Northampton Castle Lodge of Mark Master Masons

Welcome to our website, if you are just curious or considering joining our lodge you will hopefully find information here to help you in your search.

Northampton Castle is a lodge of Mark Master Masons, consecrated 19th November 1968 and meeting in Northampton. Mark Masonry is a side order to regular craft masonry, the conditions for entry are the same as the craft but to become a Mark Master Mason you must already be a Master Mason in a regular craft lodge.

The origins of the degree aren’t clear, there is some evidence it goes back 400 years but the first meeting of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons was held on Monday, 23 June 1856. It is generally considered to be the biggest masonic order in the UK after craft and Chapter – we are one of 24 lodges in our Mark Province of Northampton, Huntingdon and Bedford.

In terms of the chronological progress of the masonic story Mark masonry follows on from the craft Second Degree, also known as the Fellowcraft. The Mark Degree is known as the friendly degree and features a memorable and unique ceremony.

Candidates are ‘Advanced’ into the degree and during the ceremony are issued with their Registered Mark. Many members list Mark as their favourite order and, as well as its own merits, membership is required in order to join the orders of Royal & Select Masters and Royal Ark Mariners. It is also part of the part of the York Rite system of masonic orders.

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