Cheshire Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark master masons
In welcoming you to Cheshire Mark Masonry, it is with the hope that this website will be of interest to Freemasons and the merely intrigued. Within its pages, you will find a wealth of information specific to the Mark degree, its history and development throughout Cheshire, and a link to Cheshire freemasonry.
Right Worshipful Brother Gary Raymond Horstman Provincial Grand Master
Worshipful Brother John David Miller PAGDC
Deputy Provincial Grand Master
Worshipful Brother Ian James Muirhead PPrGJW Assistant Provincial Grand Master
the Mark Degree in Cheshire
The story of Mark Masonry in Cheshire is one of resilience, tradition, and growth. From its early days of independent workings in Craft Lodges and Scottish-warranted rituals, through spirited resistance to London’s authority, Cheshire carved its own path in Masonic history.
The consecration of Stamford Mark Lodge in 1872 marked a turning point, leading to the formation of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Cheshire under the leadership of Wilbraham Egerton. Today, Cheshire stands as one of the largest Mark Provinces outside London, proudly overseeing 39 Mark Lodges and 22 Royal Ark Mariner Lodges, continuing a legacy that spans more than two centuries.
Cheshire Mark Masons
Cheshire Mark Masonry has been part of this county since 1872. Over a hundred and fifty years of genuine fellowship, deeper Masonic knowledge, and real community impact that goes well beyond the lodge room.
A charitable legacy stretching back generations. A brotherhood that takes the friendly degree seriously and lives up to that name every single month. If you are a Master Mason and you are curious about what the Mark has to offer, we would genuinely love to hear from you.
Cheshire Royal Ark Mariners
The Royal Ark Mariner has been practised since 1790, making it one of the oldest degrees in Freemasonry. Built on the story of Noah and the profound themes of new beginnings, preservation, and faith under pressure, it takes what the Mark degree started and carries it somewhere deeper.
The ritual is rich, the symbolism layered, and the experience of going through it for the first time tends to stay with men long after the evening is over. In Cheshire, this degree is thriving here and the welcome is genuine. If you hold the Mark degree and you are ready to go further, this is your next step.
Charity
Friendship
Inclusivity
Fraternity
Cheshire Mark province
Over the years the lodges of Cheshire Mark Masonry have come together for some memorable occasions. From fundraising evenings and charity events that have contributed to the Mark Benevolent Fund, to visits from the Provincial team that remind every lodge it is part of something much larger than itself.
These are the moments that sit alongside the formal work of the degree and give the Province its character. Real men, real effort, real community. Take a look at some of what we have been up to.
Get In Touch
Whether you are a Master Mason curious about the Mark degree or simply want to find out more about what Cheshire Mark Masonry has to offer, the first conversation costs you nothing. Get in touch via our Contact form, explore more of the website, or speak to any Mark Mason you know in the county. We will make sure you get a genuine answer and a proper welcome.
The door is open. Come and find out what the friendly degree is really about.