Preface to First Edition

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The want of a Monitor for the Capitular degrees, conforming to the work and lectures as practiced in the jurisdiction of Maine, has long been felt, and in 1884 Grand High Priest SLEEPER recommended that a "committee be authorized to prepare a text book which should contain lectures and monitorial instruction in agreement with our ritual, a digest of decisions, and as much masonic law and jurisprudence as may be thought necessary for the proper instruciton of the officers of our chapters," and his recommendation was adopted.

The committee entered upon its duties immediately, but the work proving more laborious than was anticipated, and the time of the committee being largely occupied in professional business, it could not complete until now.

In the compilation of the present volume the committee has endeavored to give a faithful outline of the ritual adopted by the Grand Chapter in 1884.

The publications of the following authors have also been used in its preparation, viz:

all of which, or similar works, it has been necessary heretofore for a High Priest elect to possess and study before he was qualified for installation.

The committee also acknowledges its indebtedness to Comp. MARQUIS F. KING, P.G.K., who prepared Part III, relating to the Order of HIgh Priesthood, and the aid received in preparation of Part IV, from the "Digest of Decisions," prepared aby Comp. HORACE H. BURBANK and published in 1882.

After full consideration it was deemed unnecessary to include in this volume a Code of Procedure in cases of discipline, in as much as the forms and directions in the Maine Masonic Text Book, witth merely verbal changes, may be followed with entire safety.

It was also found that the general expectation has been, that not merely a Digest of Decisions but a Digest of the enacted law, was to be given. The original plan has therefore been varied accordingly.

Trusting that "The Maine Royal Arch Text Book" will fully meet the wants heretofore existing, it is respectfully submitted to the favorable consideration of the Royal Craft in Maine.

FRANK E. SLEEPER

JOSIAH H. DRUMMOND

April 20, 1889

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Preface to Second Edition

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In accordance with the vote of the Grand Chapter at its annual convocation, May 5, 1903, the undersigned was appointed by the Grand High Priest to prepare a new edition of the Maine Royal Arch Text Book. In doing so, his aim has been to make the historical matter of the Introduction correct to the present time and to make such changes in the digest as are necessitated by the amendments and the decisions which have been adopted since the date of the first edition. In a few paragraphs, also, the wording has been changed for the sake of compactness and brevity.

The result of these labors is now submitted with the hope that it will be satisfactory to all who make use of it.

HERBERT HARRIS

November 5, 1903



Preface to Third Edition

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The second edition of the Maine Royal Arch Text Book being nearly exhausted, I was authorized by Grand Chapter to make such changes in the monitorial divisions as might seem necessary, and to bring the Digest to date, eliminating any decisions which have been obsolete and adding all that have been approved since the earlier editions. I sincerely hope my efforts will prove of essential service to the craft.

THOMAS H. BODGE

Augusta, January 1, 1925



Preface to Fourth Edition

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The adoption of the Amendments to the Constitution and By-laws by vote on May 4, 1949, of necessity called for the revision of teh Text Book.

The "Digest of Decisions" has been brought up to date, eliminating any decisions which have become obsolete and adding all that have been approved.

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We are indebted to Companion HENRY R. GILLIS, Past Grand High Priest, for his services so freely given in tthe preparation of the "Digest of Decisions" as well as for the work he had rendered in preparaing the Constitution and By-laws.

CONVERS E. LEACH

Grand Secretary

Portland, May 4, 1949



Preface to Fifth Edition

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A new supply of the Constitution, By-laws, Jurisprudence, and Digest being required, it was decided that a complete review of the book should be undertaken.

Thus this edition includes an alphabetical and numerical index for easier reference; a clearer article-section numbering system; clear definitive titles; clearer explanation of the duties and responsiblilities of Standing Committees; detailed duties of Special Committees; added clarity by placing in sequence paragraphs previously widely separated; indenting sub-paragraphs for easier reading; and eliminating from the Digest such information as was duplicated in the Constitutionn and in the By-laws. The Constitution of the Order of High Priesthood has been brought up to date.

KENNETH R. AVERILL

ROGER W. STAPLES

MILLARD A. TRIPP

May 3, 1986



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