T
he Ancient and Honourable Fraternity of Royal Ark Mariner, commonly abbreviated as RAM, has been overseen by the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons since 1871, under the governance of the Grand Master’s Royal Ark Council. The origins of this Degree, however, remain somewhat unclear. Historical records indicate that a Grand Lodge was reconstituted in 1772, and it is documented that the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons acquired the rights to the Grand Lodge of Royal Ark Mariner on June 10, 1884, for the sum of £25.
RAM Lodges are affiliated with, or “moored” to, Mark Lodges, adopting the same number on the Roll. To join, a candidate must first have been advanced to the rank of Mark Master Mason. Beyond this point, the similarities between the two end. Chronologically, the Royal Ark Mariner Degree is much older, as it centers on the narrative of Noah, the construction of the Ark, and the Great Flood—making it distinct from other Masonic characters and themes.
Chronologically, the Royal Ark Mariner Degree is much older, as it centers on the narrative of Noah, the construction of the Ark, and the Great Flood—making it distinct from other Masonic characters and themes.
Royal Ark Mariner
Within the Royal Ark Mariner Degree, there are no individual ranks in either the Provinces or the Grand Lodge. Brethren holding these positions append their names with the titles “Royal Ark Mariner Provincial Grand Rank” or “Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank.” The Grand Master of the Mark Master Masons also serves, by default, as the Grand Master of the Royal Ark Mariner Degree.
