1599
Edinburgh
A minute book of the Lodge of Edinburgh shows brethren adding their mark after their names. It is the earliest evidence of the Degree.
Welcome to the District of the River Plate
Mark Masonryin theRiver Plate
The District of the River Plate is the only regular Mark Masonry in Argentina, Uruguay and Chile, and is part of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of England and Wales and its Districts and Lodges Overseas.
What is Mark Masonry?
It is a Degree that continues the path of Craft Freemasonry. Here it is in a few words.
Born in the quarry
Medieval stonemasons signed each stone with their own mark. The Degree takes its name from that custom.
A lesson
Its story revolves around a rejected stone that turns out to be the most important of all: the keystone of the arch.
A fraternity
Brethren from Argentina, Uruguay and Chile who meet in their lodges and share a common path of study and friendship.
The regalia
The regalia of ordinary members consists of an apron and a breast jewel. The apron is white, with a triangular flap, bordered with a two-inch light blue ribbon edged in crimson. It bears rosettes of the same colours, while on the apron worn by Worshipful Masters and Past Masters the rosettes are replaced by silver levels.
The jewel of the Order is a keystone suspended from a ribbon matching the apron, bearing a mallet and chisel, the working tools of the Order. The story of the keystone, with its characters, is an integral part of the ceremony.
Your path, step by step
This is how a brother progresses in the Mark. The last step is optional and belongs to a subsequent Degree.
Requirement: the Mark Master Mason Degree is open to Master Masons of regular Constitutions.
1
Master Mason
A member of a Grand Lodge recognised as regular by the United Grand Lodge of England.
2
Mark Man
The first part of the advancement ceremony, in which the brother receives his own mark.
3
Mark Master Mason
The second part of the same ceremony. He is now a member of a Mark Lodge.
4
OptionalRoyal Ark Mariner
A subsequent Degree, reserved for Mark Master Masons. It is conferred in the Royal Ark Mariner lodge moored to his own.
The Mark and the Royal Ark
First the Mark Degree. Then, if he wishes, that of Royal Ark Mariner.
The District today
15Mark Lodges
7Royal Ark Mariner Lodges
3Countries: Argentina, Uruguay and Chile
More than 400 years of history
1769
Portsmouth
Thomas Dunckerley makes several brethren Mark Master Masons in Royal Arch Chapter No. 257. It is the earliest English record of the Degree.
1856
The Grand Lodge is born
First meeting of the Mark Grand Lodge, with Lord Leigh as Grand Master. The District of the River Plate belongs to that Grand Lodge today.
1871
Royal Ark
The Royal Ark Mariners come under the jurisdiction of the Mark Grand Lodge. That is why every Royal Ark Mariner lodge in the District is moored to a Mark Lodge.
2018
Córdoba
Consecration of the temple and of Southern Keystone Lodge No. 2005 in Córdoba.
2019
Mendoza and Uruguay
La Cantera No. 2006 is consecrated in Mendoza, and Silver River Lodge No. 628 is installed again in Uruguay.
2023
Rosario
With Rosario Keystone No. 2052, the Mark returns to Rosario after 41 years.
Frequently asked questions
If you have any other questions, write to us and we will answer.
Who can join?
Any Master Mason who belongs to a Grand Lodge recognised as regular by the United Grand Lodge of England.
Why "advanced" rather than "initiated"?
Because the Mark continues a path that has already begun. The advancement ceremony has two parts: first the brother becomes a Mark Man, and then a Mark Master Mason.
How is it related to the Royal Ark?
To become a Royal Ark Mariner, a brother must be a Mark Master Mason. Each Royal Ark Mariner lodge is moored to a Mark Lodge and bears the same number.
Where do the lodges meet?
There are lodges in Buenos Aires, Rosario, Córdoba and Mendoza, in Uruguay and in Chile. We will put you in touch with the nearest one.
How do I request information?
Fill in the contact form, stating your Grand Lodge and your Craft lodge.
Your mark awaits
Tell us where you are and which lodge you belong to. We will put you in touch with brethren near you.
Contact the District