary Degrees before admitting them to the Royal Arch . That this Degree , whether viewed as a second part of the Fellow

Craft ' s Degree , or as a separate Degree , has never been recognised or worked in England , Ireland , ou the Continent , or in America as a part of St . John ' s Masonry ; and that it is now most desirable that an arrangement may be made which wilt reconcile the differences between the Grand Lodge and the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter , and which will admit of the three first Degress in St , John ' s Masonry being Avorked in Lodges in Scotland in a similar manner to wlinfc is allowed by Sister Grand Lodges ; resolve to recommend the Grand Lodge ot Scotland , and the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland to enact and declare as follows , vii : —