Our Origins: The Seeds of Mark Masonry
The journey of Mark Masonry in South East Asia is a story of dedication, vision, and enduring fraternity. A prediction of its spread to the region dates to 3 May 1856, but it would be another thirty years before the vision took root.
- Gottlieb Mark Lodge No. 382 E.C., Penang — 1 Jul 1887.
- Edaljee Khory No. 436 E.C., Singapore — 7 Aug 1891.
- Batu Bertanda Mark Lodge No. 609 E.C., Selangor — 31 Mar 1910.
- Perak Mark Lodge No. 663 E.C., Ipoh — Nov 1916.
With four active lodges, a Warrant to form a Mark District was issued on 14 Nov 1917, marking a major step forward for the Craft in Malaya.
The Vision for a Sovereign Grand Lodge
The dream of an independent Grand Lodge was championed by M. W. Bro. Ir. Cheah Kok Cheong (“K.C.”), the 11th and final English District Grand Master. His leadership ignited enthusiasm across the region. With the vital assistance of M. W. Bro. Dr. Khoo Boo Khean, a petition was prepared and presented to the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of England, paving the way to sovereignty.
The Founding: A New Era Begins (2012)
On Friday, 27 July 2012, at the Read Masonic Centre in Kuala Lumpur, the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of South East Asia was formally constituted. M. W. Bro. K.C. Cheah was installed as the inaugural Grand Master in a grand ceremony, witnessed by delegations from Australia, New Zealand, Scotland, India, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka and beyond.
- Gottlieb Lodge of Mark Master Masons No. 1 S.E.A.C.
- Batu Bertanda Lodge of Mark Master Masons No. 2 S.E.A.C.
- Perak Mark Lodge No. 3 S.E.A.C.
- Malacca Mark Lodge No. 4 S.E.A.C.
- Sabah Mark Lodge No. 5 S.E.A.C.
- Batu Utama Lodge of Mark Master Masons No. 6 S.E.A.C.
Continued Growth and Leadership
Under M. W. Bro. K.C. Cheah, the Grand Lodge prospered. New Mark and RAM lodges were consecrated throughout the region — Johor, Sabah, Kedah, Kuantan and Thailand — reflecting the Craft’s renewed vitality.
The fraternity mourned his sudden passing on 9 Jan 2020. In a time of challenge, M. W. Bro. Dr. Khoo Boo Khean was elected Grand Master on 8 Mar 2020 and installed on 4 Jul 2020 in an innovative virtual ceremony during the pandemic.
- Wisma Mark Masons & Dewan K.C. Cheah dedicated on 20 Nov 2020, providing a permanent home and memorial to our founder.
- Establishment of a non-Masonic Scholarship Fund.
- Updated Grand Lodge Constitution & Regulations.
Today
Today, GLMMMSEA oversees 13 Mark Lodges and 12 Royal Ark Mariner Lodges, under the leadership of M.W. Bro. Ong Tee Chew, with a growing and vibrant membership. We honour our past, celebrate our present, and look forward to a future built on Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.