In this degree, the work on the Temple continues. Amplifying the Fellowcraft Degree, we are taught that the learning we receive there can most usefully and judiciously be employed for our honor and the profit of others, to whom our duty is more clearly defined. A beautiful lesson is exemplified, inculcating the encouraging truth that though we are often misunderstood, underrated, and defamed, there is ONE who will make the rejected stone, the Head of the corner.
All Mark degrees in Masonry are based on the symbolism of operative Masons’ marks which were inscribed on stones as a means of identification. These marks were usually lines and angles and represented the professional or craft names of the Masons. All were done at the Fellow Craft level and so the timing of this degree comes before the Hiramic legend. Until late in 18th century America, the Mark Master degree and the Royal Arch were conferred in chapters attached to lodges and under lodge warrants. The Mark Master degree has therefore always been considered a craft degree. The Lodge of Mark Master is opened for the purpose of advancing a candidate. This is only possible for a Fellowcraft, since a Master Mason cannot be advanced to any degree. The Mark Master degree continues the story of the building of King Solomon’s Temple.
The theme is centered on a stone that is given by a Fellowcraft for inspection by the overseers of the work. This stone with its peculiar mark is subsequently tossed in a pile of building rubble. It turns out the stone was the work of Hiram Abif or [Abi] (2Chron. 2:13-14), completed shortly before his death. The stone symbolically represents the builder himself as a living stone. In preparing his stone, he is preparing himself and becomes incorporated into the structure of self improvement. The stone is a symbol of the Lost Word which is Never really lost. It is always present, but we often fail to recognize it and its beauty or place because it is outside our Consciousness or Spiritual understanding. (John 1 : 1-5)(Rom. 10 : 8-9) Hence, it is said that when we reach that level of awareness where the Word, or Stone, is essential to our further progress in building our own Temple, we are able to discover it... That which was lost... Reminding me of what the proverbial blind man once said, " Now I see."
