Lodge Burroughs Strange No. 87
Vijayawada, India

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 Masonry. 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 "Hallmark" and the "Trademarks" 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 freemason'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 excellent 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 20:17, 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 fellow men.

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 2:17 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 receiveth 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 never 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."