W.Bro. John Finlay, PAGDC, RAMGR, APGM
Q. In your opinion what is the most important part of being a member of the Mark Degree?
A. The Mark Degree is an integral part of the whole Masonic story, without it the craft degrees are much diluted,
as such there is no beginning to the story.
Q. From what do you get the most enjoyment in Mark Masonry?
A. The whole Ceremony of Advancement is joyous; especially the Overseers trying to explain their actions!
I have seen timid and flustered Overseers muttering apologies to full blown belligerent blame-shifters!
Q. What made you decide to join the Mark Degree?
A. A very well known past APGM set the seed in my head, by telling me there was much more to learn --- there still is!
Q. There is the well-known saying "it was never like this in my day ". How have things changed since you were Advanced?
A. Not too much really, I am glad to say. Most perceived changes are not changes but poor memory, I hear that phrase
and often think perhaps you were doing it incorrectly in your day!
Q. Apart from Freemasonry, what do you do to relax?
A. I still work for a living! Masonry and work leave me little time for much else. Although I do have the wife’s task
list to complete (don’t we all)
Q. It's been said that Mark Masonry is not real masonry, what are your views?
A. Mark masonry is the fourth regular step in Freemasonry. I think the brethren of some 1500 Mark Lodges in
the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons would agree with that. All Mark Men must be craft masons first, so by
joining the Mark are we any less?
Q. If you could change anything in the Mark Degree what would it be?
A. Poor ritual in our lodges.
Q. How would you describe the Mark Degree to others when recommending it?
A. It’s like starting your masonic journey again but with your eyes open this time, so much more enjoyable to
have experience behind you.
Q. What one thing do you like about the Mark Degree?
A. There is no one thing for me, I love it all. The RAM lodges moored to our Lodges are an added bonus.
Q. What one thing do you think could be done to promote the Mark Degree more?
A. The whole electronic media thing has really taken off, we have some very skilled brethren here in Essex promoting
this medium, we should use this to the full.
Q. Do you think the Mark Degree in general is going in the right direction and why?
A. Yes, I do. We are moving with the times in regard to our involvement with the electronic media. Our charity profile is
varied and involved with causes that matter to most ordinary people, and our own Essex charity initiatives are helping
with little known charities that matter to the local communities. Our closer liaison with the other Masonic Orders is
healthy and cannot be anything but helpful to all parties. We have a very forward thinking PGM who is always
looking to the future and is moving us along at a sensible pace. Change is always required to keep fresh and reinvigorated.
A. The Mark Degree is an integral part of the whole Masonic story, without it the craft degrees are much diluted,
as such there is no beginning to the story.
Q. From what do you get the most enjoyment in Mark Masonry?
A. The whole Ceremony of Advancement is joyous; especially the Overseers trying to explain their actions!
I have seen timid and flustered Overseers muttering apologies to full blown belligerent blame-shifters!
Q. What made you decide to join the Mark Degree?
A. A very well known past APGM set the seed in my head, by telling me there was much more to learn --- there still is!
Q. There is the well-known saying "it was never like this in my day ". How have things changed since you were Advanced?
A. Not too much really, I am glad to say. Most perceived changes are not changes but poor memory, I hear that phrase
and often think perhaps you were doing it incorrectly in your day!
Q. Apart from Freemasonry, what do you do to relax?
A. I still work for a living! Masonry and work leave me little time for much else. Although I do have the wife’s task
list to complete (don’t we all)
Q. It's been said that Mark Masonry is not real masonry, what are your views?
A. Mark masonry is the fourth regular step in Freemasonry. I think the brethren of some 1500 Mark Lodges in
the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons would agree with that. All Mark Men must be craft masons first, so by
joining the Mark are we any less?
Q. If you could change anything in the Mark Degree what would it be?
A. Poor ritual in our lodges.
Q. How would you describe the Mark Degree to others when recommending it?
A. It’s like starting your masonic journey again but with your eyes open this time, so much more enjoyable to
have experience behind you.
Q. What one thing do you like about the Mark Degree?
A. There is no one thing for me, I love it all. The RAM lodges moored to our Lodges are an added bonus.
Q. What one thing do you think could be done to promote the Mark Degree more?
A. The whole electronic media thing has really taken off, we have some very skilled brethren here in Essex promoting
this medium, we should use this to the full.
Q. Do you think the Mark Degree in general is going in the right direction and why?
A. Yes, I do. We are moving with the times in regard to our involvement with the electronic media. Our charity profile is
varied and involved with causes that matter to most ordinary people, and our own Essex charity initiatives are helping
with little known charities that matter to the local communities. Our closer liaison with the other Masonic Orders is
healthy and cannot be anything but helpful to all parties. We have a very forward thinking PGM who is always
looking to the future and is moving us along at a sensible pace. Change is always required to keep fresh and reinvigorated.
