TALKS AVAILABLE FOR MARK AND ROYAL ARK MARINER LODGES IN THE
MARK PROVINCE OF WEST LANCASHIRE
 
FOR MARK LODGES
1

Commentary on the Mark Degree: A demonstration ceremony of the Mark Advancement with commentary. Requires a Lodge to conduct a demonstration which is paused several times for an explanation of what has just taken place. Requires two commentators to assist. The obligation is not taken to save time. About the same duration as a normal Advancement.
Written by Neville Barker Cryer from his book ‘What do you know about Ritual’
   
2

The Development of Mark Masonry in England by W Bro. F.C.Lomax: How the Mark Degree developed in England. A paper of approximately 30 minutes. Also available use in Craft Lodges.
 
3

The Mark and the Arch by W Bro. F.C.Lomax: Why is the Mark not part of the Royal Arch in England. About 30 mins.
 
4

The Masonic Degree of Mark Man: The catechism of the old degree of Mark Man which follows on from the Fellowcraft degree. A lecture for 2 Officers (WM & SW). About 20 minutes.

Ten Short papers by VW Bro Neville Barker Cryer: from his book ‘Tell me More About the Mark Degree’ Each of ten minutes duration:
 
5

An appraisal of the English, Irish and Scottish Mark Degree Ceremonies
by RWBro. P.G.Williams, P.G.S.W., G.M.R.A.C. About 30 minutes
 
6

The Mark Degree in Scotland by George Draffen of Newington, Past Grand Librarian of the Grand Lodge of Scotland. About 15 minutes ISBN: 0853181314
 
7

The Importance of the Mark degree by W Bro F.C. Lomax: How does the Mark Degree fit in with the Craft degrees? What are the connections? This paper explores some important links About 20mins
 
8

Early Mark Ritual – an insight from an American exposure by W Bro Martin Roche. Masonic exposé’s some times throw up gems of ritual long thought gone. This paper details such an exposé of an American Mark ritual which makes for interesting listening. About 20 mins.
 
9

The Development of the Mark Degree up to 1856 by Jean Unsworth from The Gavel Magazine 2004. How was the Degree started? This paper looks at developments before Mark Grand Lodge. About 20 mins.
 
10
 The Mark Degree in New Zealand by Gary Kerkin Past Grand Lecturer GL of New Zealand. This paper examines the Mark degree which is part of the Royal Arch in New Zealand about 25 mins.
   
11
 What is the Mark Degree? by W Bro F.C. Lomax. A very short explanation of the Mark degree which can be given to non-Mark Masons in printed form.
 
12

Mark Master Mason Extract from ‘The Freemasons’ Manual by Jeremiah How 1862. In sections which can be selected to suit. Time varies according to choice. The whole document would be provided.
 
13

The Importance of the Mark for Masonic Degrees by Neville Barker Cryer. How the Mark degree relates to the Craft and Royal Arch degrees filling the gaps and its relevance to Masonry in general.
 
14

Echoes of the Mark Degree in the Craft Ritual (Paper for Craft Lodges) Why do the Craft Rituals not make any reference to Masons’ Marks?
   
15

The Beginnings of Mark Masonry in England & Cheshire by W.Bro. F.C.Lomax
   
16

England v Scotland by Fred C. Lomax. The fight for the Mark Degree.
   
17

A History of Mark Masonry Part 1 - Origins, Operatives and Mark
   
18

A History of Mark Masonry Part 2 - Early History Before 1813
 
19

A Brief History of the Mark Degree
   
20

A Short Explanation of the Mark Degree
 
21

The 3rd Degree Traditional History and its Connection with Mark Masonry – a paper by Neville Barker Cryer.
   
22

The Making of a Mason – by George Draffen. The Prestonian Lecture for 1956
 
23
 The Mason’s Mark – By Wallace M. Gage.
 
24

The Guild Companions of the Ark - A brief History of an order Associated with the R.A.O.B.
 
25

The Ceremony of Mark Man or 4th Degree – A demonstration ceremony dated 1866. Requires 8 Officers.
   
25a

Lecture of the Ceremony of Mark Master or 4th Degree – Extract from the full ceremony of 1866.
   
26

The Mark Master Degree – Its Ritual and Antiquity – From a US magazine Autumn 1972
   

FOR RAM LODGES
1R

The Royal Ark Mariner Degree The story of the development of the degree. A paper of about 20 minutes
   
2R

Did Noah ever have an Ark unknown author with additional material by W Bro. Peter Schofield. This paper examines if the legend of Noah can be proved and was there a flood. About 15 mins
   
3R
 RAM and the use of Porphyry stone by W Bro Ray Pye. A new examination of the use of the Porphyry Stone in the Royal Ark Mariner Degree. Why the Porphyry Stone, and when and where did its use derive from? About 20 mins
   
4R
 Differing Traditions Regarding Noah A comparison of how different religions deal with the story of Noah and the Great Flood.
   
5R
 The Guild Companions of the Ark – A History of an RAOB associated Order
   
OTHER MASONIC PAPERS
101
 Rudyard Kipling – Freemason – A paper by W.Bro. David J Heathcote
   
102
 Fifty Years a Mason – A Toast in rhyme by Bob McRae
   
103
 The Future of Ritual by Neville Barker Cryer. Is ritual becoming unimportant in Lodges?
   
All of these are available to Mark Lodge Secretaries for use in their lodges on an INDIVIDUAL basis and the papers can be obtained via the Provincial Grand Secretary Tel 01772 623590 e-mail: wlmarkprovsec@gmail.com
 
The papers should not be freely distributed and an acknowledgement to the original author of the paper should be given as part of the Presentation in addition to a reference to W.Bro. Fred Lomax, P.Prov.G.I.Wks. who compiled the list and also to the Mark Province of West Lancashire for providing copies.
 
You can download this list here
Other papers will be added to this list as they emerge.
 
John Bicknell
Provincial Grand Mark Secretary West Lancashire
September 2018