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Mark Lodge History



Mark Master Mason General Origins

 

In point of time, this degree should follow that of Fellow Craft. Many Masonic students believe this degree is far older than any other Craft degree, and with considerable reason to support this belief.

 

It was customary for our operative ancestors to cut their "mark" or signature into each piece of stone they hewed for the building, so that their work might be identified. These marks may be seen today on the stones of many the old cathedrals of Europe. From this ancient custom grew the present day registration and use of "trademarks." We see them countless times each day, identifying the products of our modern industrial concerns, but few know the origin of this custom.

 

In the Mark Master Mason degree, the candidate selects his own personal mark which is recorded in the Book of Marks, to be his own Masonic signature for all time. In this degree he learns the significance and symbolic meaning of the Keystone, the Chisel and the Mallet. In it, he receives his symbolic wage for good work, true work, square work

 


Mark Masonry in America


Good Samaritan Mark Lodge No.139

 

Although we are a seemingly "new" Mark Lodge here in Gettysburg, having only been founded on October 2, 2010, in actuality we are a continuation of the original Good Samaritan Mark Lodge #139 founded on June 20, 1886.  After the original Mark Lodge was forced to close its doors, it's history, emblems, and artifacts lay in storage within our Lodge for many years. Upon their re-discovery, the newest members of our Mark Lodge applied to the Grand Holy Royal Arch Chapter of Pennsylvania to have our Mark Lodge Chapter reinstated under its old name and number, and were approved! Since our re-founding in 2010, we have been received with great enthusiasm by the many Royal Arch members in the area, and our meetings are always well attended.