The Degree of Mark Master, which is the Fourth in the Masonic series, is, historically considered, of the utmost importance, since we are informed that, by its influence, each operative Mason, at the building of King Solomon's Temple, was known and distinguished, and the disorder and confusion which might otherwise have attended so immense an undertaking was completely prevented, and not only the craftsmen themselves, but every part of their workmanship was discriminated with the greatest nicety and the utmost facility. It is claimed by Masonic writers, that this Degree in Masonry was instituted by King Solomon, at the building of the Temple, for the purpose of detecting impostors, while paying wages to the craftsmen. Each operative was required to put his mark upon the product of his labor, and these distinctive marks were all known to the Senior Grand Warden. If any of the workmanship was found to be defective, it was a matter of no difficulty for the overseers to ascertain at once who was the imperfect craftsman, and remedy the defect. Thus the faulty workman was punished, without diminishing the wages of the diligent and faithful craftsmen. Today, Marks are not generally recorded; this duty is very much neglected--it should be done, and strictly enforced in every Lodge of Mark Master Masons. This Book of Marks allows you to actually register up to 500 Masons' Marks of your newly-admitted Brethren to be kept on record for all time. No Mark Masters Lodge or Royal Arch Chapter Library should be without one! Get a copy for your Lodge or Chapter today!

This is the latest edition of the Mark Ritual No. 1, Advancement by the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons, published under the authority of the General Board, 2000.

"The purpose of this work is not so much to gratify the curiosity of the uninitiated as to furnish a guide for the neophytes of the Order, by means of which their progress from grade to grade may be facilitated. Every statement in the book is authentic, as every proficient Mason will admit to himself, if not to be public, as he turns over its pages. The non-Masonic reader, as he peruses them, will perhaps be puzzled to imagine why matters of so little real importance to society at large should have been so industriously concealed for centuries, and still more surprised that society should have been so extremely inquisitive about them."-From the Preface.

The Capitular Development Course is designed to educate Royal Arch Masons, in particular those who are members of the American or York Rite practiced in the United States and a number of other countries around the world. While the book may certainly be read on its own, having a copy of the Holy Bible to hand would assist in understanding much of the symbolism. This book is also intended to be used as a part of a course, run by a Facilitator, when a copy of the State Capitular Rituals should be used to accompany this course. Upon completion of the course, the Companion may consider himself both well versed in the messages and symbolism of the Capitular Degrees, and qualified to pursue his own further education. To this end, a number of books and courses recommended for further study are given at the end of this book.

A practical and useful guide giving extensive information of all the duties and responsibilities for any Freemason taking on the important role of Secretary within a Lodge. The well-being of a Lodge largely depends upon its Secretary. He has a unique position in it, with multi-dimensional reflections. The Secretary undertakes almost continuous year-long responsibility amidst his numerous livelihood chores. In the past many Secretaries used to be permanent officers of the Lodges, with the benefits that an experienced Secretary would manage the affairs of the Lodge smoothly, but current thinking is that no one should serve for more than two years so that junior members can involve themselves in Lodge affairs. The newcomers to this office often lack experience and this book is written with this background in mind: to provide guidance on the one hand and to help introduce modern management tools on the other. Each major topic which needs some action on the part of the Secretary is given a chapter. Checklists of activities relevant to each chapter are appended at the end of the chapter with cells against each activity to mark the date on which the activity is completed. The general principles in this practical guide hold good for the side degrees as well, with only minor and contextual modifications.