Duncan's Masonic Ritual and Monitor - Rose Croix

p. 150
MARK MASTER, OR FOURTH
DEGREE.
THE Degree of Mark Master, which is the Fourth in the Masonic series, is, historically
considered, of the utmost importance, since we are informed that, by its influence, each
operative Mason, at the building of King Solomon's Temple, was known and
distinguished, and the disorder and confusion which might otherwise have attended so
immense an undertaking was completely prevented, and not only the craftsmen
themselves, but every part of their workmanship was discriminated with the greatest
nicety and the utmost facility.
It is claimed by Masonic writers, 1 that this Degree in Masonry was instituted by King
Solomon, at the building of the Temple, for the purpose of detecting impostors, while
paying wages to the craftsmen. Each operative was required to put his mark upon the
product of his labor, and these distinctive marks were all known to the Senior Grand
Warden. If any of the workman-ship was found to be defective, it was a matter of no
difficulty for the overseers to ascertain at once who was the imperfect craftsman, and
remedy the defect. Thus the faulty workman was punished, without diminishing the
wages of the diligent and faithful craftsmen. A candidate upon whom this Degree has
been conferred is said to have been "advanced to the honorary Degree of Mark Master."
Eight officers are necessary to open a Lodge in this Degree. viz.:
1. R. W. Master; 2. S. G. Warden; 3. J. G. Warden; 4. Senior Deacon; 5. Junior Deacon;
6. Master Overseer; 7. Senior Overseer; S. Junior Overseer.
p. 151
The officers of a Chapter rank as follows, viz.: the High Priest, as R. W. Master; King, as
Senior Grand Warden; Scribe, as Junior Grand Warden; Captain of the Host, as Master of
Ceremonies; Principal Sojourner, as Senior Deacon; Royal Arch Captain, as Junior
Deacon; Master of the Third Veil, as Master Overseer; Master of the Second Veil, as
Senior Overseer; Master of the First Veil, as .Junior Overseer. The Treasurer, Secretary,