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The craft in its infancy was truly
a science of symbolism. In ancient times the art of
writing was virtually unknown and every idea was therefore
reduced to a symbol or sign. The masters of old considered
every art of theirs a secret, and communicated it only
to the worthy few. The ideas being conveyed only in
symbols and signs could be successfully kept secret
from the profane till divulged to the worthy initiate
properly prepared to receive them.
No part of any masonic structure can
claim higher antiquity than that of Mark Massonry. Craftsmen
of all kinds marked their work with individual marks
to show it was theirs. This kind of marking still survives
and its protected by law in the well known "Hall
Mark" and the "Trade Marks" of many manufactured
articles.
The adoption of a personal mark by
a craftsman was an important event in his working apprenticeship
and designated the beginning of the second stage, that
of an independent workman. As such it would naturally
be accompanied by a ceremony of a religious character,
including the taking of an oath to the effect that he
would always use the same mark and not counterfeit that
of any other worker. The designated marks were presented
in a special manner, and special penalties were prescribed
for infringement. The system was so perfect in itself
that the work of construction of the Temple was carried
on with great care and efficiency despite that immense
number of craftsmen employed. The success of the noble
undertaking was because of the precision, regularity
and discipline which marked the building of the edifice.
The ritual enactment of this beautiful degree teaches
us to discharge our duties in like manner, to work with
patience and assiduity; to be pure and upright in our
thoughts and actions that though our motives may be
misinterpreted by our erring fellow-mortals. yet appreciation
is bound to follow in due course when the G.O,O.T.U.
who observes our lives and actions will give to every
man his due.
The word 'Mark' has a peculiar significance
to a Mark Master Mason whose jewel is the keystone which
he wears at his lodge meetings. What the 'Key' is to
a Craft Master Mason - the 'Keystone is to a Mark Master
Mason In one of the lectures on the Craft it is said
as follows : "That excellent Key, a free masons's
tongue, should speak well of a brother absent or present
but when unfortunately that cannot be done with honour
and propriety it should adopt that edxcellent virtue
of the craft which is silence. The silence here means
not merely abstinence from an external expression of
a thought which the mind generates but also a control
of that thought as well. In other words a control of
our passion and prejudices so as to bring them within
the pale of reason and charity. By doing so the 'Key'
serves as an emblem of access to the spiritual Temple
which is contemplated." Likewise the keystone which
binds the whole structure together and holds the various
stones in place teaches the Mark Mason to shape the
Keystone of the spiritual arch of his Temple in such
a way that his life's work may be worthy of recognition
by the Great Master.
"The stone which the builders
rejected is become the head of the corner' - Luke XX-17,
may be taken as the essence of our order which is inscribed
in Hebrew on our tracing board. As has been said - "Often
what is considered heresy in one age is found to be
truth in another'" In history may keystones have
first been rejected but have ultimately proved their
use. Socrates was poisoned for his philosophy, great
reformers were condemned and their works burned; the
first railways were torn from their bed; the first car
scoffed at the first advocates of civil liberty mobbed-but
all in vain. In each case the Keystone though rejected
at first was afterwards eagerly sought for and applied
to its intended use, binding together some arch or other
in the great Temple of human progress.
The Mark degree is centered in and
around the individuality of man. There is perhaps no
other degree which stresses the unique spirit of the
individual. The tools-Mallet and Chisel are used not
only to reduce the raw material to proper dimensions
but also to execute the designs and ornamentations which
beautify and adorn the structure. It proves the necessity
of circumspection on the one hand and the value of honest
industry on the other, the object being to perfect the
individual and to guide him towards a better and more
harmonious development.
As Mark Masons we should remember that
there in no talent vouchsafed by God to man to be hidden
away unproductively and the only manner in which we
can render glory to the Almighty is to make our mark
that it will be declared hereafter to have been fair
work and soare, finding favour in His all seeing eye,
even though it may be heaved over into the rubbish by
the fallible judgement of our followmen.
It behoves upon us as true Mark Master
Masons to always bear in mind that the day is fast approaching
when the G.O,O.T.U. will judge every man according to
his work and will give to him that overcometh a white
stone in which a new name is written which no man knoweth
save he that receiveth it. 'This passage is taken from
Revelation, Chapter 11, 17th verse which reads "to
him that overcometh will I give the hidden manna and
will give him a white stone and in this stone, a new
name is written which no man knoweth save he that receivent
it." The underlying idea is that who over overcometh
temptation, and renders selfless service will be rewarded
by HIM who in his infinite wisdom and impartiality will
judge each one according to his merit and reward him
appropriately.
In conclusion I would like to quote
from the oration delivered by R.W. Bro. R. Krishnasamy
on the occasion of the consecration of "Mark Lodge
Justitla" on 12th March 1969. He said "There
is nothing common - place about the Keystone for it
has a beauty and distinction all its own. The Overseers
cannot receive it because it is not yet needed. So they
reject it, not without some regret. Recognising its
beauty and the skill displayed in its execution they
shift responsibility for rejection from one to another.
They dimly suspect that it has a purpose and may be
needed in the great work but they cannot see the purpose
yet, and being under orders, they can only obey and
reject, but do not destroy it.
Everyone among us, like the Keystone,
possesses inherently unique qualities and yet at every
point in his nature, has some affinities with other
men. Superficially we may all seem to be alike but each
one must endeavour to be himself, to be what the G.O.
wants him to be and not just to imitate others for there
is no standard pattern for men.
To such men who aim to fit into God's
PLAN there may often come a time of Passion and Crucifixion.
They may have to wait long years, thrown away, so to
speak, or the rubbish heap, before their ment is recognised.
It is at such times that they need moral encouragement
and enlightenment. The Mark Degree provides what they
need. It teaches them that though they are not wanted
by others, they are really made in accordance with the
Plan, though only the "Master" knows it. They
must not despair or live their lives in dejection. Above
all, they must not try to remodel and make themselves
so as to be like others. To do that would be fatal.
They must be strong and intensely patient. The G. O.
will need them soon; the work will come to a standstill
for want of them and they must be ready - ready to come
out from obscurity and to take their places exactly
where they are needed.
In the Temple of humanity which it
is our purpose to build, the work of everyone is essential.
And because it is unique and necessary, every stone
is in reality a Keystone, for the temple can nevery
be completed without the inclusion of every kind of
stone. In the Mark Degree we learn that all are equal
and necessary for GOD's purpose. It brings home the
great truth that to the G. O. the humblest among us
is as essential as the greatest. Work and action is
as much a means of cooperation with the Divine builder
as a means of self-realisation. As a man acts so is
he, for life is action and manifestation is life."
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