The story of this degree contains events before, during and
after the Biblical Flood. The apron and emblems of this degree are recognisable
by the ark and rainbow motif.
The Royal Ark Mariners or just the 'Mariners', as they are
popularly known, has an important place within the Order of Mark Masonry. Royal Ark Mariner Lodges are attached, or
“moored” to a Mark Lodge and bear the number of that Lodge. The ritual of the ceremony relates to the Old
Testament and the building of the ark by Noah for the preservation of mankind
and expounds the virtues of morality by demonstrating the properties of wisdom,
strength and beauty.
A candidate must be a Mark Master Mason to be proposed,
seconded, balloted for and elevated into a Royal Ark Mariner Lodge. He can then
progress through the various offices and become the Worshipful Commander of the
Lodge.
There are 3 Royal Ark Mariner Lodges in Bristol, which meet
between 3 and 4 times a year. The prerequisite for being “elevated” to a Royal
Ark Mason is to be a Mark Master Mason, however, the degree is quite separate
from the Mark degree.
The Principal Officers of a Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners
represent Noah, and two of his sons: Shem, and Japheth, and the Lodge room is
set out to represent the Ark of Safety.
If you are a Mark Master Mason and are interested in joining
this degree in Masonry, then please contact the Provincial Grand Secretary, or ask any brother of your own Mark Master
Masons lodge who is identified by his wearing the distinctive rainbow and dove
jewel, or you can visit our Joining page and complete an enquiry.