I would echo the advice not to be pulled in to too many side Degrees, too soon.. First start to understand the Craft Degrees. These are the vital building blocks of everything else. You are not "less of a Mason" because you don't happen to be in Chapter, or KT's or Red Cross. And you are not "more of a Mason" because you are in Secret Monitor or Rose Croix, etc.

All Degrees have useful moral lessons to teach. But no Degree is "more important" than another. And there is nothing sadder than a Bro's Craft Lodge attendance falling off because he is "too busy" in other Degrees.

If you have decided on an interest in Mark, don't be put off by the detractors. Not being in the Mark is their loss.

Roy L.

"SELUME PROFERRE"

I have since read some very good histories of the degree, one such written by the past PGM of the Mark degree in Wiltshire. It is by no means a fun nor frivolous as others have already pointed out. It may be slightly more relaxed in character but by no means less important in its teachings.

The Border Lodge 3129, Wiltshire

Hear, hear! If I was to be asked to recommend an order to join things after Craft (and this is a personal opinion), it would be Mark, Chapter, and Cryptic (Royal and Select in England). That way you complete the Hiramic Legend. If you still have the time, inclination (and money) after that, whatever takes your fancy. Some may fancy the "Christian" Degrees such as KT's or Rose Croix, others the more secular such as Allied Degrees or Royal Order of Scotland. I stress that there are no Degrees (except Craft) more important than any other. You are not less of a Mason because you are not in this or that, any more than you are more of a Mason because you are.

Roy L.

"SELUME PROFERRE"

This will vary depending on the 'ladder' in one's lodge, and is also a matter of personal choice, however, I really wouldn't rush to join other degree's - its a journey not a race

Plus, KT isn't really my thing, I'm not a christian so am not permitted to join under UGLE

No. In order to join KT in England or Scotland, you must be a member of Royal Arch Chapter. You do not have to be a Mark Mason in England in order to join Chapter. In Scotland the Mark Degree is a Chapter Degree, and is the first of the three Chapter Degrees you will go through upon joining a Scottish Chapter. It is also given in Craft Lodges by arrangement with the Supreme Grand Chapter of Scotland. In Scotland a Mason is not considered "complete" until he is a Mark Mason.

My advice (assuming you are in an English Craft Lodge) is,"Take your time". It is not a case of "staying with Craft for a couple of years before moving on." The Craft is a permanent part of your future with Masonry and the most important. Not something you have to do to do something else, and can then drop.

Some members never join anything else but Craft. Others feel you should go through the Chair of your Craft Lodge before going on to anything else. I think you need some advice from your proposer and/or seconder/Lodge Mentor.

Roy L.

"SELUME PROFERRE"

As advised RA is required for KT, and at time of joining you need to be a subscribing member of a UGLE craft lodge, you also need to be a trinitarian christian to join KT in England