Oration by The Provincial Grand Chaplain
Given at the Dedication of the Banner of White Stone Lodge of Mark Master Masons No.1832
Preamble:
I Guess - for those of you who have joined with us this morning – and who are not Masons – we create a measure of confusion for you – when you hear us talk about ‘The Mark Degree.’ It would then perhaps - be valuable – or even courteous - to state – as is explained to each candidate on his Initiation - on his entry into Masonry – that – ‘there are several Degrees in Freemasonry’ – and that ‘these are not communicated indiscriminately – but are conferred on Candidates according to merit and ability.’
‘The Mark Degree’ is one of those several Degrees – which are sometimes referred to as Side Orders. The Mark Degree can also be described as an extension of the Second Degree of Craft Masonry - Craft Masonry being the parent of all Freemasonry.
‘The Mark Degree’ is based - simply on the custom of the Ancient Stone Masons - in an age before writing was to become the achievement of the general populace – when - a piece of stone fashioned for a particular part of a building - would be ‘Marked’ by that Craftsman – as his work - and if it was approved – and became part of the structure – it would not only be recognised as his work – but would entitle him to receive payment – his wages for the work - the stone - that he had prepared and fashioned. With that explanation – let us then embark upon our Banner Dedication.
Introduction: Ladies and Brethren - I am sure that - like me - many of you watched - with a measure of disbelief - the spendour of the Opening and closing Ceremonies that took place across the World and in the Arena affectionately known as - ‘The Birds Nest’ in Beijing - what incredible architecture we saw – what a magnificent opening display we were treated to – precision second to none – and so the scene was set for the 2008 Olympic games - was it really just so very few weeks ago ! You, with me - will have followed Team GB as their - no ! - our - tally of medals seem to increase day – by – day !! 19 Gold - 13 Silver and 15 Bronze - a total of 47 in all for Great Britain !!
Then -- as each individual medal was presented – we sensed the hush of the audience the stirring music of the Anthem - and as the National Flag rose skyward – the emotion welled - accompanied with - perhaps - a smile - or a wave - and often - a tear - and if you are anything like me – you thrilled to the moment and shared in the emotion – Flags or banners bring inspiration – create a sense of belonging - each one representing a Nation - it Ideals and its Unity.
The History of the Banner:
From time immemorial men have marched and gathered under banners which have enabled them to proclaim their allegiance. A banner has always been an emblem of the fealty and homage whether to a man, a country or an ideology.
When we, who are Masons, were first initiated into the mysteries and privileges of Freemasonry we were each invested with the distinguishing badge of a mason – a white lambskin apron – and we were told that --‘it is more ancient than the Golden Fleece or Roman Eagle - more honourable than the Garter or any other Order in existence’ and charged to ensure that our future conduct would never disgrace that Badge –
The Roman Eagle was adopted as a military Standard or Banner by Consul Gaius Marius in 103 BC and men marched behind it because it was seen to be the symbol of the Senate and of the People of Rome.
In battle it was the rallying point – it symbolised Loyalty, Fidelity and Unity. The banner before us today, therefore reminds us of our Duty and fidelity to The Great Architect and Overseer of the Universe and acts as a rallying point for the three Grand Principles upon which our Fraternity is founded – Brotherly Love Relief and Truth and being members of ‘The Mark Degree’ – urges us to ‘Mark Well’ in all aspects of our character as we - each one - make our individual journey through life.
Banners in Masonry:
In Grand Lodge, the Pursuivant or Inner Guard [ The brother at the back of the Temple ] - is asked - ‘What is your duty ?’ and he replies ‘to give a due report of all approaching Brethren and to see that they are properly clothed and ranged under their respective Banners’ - Although – if you were present you would observe that the brethren so assembled have no visible banners with them. Symbolically, it means that Grand Lodge is composed of Lodges – each with its own particular characteristic - its banner - each contributing to the beauty and harmony of the whole Order. However in the Mark Province of Hertfordshire – following the wish of our Past Provincial Grand Master – R W Bro Keith Emmerson – and supported by our present Provincial Grand Master - R W Bro Chris Radmore -- our Lodge Banners are in evidence.
The White Stone Lodge Background:
The White Stone Lodge of Mark Master Masons No. 1832 is a prestigious and special Lodge, consecrated on the 29th May 2003 – just over five years ago, Created for very Senior masons from many Orders - and who are also Mark Master Masons - to meet together and to share the special friendship that is characteristic of this Order – and so in keeping with the idea of being ‘Ranged beneath respective banners’ – they decided that they - too - wished to do just that.
Hence we meet to day:
The White Stone Lodge Banner:
The Banner – which has been financed from monies built up by the Lodge through regular transfers into a Banner Fund – has been designed by W Bro Colin Childs – to whom the Lodge members are grateful - thanks are also due to W Bro Ron San for the arrangements undertaken for it’s manufacture in Pakistan.
The Banner is quite simple in its design, and yet is very 21st Century in its form: -
In Heraldry – which is a very specific discipline – Colours carry a great weight of significance - The Colour Red or Gules of the background, indicates Fortitude and Passion. The Blue or Azure - indicates Truth, Strength, and Loyalty: Qualities that we hope will always be exemplified in the lives of the members of the Lodge. The White of the Lettering is emblematic of Harmony and symbolic also - of Peace and Serenity.
The Banner is adorned with a White Stone – a Keystone - bearing the name and emblem or logo of the Mark Province of Hertfordshire – confirming the Lodge allegiance to the Province - but also signifying - above all - allegiance to the teaching that is at the very heart of Mark Masonry – The Keystone being the emblem of our Order and around which the whole Degree is woven, the keystone has always been revered as the chief and most sacred portion of the Arch.
The Keystone – is not only - the jewel of the Degree, and bears the Mark Master Mason’s Mark, but it teaches us to appreciate the fact that honest work, faithfully performed, even though unappreciated, will vindicate itself and bring just rewards. It teaches us to practice charity of thought, as well as deed, and not to judge harshly or condemn others through - our - lack of understanding of a given situation.
In the Address to the Brethren we are reminded that …The Great Overseer 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 saving him that receiveth it.
‘In antiquity, it was a custom to present revered guests with 'tesserae'- small pieces of white stone, bone, ivory or mosaic. These tesserae were also used, like the Mark Master’s Mark, to perpetuate a friendship or to make a union more sacred. The privilege of friendship could be extended to others carrying the tessera by a simple process: the tessera was broken into two parts and each party wrote his own name or secret inscription on his own piece. Mutual pledges were made, the pieces were exchanged - and no one knew the name inscribed on his piece of stone - except the person to whom it was given.
An Observation: In the Volume of the Sacred Law we learn that New names were often given by God, to a person, as a sign that God had a specific purpose for him – or to express a specific quality or Character of a man. Abram became Abraham - Father of a Nation: Jacob – became Israel – striven with God and prevailed: Peter became Cephas – the Rock:
The ‘new name’ is not just an identifying tag as our names are on earth. The new name means something; it says something. The new name totally describes the person. It is a special name that no other creature has, and only the bearer of the name knows what it is. The white stone with the new name in it expresses what God thinks of that person. The name symbolizes what God has done in them. It is even a means of personal worship and praise between God and the bearer. The new name denotes the individuality of the person who bears it. The name is a picture of the person's soul and of his standing and of his relationship with God. In the Biblical Book of Ecclesiastes 7:1 we read - " A good name is better than precious ointment.
Also, and tying in with my opening thoughts to you, at the time of the ancient Olympic Games, on winning their event - athletes were awarded - a ‘White Stone’ – which was a token of honour.
Our Application of The Teaching of the Order:
Brethren of the White Stone Lodge, as you maintain your faith in the Great Overseer and as you endeavour to carry out your daily living with honest and industrious labour carried out to his glory - may you continue to fulfil the aspirations of your Founders.
And so it is appropriate that today we set apart - we Dedicate this Lodge Banner - symbolic of the members of this Lodge - who have declared their Faith in the Great Overseer of the Universe and who ….by precept and example are willing to live well and to display all the Masonic Virtues - in the midst of the errors and vices of the world and to exhibit in their lives and conduct the effect of the hidden mysteries which our symbols and teaching are intended and well calculated to unfold……!.
Charge: I therefore, charge each member of the White Stone Lodge of Mark Master Masons here today, to meditate upon the symbols of your banner and to live by the precepts that those symbols imply. Thereby will you be able to receive the approving Mark of the Great Overseer of the Universe - and be ‘fitted to form part of that Spiritual Edifice – that Temple – that House not made with Hands – Eternal in the Heavens.’
W Bro David M Sawyer
Provincial Grand Chaplain
St Albans. 13th November 2008
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