The Royal Ark Mariner degree is one of the
oldest, if not the oldest, rite in Masonry. As its name suggests, it is based on the
legend of Noah and the Great deluge, an event of such importance as to have impressed
itself on the religious dogmas and rites of all the nations which have succeeded it.
We find allusions to it in the annals of every people, and some memorial of it in
their religious observances. These have served to maintain a veneration for the
second parent of the human race, and a great reverence for his historical vessel.The
ceremony of elevation into the Antient and Honourable Fraternity of Royal Ark Mariners is
a truly initiatory rite. As in the Craft it is based on the triumvirate of wisdom,
strength and beauty, but in this instance, refers particularly to the wisdom of Noah in
constructing the Ark, his strength of character and the beauty of his workmanship. But
there are other significant messages, and even for the experienced Mason, a powerful
reminder of our reliance on a spiritual as well as material enlightenment.
The presiding officer in a Royal Ark Mariner Lodge is the Commander and the ceremony of
his installation, or enthronement, is widely considered to be one of the most impressive
in all Masonry.
Currently there are 38 Royal Ark Mariner Lodges established within Victoria, of which
20 meet in the metropolitan area and 18 in country centres. A 39th lodge meets in
Hobart, Tasmania. As in England, the fraternity is administered by the Mark Degree,
and the office of Grand Commander is filled by the incumbent Grand Master of Mark Master
Masons of Victoria, who presides over the Royal Ark Council and is assisted at
enthronement ceremonies by a team of specially appointed Grand Mark officers. As in
the Mark Degree, all enthronement ceremonies are conducted each year by the Grand
Commander or his appointed representative.
The rainbow ribbon which decorates the regalia of the degree provides a colourful
spectacle to all its ceremonies. But despite its great age, it is essentially a thinking
man's degree, conducted in a friendly, intimate and rewarding atmosphere. Prior
membership of the Mark degree is a mandatory requirement for elevation.
