Chapter 1

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.

* * *

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!

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.

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.

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.

* * *

=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 you will wear it with equal pleasure to yourself and honor to the fraternity.

* * *

The following may be used:

It may be that, in the coming years, upon your head may rest the laurel wreaths of victory; pendant from your breast may hang jewels fit to grace the diadem of an Eastern potentate; nay, more than these, with light added to the coming light, your ambitious feet may tread round after round of the ladder that leads to fame in our mystic circle, and even the purple of the Fraternity may rest upon your honored shoulders; but never again from mortal hands, never again until your enfranchised spirit shall have passed upward and inward through the pearly gates, shall any honor so distinguished, so emblematical of purity and all perfections, be conferred upon you as this which I now bestow. It is yours; yours to wear throughout an honorable life, and at your death to be deposited upon the coffin which shall inclose your lifeless remains, and with them laid beneath the clods of the valley.

Let its pure and spotless surface be to you an ever-present reminder of a "purity of life and rectitude of conduct," a never-ending argument for nobler deeds, for higher thoughts, for greater achievements. And when at last your weary feet shall have come to the end of life's toilsome journey, and from your nerveless grasp shall drop forever the working tools of life, may the record of your life and actions be as pure and spotless as this fair emblem which I place in your hands; and when your trembling soul shall stand naked and alone before the Great White Throne, there to receive judgment for the deeds done while here in the body, may it be your portion to hear from Him who sitteth as the Judge Supreme the welcome words: "Well done, good and faithful servant! Thou hast been faithful over a few things; I will make thee ruler over many things! Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."

* * *

Working Tools.

The Working Tools of Entered Apprentice are the Twenty-four-Inch Gauge and the Common Gavel.

The Twenty-four-inch Gauge is an instrument used by operative masons to measure and lay out their work; but we, as Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to use it for the more noble and glorious purpose of dividing our time. It being divided into twenty-four equal parts, is emblematical of the twenty-four hours of the day, which we are taught to divide into three equal parts, whereby are found eight hours for the service of God and a distressed worthy brother, eight for our usual vocations, and eight for refreshment and sleep.

The Common Gavel is an instrument used by operative masons to break off the corners of rough stones, the better to fit them for the builder's use; but we, as Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to use it for the more noble and glorious purpose of divesting our hearts and consciences of all the vices and superfluities of life, thereby fitting our minds, as living stones, for that spiritual building--that house not made with hands--eternal in the heavens.

* * *

Reinvested.

Northeast Corner.

* * * an upright man and Mason, and I give it you strictly in charge ever to walk and act as such before God and man.

SECOND SECTION.

This section accounts, rationally for the ceremonies of initiation. Containing almost entirely esoteric work, it cannot be written. The Master should not only familiarize himself with it, but he should also diligently learn and explain to the candidate each truth symbolized by each step of the ceremonies through which he has just passed.

* * *

Offensive or Defensive.

At the building of King Solomon's Temple there was not heard the sound of axe, hammer or any tool of iron. The question naturally arises, How could so stupendous an edifice be erected without the aid of those implements? The stones were hewn, squared and numbered in the quarries where they were raised; the timbers were felled and prepared in the forests of Lebanon, conveyed in floats by sea to Joppa, and thence by land to Jerusalem, where they were set up by the aid of wooden implements prepared for that purpose; so that every part of the building, when completed, fitted with such exact nicety that it resembled the handiwork of the Supreme Architect of the Universe more than that of human hands.

* * *

Masonry regards no man for his worldly wealth or honors; it is therefore the internal and not the external qualifications of the man that recommend him to become a Mason.

* * *

In the fourth chapter of the book of Ruth we read: "Now this was the manner in former times concerning redeeming and changing; for to confirm all things, a man plucked off his shoe and gave it to his neighbor; and this was a testimony in Israel." * * *

Cable----.

* * *

Hood----.

* * *

K--no--ks.

* * *

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you."

* * *

Before entering upon any great or important undertaking, we ought always to invoke the aid of Deity.

* * *

Trust in God.

* * *

The Left Side.

* * *

The Right Hand, by our ancient brethren, was deemed the seat of fidelity. The ancients worshiped a deity named Fides, sometimes represented by two right hands joined, at others by two human figures holding each other by the right hand.

* * *

The Lamb has in all ages been deemed an emblem of innocence. The lambskin is therefore to remind you of that purity of life and conduct which is so essentially necessary to your gaining admission to the Celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides.

Northeast Corner.

It is customary at the erection of all Masonic edifices to lay the first or foundation stone in the northeast corner of the building. The first instructions which the candidate receives symbolizes the cornerstone, and on it he constructs the moral and Masonic temple of his life.

THIRD SECTION.

This section explains the manner of constituting and the proper authority for holding a Lodge. Here, also, we learn where lodges were anciently held, their Form, Support, Covering, Furniture, Ornaments, Lights and Jewels, how situated, and to whom dedicated, as well in former times as at present.

A Lodge.

A Lodge is an assemblage of Masons, duly congregated, having Holy Bible, Square and Compasses, and a dispensation or charter, authorizing them to work.

Ancient Lodges--Where Held.

Our ancient brethren held their Lodges on high hills or in low vales, the better to observe the approach of cowans and eavesdroppers, ascending or descending.

Lodge meetings at the present day are usually held in upper chambers--probably for the security which such places afford. This custom may have had its origin in a practice observed by the ancient Jews of building their temples, schools and synagogues on high hills, a practice which seems to have met the approbation of the Almighty, who said unto the Prophet Ezekiel, "Upon the top of the mountain, the whole limit thereof round about shall be most holy."

Form and Dimension.