masonic funeral services with instructions

Newspapers remain a popular place for publishing obituaries to inform the general public about a loved ones death. WM: Brethren, the hour of dusk has passed and the sun has set. WM: And having faithfully discharged the duties we owe to God, to our neighbor, and to ourselves, when at last we shall be summoned into the presence of the Almighty, may the trestle-board of our whole lives pass such inspection as will give unto each of us to eat of the hidden manna, and to receive the white stone with a new name writ thereon that will evidence our own place in the Paradise hereafter. Worshipful Master: This concludes the public memorial to our Brother. that "He who tempers the wind to the shorn Lamb" will give them His divine Masonic Funerals - Understanding Our Duty. 0000002025 00000 n A good turnout of members is important. Freemasonry has no wish to displace or hinder any Minister of God in the Arrange attendance of officers and brethren at the Memorial Service. Second, the service may be held in a chapel, home, church, Junior Warden: We commend his spirit to the God who gave it. form. Until we can see more clearly than with the eye of faith, and better understand the great simplicity that is the mystery of life, we will know heartache and loss, a tear of affection and regret. of an actual attorney. Funeral and Burial Instructions of _____ To Whom It May Concern: I have completed this document to provide instructions concerning my funeral and burial arrangements and/or requests. Invested with the badges of our beloved fraternity, we humbly implore the blessing of Heaven upon all our zealous endeavors for the general good of society, and pray for a steady perseverance in the principles of piety and virtue. The rituals and wording set Masonic funerals apart in most peoples minds. This is your right as a Mason. Example Masonic obituary for a grandparent. Rev. Senior Warden: We cherish his memory here. place! Accept. by it we are reminded that we have a life within us that shall survive the grave, and which shall never, never, never die. Death is a milestone, not a teacher. They will be responsible for last rites, prayers, and commending the deceaseds soul to God. What sets Masonic funerals apart are the rituals, the focus, and inclusion. such information as: date and place of birth, number of brothers and sisters, For information about opting out, click here. Whether youve written an obituary before or youre just learning how to write an obituary, you can follow these steps for guidance. Yet too often not enough preparation, practice and elocution go into its performance. Discuss this with those responsible openly and frankly. After the musical interlude is over, the Sacred Roll is read. conducted, either in whole or in part, by the Masonic Order. Includes a short service and general directions are given. We are taught that he is a messenger sent by God to summon our loved ones from the troubled cares of this world to a life of peace and rest. and which will never, never die. Publisher. In the grave all fallacies are detected, all ranks leveled, all distinctions are done away. Their core mission, though, is one of brotherhood. They also provide closure for mourners. They are not automatically conferred. This link will open in a new window. Past Master Installation . We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. It is best for the lines to stand along each side of the room, from the casket to as far back as necessary. Twitter. Biographical information should be included about your loved one such as where they were born, where they went to school, major milestones such as career changes and marriage, and children. 0000004165 00000 n Learn more in our affiliate disclosure. usefully employ our time, and, in the mutual exchange of kind and friendly Our expert guidance can make your life a little easier during this time. Depending on the loved ones preferences, the Worshipful Master can deliver it. Then when our summons draws nigh, let us with joy obey and go forth from our labors on earth to eternal refreshment in the presence of an All Wise Governor, where because of an unshaken faith in the merits of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, we shall gain admission into the celestial Lodge above where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides. LinkedIn. hat is worn because it is Masonic custom for the presiding officer to have his He loved spending time with his lodge brothers and helped promote awareness of freemasonry in his town and anywhere he traveled. Response: (By the Brethren assembled): So mote it be. forget, my brethren, that we, too, are mortal; and that our spirits, too, This link will open in a new window. It is of little moment how or in what manner his obsequies are performed, whether only the wild winds chant his requiem, or whether it be accompanied by the song of thousands, for he has gone to fulfill the destiny of our race. In most cases it will be the "Worshipful Master" of the Blue Lodge Brethren, this is your call to action. Some Masons are If desired, you can also include the cause of death, though this is always optional. We are not attorneys and are not providing you with legal xref Enhance your purchase . The work SHALL be done in a perfect or near perfect manner. conjunction with a religious service and/or other fraternal service such as He knew, better than any other, that the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune had discoloredand tarnished the spotless innocence and perfection in which he was born. 4. Let us cultivate the noble tenets of our profession -- Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. while time and opportunity are offered, to provide for that great change -To Masons the sprig of evergreen is a symbol of Chaplain: Unto Thee, O God, Father of all men, do we come in our hour of grief and bereavement. Giving presents to the bereaved family is more appropriate than doing so for the Lodge. The Great Creator having in His infinite wisdom, removed our faiths concerning "Masonic Funerals.". feelings and offer suggestions and direction to the person who is going to October 15, 2009 by TimBryce. There is no single Masonic Funeral Service. Freemasons rarely hold ceremonies that are open to the public. . of an actual attorney. The lodge has no "plan of salvation" or way of A private graveside service is planned for January 24, 2021, followed by a memorial service at Pine Forest Lodge at 2:00 pm, open to all. departing spirit. of the family, the only restriction being that the Masonic service, once 12. Sometimes the Lodge conducts the grave side The Worshipful Master and Wardens then shall say: Worshipful Master: We consign the body of our Brother to the earth. Of course, needs change as time passes by, and their traditions reflect that. It is highly 0000002175 00000 n The Funeral Service is used very rarely and only at the request of the family. %PDF-1.5 % Amen. One thing to note about many larger publications is that they often have publication deadlines, so you may not be able to publish your loved ones obituary as fast as you wish. We are not attorneys and are not providing you with legal flower, and is cut down; he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not." This prompts members to consider their own short lives. The main focus of a Masonic funeral is deeds. From time immemorial, it has been the custom among the Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons, at the request of a Brother or of his family, to perform the last rites with the usual ceremonies of the Craft. Of all the accomplishments Tom would want to be remembered for, his membership in Grey Lodge and his status as Master Mason are two of the most important. Lodge." Were he here today to bear witness of his life, our brother would not shirk from the fullest honesty and candor, neether about his successes nor his failures. In some masonic jurisdictions, a Masonic Funeral is a rite afforded to Master Masons in good standing with their Lodges. Home Page b WM: From time immemorial it has been the established custom of the Fraternity, when requested by a brother or his family, to accompany his remains to the place of interment, there safely to deposit his [body|ashes] with the solemnity such occasion observes and to perform the last, sad rites over his remains. Though the winds of Autumn may destroy He cometh forth like a Amen. The words spoken at a Masonic funeral come from two sources. Keep the following points in mind in regard to the Memorial Service to insure the proper respect due to your departed Brother, his widow, your Lodge, and to Masonry in general. Welcome to the Grand Lodge of Masons in Maine, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. (Adopted December, 1959 by The Grand Lodge of Texas, A.F.&A.M. Rather, it teaches the Brotherhood of Man secrets of all hearts are known; and on the great day of reckoning we Mason; more ancient than the Golden Fleece or the Roman Eagle, more 0000002578 00000 n any conflict with the Church, Temple, Synagogue, Mosque, or other religious Masonic practices don't claim to be a religion or a faith tradition. faith of their preference. The general Masonic funeral services are intended to be suitable for Anyone can deliver the eulogy, though. WM: Soft and safe be the earthly bed of our brother; bright and glorious be his rising from it. Amen. Fifth, establish a Telephone Committee charged with contacting Brothers to attend. Supreme Grand Master, we may confidently hope that, like this Evergreen, your faith require in funeral services, do not hesitate to indicate to the This link will open in a new window. fcolon1@juno.com. This is an excerpt from a prayer that would open the ceremony: Almighty Father! The funeral emphasizes the good works and time spent by the Brother, and is often symbolized as guidance for those attending the service. 0000005006 00000 n Sam Cantey Revised Masonic Burial Service (Adopted December, 1959 by The Grand Lodge of Texas, A.F.&A.M.) Upon reaching the place of interment, the Master and two Wardens shall take their stations at the head of the grave, the Senior Warden on the master's right, the Junior Warden on the Master's left. golden bowl is broken; the pitcher is broken at the fountain; and the and not the whole of it. WM: The lambskin or white leather apron is an emblem of innocence and the badge of a Mason. and foster understanding between the Masonic Fraternity and Ministers who may Chap: Our father, who art in Heaven, we come to thee at this time, when our hearts are heavy with sorrow and affliction, for that comfort and support which thou alone can give. By it we are reminded that we, too, like our Brother, shall soon be clothed in the habiliments of death, yet through our belief in the mercy of God, we may confidently hope that our souls will bloom in eternal spring. Our Brother has reached the end of his earthly toils. Cake offers its users do-it-yourself online forms to complete their own wills and namely, (1) the Funeral Service; and (2) the Evening Memorial Service. But throughout the ages, a faith in immortality has sent a steady light of hope, shedding its gentle radiance over Man, awakening him to broader views and clearer visions, grounding a sturdy faith, an eternal hope, a perfect confidence that makes the vicissitudes of life but stepping stones to higher things. 0 Sam Cantey Revised Masonic Burial Service The Worshipful master here takes the sand or earth (or petals of flowers) in his hand, and as he repeats the following, he shall deposit a small quantity in the grave or upon the casket. They were married a year later and the couple had two children, Bill and Jane Rogers. I had the pleasure of calling him "Brother," as he raised me to the sublime degree of Master Mason many years ago. 0000003155 00000 n one go about making this preparation and where can such a service take place? If theyre invite-only, this should be stated, as well. We go on from design to design, add hope to hope, and lay out the plans for the employment of many years. Masonic Memorial Service 2 7. Master Masons, Fellow Crafts, and Entered Apprentices may receive a Masonic funeral. In conformity to this usage, we are assembled in the character of Masons to offer to the memory of our Brother, this tribute of our affection. Whatever the Lodge does, it desires to cooperate with you This our brother tried to do, and this we should do likewise. What did the Brother do with the time he was given on earth? It can occur during the ceremony or graveside. They provide an opportunity for the fraternity to reflect on the memory of a Brother at his passing and to show his family a bit about the organization he was a member of. He has a few responsibilities when delivering these prayers. A special thanks to the Chairman of the Masonic Awareness WM: I now declare _________________ Lodge No. This link will open in a new window. PO Box 430, Holden, ME 04429-0430, (207) 843-1086 / Toll free: 1-855-843-1086 It is common, given the inclusion of passages from the Bible, that The Worshipful Master would use biblical metaphors in the service as well. and updating it as necessary to keep it current. You should contact a funeral director and ask him or her for assistance in preplanning your funeral and burial. This poem celebrates a mason's . It serves as a tribute, full of wise reminders and verbiage that sound straight out of the Bible. We are called once again by the inexorable mandate of the dread messenger, Deathagainst whose free entrance into the circle of our fraternity the barred doors and tylers sword offer no impedimentto mourn the loss of a friend and brother. An anthem or other solemn music may here be endstream endobj 1620 0 obj<>/Size 1597/Type/XRef>>stream 1621 0 obj<>stream think proper and helpful in a specific situation. By clicking "Accept", you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy. accurate profile and better insight into the life of the person they have come Find out what to do and discover resources to help you cope. On occasion one of these other bodies will hold a The "Worthy Matron" of the Eastern Star Chapter or If theyre public, state that all are welcome. Various compilers and authorsMasonic Funeral Services of the Grand Lodges of Ohio, Iowa and North Dakota. It can occur during the ceremony, Colon, Felix A. Processing in two evenly numbered lines is the appropriate way, but circumstances may recommend a better method to be worked out with the funeral director. Brother Chaplain? Everyone's different. Home. Then the Worshipful Master, holding the apron, will continue: The lambskin or white apron -- the first gift of Freemasonry to our departed Brother, is an emblem of innocence and the badge of a Mason. Here are a few things that each Mason should keep in mind about the funeral service. This holds for non-members that are attending the service. of our Brother is happy in his Father's house, where "God shall wipe away It matters not to our brother now whether two or three gather round to conduct the funeral rite, or whether hundreds assemble with measured tread and somber draping to lay his body into its final resting place. [1] Under extenuating circumstances satisfactory to the Master of their Lodges, Masonic funerals may also be conducted in memory of Fellow Crafts or Entered Apprentices who received their degree less than . This link will open in a new window. because every Mason belongs to such a Lodge whether or not he belongs to any a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. Phoenixmasonry, Inc. WM: From time immemorial it has been the established custom of the Fraternity, when requested by a brother or his family, to perform the last, sad rites over his remains. Usage of any form or other service on our website is Then the Worshipful Master shall hold the evergreen in his hand and continue: This evergreen is an emblem of enduring faith in the immortality of the soul. that the hat not be worn at a funeral because it seems strange to the Print length. are going to serve as quickly as possible, well before the hour of the This isnt the case at a Masonic funeral. That way, you know exactly what to expect. It is this group which will, most often, conduct the Masonic Funeral After the music, the Worshipful Master declares the deceased ascended. the "Eminent Commander" of the Knights Templar would also be happy to consult morning of the resurrection, thy spirit shall spring into newness of life departed Brother our sincere sympathy in this hour of sorrow, and we pray honorable than the Star or Garter, or any distinction that can be Charity. This is at the pleasure military service, rank held and any major medals, citations or commendations 0L.iEZi$~tql6K4PZ p#{)T2u^P18MLA$+/M6mZ0)q6nc9 'GDpCO p&';yJdYPFL>Sdf'W! immortality. to honor. For example, the presiding officer may wear a hat while doing his Secondly, provide the best possible rendition of the Memorial Service. with darkness, will reign unbroken and perpetual. that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens, there, my Our expert guidance can make your life a little easier during this time. With 177 lodges, the Freemasons of Maine actively participate in many community activities as part of a welcoming brotherhood. Below, weve outlined important funeral rituals and traditions that you may encounter. funeral service. They come from years of developing Masonic tradition. Instagram. of His countenance and give us peace! Then the messenger of death comes when we least expect him. allusions to God's care which is provided for us, but which we can not supply The Masons, or Freemasons, is a fraternal organization that traces its roots back to 13th-century stonemasons. Better the service not be performed at all than to insult a grieving family with a shoddy presentation. who will conduct the Masonic portion of the service. By clicking "Accept", you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy. Thy favor, may we be received into Thy everlasting kingdom, to enjoy the May we who survive him be more strongly bound in the ties of friendship and union. The Master places the sprig of acaciain or on the casket. "Committal" may take place in the Chapel or VanSlyck, Louis, compilerMasonic Funeral Service of Franklin County Memorial Lodge. 0000003425 00000 n We'll help you get your affairs in order and make sure nothing is left out. But how does General Instructions The Grand Lodge desires that all brethren taking part in the service, whether members or past or present lodge or Grand Lodge officers of any kind, wear undecorated, plain white aprons, whether furnished by themselves or the lodge. all tears from their eyes, and where there shall be no more death, neither a funeral, it desires to cooperate with the clergy in any way possible. call your Lodge Secretary, This is an open letter to clergy of all It banishes the shadows of grief and we thus look forward to a reunion that is everlasting. other bodies in Masonry. Author of all good, and Giver of long, particularly when the Masonic observance is to be a part of the service Mozarts solemn, instrumental pieces are popular choices, in part because Mozart was a Mason. It was the first gift of Masonry to our brother, and he wore it with equal pleasure to himself and honor to the Fraternity. William was also a member of Madison Hills Baptist Church and frequently led Bible studies on Wednesday nights. who survive him be yet more strongly cemented by the ties of Brotherly into the presence of the one all-wise and powerful Judge, to whom the service. Whether or not you desire to have a Masonic funeral, keep in mind More Details. Find out what to do and discover resources to help you cope. While many online memorial sites are free to use, some charge a one-time fee to access all the features and others charge a monthly fee to use the full suite before archiving the website. Dr. Felix A. Colon is an ordained minister, with a Though much of their verbiage is religious, its not referred to as a faith. hour, our Faith may remove the clouds of doubt, draw aside the sable The fees for the advice of an attorney should not be compared to the fees of do-it-yourself online is, the Fraternity does not believe itself to be an instrument of God for the Facebook.
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