Masonic Monitor of the Degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason.
by George Thornburgh.
PREFACE AND DEDICATION.
The demand of the craft throughout the State for a practical working Monitor of the three degrees, arranged in conformity with the work in this jurisdiction, culminated in the adoption, by the Grand Lodge of 1902, of the following resolution:
"Resolved, That Brother George Thornburgh be requested to prepare a Monitor which shall be adopted as the Monitor of this Grand Lodge. When the proposed Monitor is approved by the Custodians of the Work, the Grand Lecturer, and the Grand Master, the Grand Master shall be authorized to recommend it to the lodges."
This Monitor has been prepared in obedience to that resolution. The book is the child of my heart and mind. A love for the cause inspired its preparation. It goes to the craft with my earnest prayers that it may cause a more general and closer study of the beautiful ceremonies of the first three degrees, which are the foundation of all true Freemasonry. I dedicate the book to the Masons of Arkansas, who have so often and so kindly honored me above my merit.
GEO. THORNBURGH.
Little Rock, Ark, Sept. 1, 1903.
PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION
On the 20th of October, 1903, the first edition of one thousand Monitors was placed on sale. I supposed I would probably dispose of them in the course of a year, but to my surprise, by December 20 they were all sold.
I placed the second edition of one thousand on sale February 24, 1904, and by June 15 they were gone. Evidently the Monitor fills a long felt want.
It was prepared especially to conform to the work in this jurisdiction.
It may be studied with profit by every Mason, whether he be an officer or not. The youngest Entered Apprentice will find it helpful and useful in a.s.sisting him to fix upon his mind those beautiful first lessons. The officers from Master of Ceremonies to Worshipful Master will find it convenient and indispensable in the performance correctly of the beautiful ceremonies of the inst.i.tution.
I am gratified beyond expression at the cordial reception the Monitor has received from the craft.
It is commended in the highest terms by the best workers in the State.
Here are only a few of the hundreds of endors.e.m.e.nts sent me.
Grand Master Hicks: "It is the best Monitor to be found for Arkansas Masons."
Grand Lecturer Oathout had the ma.n.u.script sent to his home that he might very carefully examine it, and he wrote: "I have carefully examined the ma.n.u.script of your Monitor twice over and cheerfully give my endors.e.m.e.nt, believing it to be the best Monitor I have ever seen. I believe your work will be appreciated by the Craft in Arkansas when they examine the Monitor."
Brother G. W. DeVaughan, Custodian of the Secret Work: "I am very much pleased with it."
Brother W. M. Kent, the other custodian of the Secret Work: "Good; I want another copy."
Our Senior Past Grand Master G. A. Dannelly, who was so long the Grand Lecturer, says: "I have read it carefully. In my judgment it is the best Monitor I ever saw. I heartily congratulate you on being the author of such a book. I recommend it to all the lodges. It would be well if every member would supply himself with a copy."
Past Grand Master R. H. Taylor: "I have carefully reviewed it from opening to conclusion. It is a work of great merit, concise and clear, free and easy of style. It is not alone valuable and useful as a guide to Arkansas Masons, but to Masons everywhere. In fact if adopted by other Grand Jurisdictions, would simplify and beautify Masonic work.
Every Mason in the State should own and study the Arkansas Monitor."
Past Grand Master Sorrells, who made the motion in Grand Lodge to have the Monitor prepared, says: "I have examined it closely, and feel sure that it will meet the approbation of the Craft throughout this Jurisdiction."
Past Grand Master Bridewell: "I have examined it and find it complete.
To a newly made Mason it is indispensable, and if every one of them would get a copy immediately after their raising we would have brighter and better Masons. It would do a world of good if many of the older Masons would make it their "vade mec.u.m." You have eliminated an immense quant.i.ty of useless matter contained in most Monitors, and that which you placed in lieu is clear and easily understood. The chapters on "Laying Corner Stones," "Dedicating Lodges," "Funerals," etc., will be appreciated by all who have those services to perform."
Past Grand Master Baker: "Have examined it carefully and am well pleased. I think it conforms to the ancient usages of Masonry, and I feel sure that by the use of it we will have many more Masons in Arkansas who know something of lodge work. Every lodge ought to have at least three copies."
Past Grand Master Harry Myers: "I have carefully examined your Monitor and consider it the best for our lodges possible to get. It is concise, yet comprehensive. It takes up the work and follows it in order. No lodge should be without it. I wish every Mason in the State would possess himself of this valuable addition to Masonic literature at once."
May it do more and more good as its circulation increases and its influence widens.
GEORGE THORNBURGH, July 1, 1904. Little Rock, Arkansas
MASONIC MONITOR
OF THE DEGREES OF
Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason, together with the Ceremony of Installation, Laying Corner Stones, Dedications, Masonic Burials, Etc., Etc.
OPENING THE LODGE.
At regular meetings the lodge must be opened up in regular order and full form from the E. A. to M. M. degree.
At special meetings it need only be opened in the degree in which work is to be done.
Congregate.
The J. D. will see that the Tyler is at his station and close the door.
Purge.
One brother can not vouch for another unless he has sat in open lodge with him, or examined him by appointment of the W. M.
Tyle.
Opening Prayer.