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[Illustration: GEORGE THORNBURGH]




    MASONIC MONITOR

    OF THE DEGREES OF

    Entered Apprentice, Fellow
    Craft and Master Mason

    TOGETHER WITH THE

    Ceremony of Installation, Laying
    Corner Stones, Dedications,
    Masonic Burial, Etc.

    BY

    GEORGE THORNBURGH

    P. G. M., and Custodian of the Secret Work

    COPYRIGHT 1903, BY
    GEORGE THORNBURGH
    LITTLE ROCK, ARK.




CONTENTS.


    Order of Business.

    Masonic Dates.

    Opening Prayer and Charge.

    Closing Prayer and Charge.

    Closing Ceremonies.

    Entered Apprentice.

    Fellow Craft.

    Master Mason.

    Grand Honors and Reception of Visitors.

    Election and Installation.

    Instituting Lodge.

    Constituting Lodge.

    Laying Corner Stone.

    Dedication of Hall.

    Funerals.

    Lodge of Sorrow.




ORDER OF BUSINESS.


At stated communications:

First. Reading the minutes.

Second. Considering unfinished business.

Third. Receiving and referring petitions.

Fourth. Receiving report of committees.

Fifth. Balloting for candidates.

Sixth. Receiving and considering resolutions.

Seventh. Conferring degrees.

At called meetings no business should be taken up except that for which
the meeting was called.

The 24th of June and 27th of December are regular meetings, but it is
not best to take up routine business. Let it be a celebration, and not a
business session.




TO FIND AND WRITE MASONIC DATES.


=Lodge.=--(Anno Lucis--the year of light). Add 4,000 to the common year;
thus, for 1903, write: A. L. 5903.

=Chapter=.--(Anno Inventionis--the year of discovery). Add 530 to the
common year.

=Council.=--(Anno Depositionis--the year of deposit). Add 1,000 to the
common year.

=Commandery.=--(Anno Ordinis--the year of the order). Subtract 1,118
from the common year.




Certificate and Recommendation


This is to Certify that we have examined the manuscript of the Monitor,
prepared by Bro. George Thornburgh, and we approve the same.

    GEORGE THORNBURGH,   }
    W. M. KENT,          } Custodians.
    GEORGE W. DEVAUGHAN, }

    J. M. OATHOUT, Grand Lecturer.

    JOHN T. HICKS, Grand Master.

            ------------

    Little Rock, Ark., August 19, 1903.

_Office of the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge F. and A. M. of
Arkansas_:

This Monitor, prepared by Past Grand Master George Thornburgh,
having been approved by the Custodians of the Work, the Grand
Lecturer and myself, I do recommend the use of the same to all
the lodges in Arkansas.

    JOHN T. HICKS,
        GRAND MASTER.




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 assisting 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 institution.

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 endorsements sent me.

Grand Master Hicks: "It is the best Monitor to be found for Arkansas
Masons."

Grand Lecturer Oathout had the manuscript sent to his home that he might
very carefully examine it, and he wrote: "I have carefully examined the
manuscript of your Monitor twice over and cheerfully give my
endorsement, 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 mecum.' You have eliminated an immense
quantity 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.

Most holy and glorious Lord God, the great Architect of the universe,
the giver of all good gifts and graces! In Thy name we have assembled
and in Thy name we desire to proceed in all our doings. Grant that the
sublime principles of Freemasonry may so subdue every discordant passion
within us, so harmonize and enrich our hearts with Thine own love and
goodness, that the Lodge at this time may humbly reflect that order and
beauty which reign forever before Thy throne! Amen!

Response: So mote it be!

Or,

Almighty and merciful God, hear us with indulgence, have pity for our
weakness, and aid us with Thy strength. Help us to perform all our
duties--to ourselves, to other men, and to Thee. Let the great flood of
Masonic light flow over the world. Pardon us when we offend. When we go
astray, lead us back to the true path; and help our feeble efforts to
remove all obstacles to the final triumph of the great law of love; and,
having faithfully performed our duty here below, wilt Thou receive us
into Thy Celestial Lodge above, that house not made with hands, eternal
in the heavens. Amen!

Response: So mote it be!


Closing Prayer.

Extemporaneous, or the following:

Supreme Architect of the Universe, accept our hearty thanks for the many
mercies and blessings which Thy bounty has conferred upon us, and
especially for this social intercourse with our brethren. Pardon, we
beseech Thee, whatever Thou has seen amiss in us, and continue to us Thy
protection and blessing. Make us sensible of our obligations to serve
Thee, and may all our actions tend to Thy glory and our advancement in
knowledge and virtue. Grant that the world--the little circle in which
we move--may be better and happier for our having lived in it, and may
we practice that Charity which is the bond of peace and the perfection
of every virtue. Amen!

Response: So mote it be!

This charge may be used at closing:

Brethren: We are now about to quit this sacred retreat of friendship and
virtue to mix again with the world. Amidst its concerns and employments,
forget not the duties which you have heard so frequently inculcated and
so forcibly, recommended in this lodge. Be diligent, prudent, temperate,
discreet. Remember that around this altar you have promised to befriend
and relieve every brother who shall need your assistance. You have
promised, in the most friendly manner, to remind him of his errors and
to aid his reformation. These generous principles are to extend further:
Every human being has a claim upon your kind offices. Do good unto all.
Recommend it more especially to the "household of the faithful."
Finally, brethren, be ye all of one mind; live in peace; and may the God
of Love and Peace delight to dwell with and bless you. Amen!

Response: So mote it be!


Benediction.


May the blessing of heaven rest upon us and all regular Masons! May
brotherly love prevail and every moral and social virtue cement us.
Amen!

Response: So mote it be!

    W. M.--"Brother S. W., how should Masons meet?"

    S. W.--"Upon the level of equality."

    W. M.--"Brother J. W., how act?"

    J. W.--"Upon the plumb of rectitude."

    W. M.--"And part upon the square of morality. So may we ever
    meet, act and part, until we meet in the celestial lodge above."




ENTERED APPRENTICE.


S. D.: Mr. ----, we have learned from the declaration, over your
signature, contained in your petition, somewhat of your motives in
applying for admission into our ancient and honorable Fraternity; but,
in order that you may not be misled as to the character or the purpose
of the ceremonies in which you are about to engage, the Lodge addresses
to you these preliminary words:

Freemasonry is far removed from all that is trivial, selfish and
ungodly. Its structure is built upon the everlasting foundation of that
God-given law--the Brotherhood of Man, in the family whose Father is
God. Our ancient and honorable Fraternity welcomes to its doors and
admits to its privileges worthy men of all creeds and of every race, but
insists that all men shall stand upon an exact equality, and receive its
instructions in a spirit of due humility, emphasizing in demeanor, in
conduct, in ceremony and in language the helpless, groping nature of man
at his birth and his needs of reliance upon Divine guidance through all
the transactions of life. You will here be taught to divest your mind
and conscience of all the vices and superfluities of life, and the Lodge
into which you are now to be admitted expects you to divest yourself of
all those worldly distinctions and equipments which are not in keeping
with the humble, reverent and childlike attitude it is now your duty to
assume, as all have done who have gone this way before you.

(Every candidate, previous to his reception, is required to give his
free and full assent to the following interrogatories propounded by the
S. D., in a room adjacent to the Lodge).

Do you seriously declare, upon your honor, that, unbiased by the
improper solicitation of friends, and uninfluenced by mercenary motives,
you freely and voluntarily offer yourself a candidate for the mysteries
of Freemasonry?

Do you seriously declare, upon your honor, that you are prompted to
solicit the privileges of Freemasonry by a favorable opinion conceived
of the institution, a desire for knowledge, and a sincere wish of being
serviceable to your fellow-creatures?

Do you seriously declare, upon your honor, that you will cheerfully
conform to all the ancient usages and established customs of the
Fraternity?

(Let there be no levity--but dignity and decorum.)


FIRST SECTION.

    The preparation to which the candidate must submit before
    entering the Lodge serves allegorically to teach him, as well as
    to remind the brethren who are present, that it is the man
    alone, divested of all the outward recommendations of rank,
    state, or riches, that Masonry accepts, and that it is his
    spiritual and moral worth alone which can open for him the door
    of the Masonic Temple.


Reception.

[Illustration]

    *    *    *

    Let no man enter upon any great or important undertaking without
    first invoking the aid of Deity.

    *    *    *


Prayer.

Vouchsafe Thine aid, Almighty Father of the Universe, to this our
present convention; and grant that this candidate for Masonry may
dedicate and devote his life to Thy service, and become a true and
faithful brother among us. Endue him with a competency of Thy divine
wisdom, that by the influence of the pure principles of our Fraternity
he may be better enabled to display the beauties of holiness, to the
honor of Thy holy name. Amen!

Response: So mote it be!

[Illustration: TRUST in GOD.]

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together
in unity.

It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the
beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments.

As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains
of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for
evermore.--133d Psalm.

[Illustration]

    In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the
    earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the
    face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of
    the waters. And God said, Let there be light, and there was
    light.

[Illustration]

    The three Great Lights in Masonry are the Holy Bible, the Square
    and the Compasses, and are thus explained:

    The Holy Bible is given us as the rule and guide for our faith
    and practice, the Square to square our actions, and the
    Compasses to circumscribe our desires and keep our passions in
    due bounds with all mankind, especially the brethren.

    The three Lesser Lights are the Sun, Moon and Master of the
    Lodge, and are thus explained:

    As the Sun rules the day and the Moon governs the night, so
    should the Worshipful Master, with equal regularity, endeavor to
    rule and govern the Lodge.

    The Representatives of the three Lesser Lights are three burning
    tapers, placed in a triangular form about the altar.

    *    *    *

[Illustration]

=The Lamb-Skin or White Leathern Apron= is an emblem of innocence
and the badge of a Mason; more ancient than the Golden Fleece; more
honorable than the Star and Garter, or any other order that can be
conferred upon you at this or any future period by King, Prince or
Potentate, or any other person except he be a Mason and in the body
of a lodge. I trust