Page 6 - Keystone Spring 2021 Issue 6

Stronger Together

Stronger Together - Craft, the

Holy Royal Arch and the Mark

Degree

Brethren, during the very difficult year or so that we have all
endured, Freemasonry in general has obviously suffered
greatly in the chaos of the Covid World. The restrictions
placed on our daily lives, combined with the added
complication of having a generally more senior (and therefore
more vulnerable) age group have pretty much precluded just
about all Masonic activity other than online communication.

The various Orders throughout Somerset have all performed
admirably in engaging their Members online and I’m sure that every single one of us is
keen to get back to our Masonry just as soon as it is safe to do so. But when we do go
back, what will your Freemasonry look like...??

The Lectures provided by W Bro Tony Harvey (Prestonian Lecturer in 2012) about the
interconnected history between Craft, the Royal Arch and the Mark Degree were well
attended online and very well received. They provided a fascinating insight into how the
3 Orders are inextricably linked and hopefully provided inspiration for some of those
Brethren online who perhaps aren’t Members of all 3 to make enquiries about joining.
For those who are only Members of the Craft the re-starting of Freemasonry in
Somerset may provide an excellent opportunity to discover the joys of both the Royal
Arch and the Mark Degree. If you attended the Lectures by W Bro Tony Harvey, you’ll
have an understanding of how the Craft, Royal Arch and Mark are linked, what they
are, and how the latter two enrich your experience, knowledge and learning in the
Craft. If you missed the Lectures or weren’t able to attend, you can view them on the
Craft Provincial Website.
Without going into the details of how and why the Mark and Royal Arch build on the
Second and Third Degrees respectively (you can take a look at the online Lectures
from W Bro Tony for that!), there is absolutely no doubt that both Orders provide a
fantastic opportunity for those Brethren who aren’t yet Members to further expand their
knowledge, their enjoyment and their friendship circle within Freemasonry. For those
Mark Master Masons who aren’t yet Royal Arch Masons I would strongly encourage
you to speak to the Royal Arch Representative in your Craft Lodge and for anyone
reading this who isn’t already a Mark Master Mason, I am certain that our Magazine
Editor would be only too pleased to point you in the direction of a local Mark Lodge
Secretary!

Brethren, in these troubling times it’s important that we consolidate and strengthen our
organisation to ensure that we not only survive but indeed thrive going forward. For a
new challenge, for something different, for something that will greatly enhance your
Masonic experience I urge you to consider both the Mark Degree and the Holy Royal
Arch, you will not be disappointed.

Spring Issue 2021 Page6