We are not attorneys and are not providing you with legal Welcome to the Grand Lodge of Masons in Maine, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. This emblem I now deposit with the body of our deceased brother, to be laid with [it | his ashes] beneath the silent clods of the valley as a token of that purity of life and rectitude of conduct which he so long sought to attain and which are essentially necessary for him to gain admission into the Celestial Lodge aboveand where we have no doubt but that he will be welcomed with eager and open arms. dear Brother, until then, farewell! requested it or if his family so requests. must return to the God who spake them into existence. Assembled and Supplemented by Steven B. VanSlyck, PM. Michael Fox, 32, was called from labor and laid down his working tools on March 15, 2021. If a picture is worth a thousand words, an online memorial is worth an eternity of memories. The Craftwill march into the room to conduct the service. It is recommended that each Master Mason have at a minimum for his personal use the following books (please notice the word minimum): Masonic Ritual. are growing in popularity as a budget-friendly alternative to the traditional obituary published in a newspaper. that the hat not be worn at a funeral because it seems strange to the This link will open in a new window. 1597 0 obj <> endobj It was the first gift of Masonry to our brother, and he wore it with equal pleasure to himself and honor to the Fraternity. In general, the Lodge will' Masonic Secretary books & Seal Press 18; Masonic Certificates & Masonic Dues Card 48; Masonic Ritual & Lodge items 51; Masonic name badges, plaques, & masonic coins 8; Masonic Banners, OES Flags, Masonic Altar items 25; Masonic Funeral & Care/Concern Cards 14; Masonic Gavels & Masonic Trowels 19; QCCC 6; Masonic name badges 10 Masonic funeral upon their death. Eighth, keep in mind that there are two types of Services; Preston, WilliamIllustrations of Masonry, 2d ed., 1775. religious affiliation, favorite scripture(s), hymn(s), song(s), church offices Masonic Burial Services With General Instructions For deadlines, fees, and guidelines, you should contact your local newspapers editorial department. 3 INSTALLATION CEREMONY OF GRAND LODGE OFFICERS (Adaptation by Craig S. Campbell, 07-08-2006) NOTE: Public Opening should begin on time. Rituals are an important way to commemorate someones identity. 0000083234 00000 n Brother and, commending his spirit to Almighty God, we trustingly leave the only comfort and consolation. Offer the assistance of the officers and brethren of the Lodge. Let us cultivate the noble tenets of our profession -- Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. 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. Let us who survive him be yet more strongly cemented by the ties of Brotherly love. This prayer is typical of the rest of the ceremony. The future of the Masonic Fraternity is in your hands. service. Grant Thy grace to these dear ones this day and may Thy comfort be theirs as they await that day when death shall be swallowed up in victory. WM: The lambskin or white leather apron is an emblem of innocence and the badge of a Mason. Take your time to think through how theyd want the world to remember them, and youre sure to do their memory justice. The service shall be given by a brother or brothers who can and will do an exemplary job. 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, WM: Each lesson, however, must be understood for the truth it teaches. hat is worn because it is Masonic custom for the presiding officer to have his Yet, these services are not particular to any one religion. Having mastered his craft, his work here is done, his Temple is complete, and he has gone to receive his wages from the Master Builder. with darkness, will reign unbroken and perpetual. 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. While we pay this fraternal tribute to his memory, let us not To start, it may be well to point out Worshipful Master: Loved ones, friends and Brethren: We assemble today to perform the last duty the living can render the dead. 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. hearts of those who now meet to mourn! The Masons, or Freemasons, is a fraternal organization that traces its roots back to 13th-century stonemasons. members. Usage of any form or other service on our website is It is a kindness to non-Masons and a reminder to those with aprons of their own. Sometimes the Lodge conducts the grave side This we beg, for the honor of his holy name, to whom be glory, now and forever. The Grand Lodge of Ohio Education and Information Committee 2013. Worshipful Master: Let us unite with our Chaplain in prayer. Then the messenger of death comes when we least expect him. The Great Creator having in His infinite wisdom, removed our If you'd like some help and guidance through the process, check out our post-loss checklist. leave you with this one bit of information. who survive him be yet more strongly cemented by the ties of Brotherly Our expert guidance can make your life a little easier during this time. neighbors, our families, or ourselves. In some cases problems have been eliminated by having the Masonic Service Immediately call on the widow or family of the deceased Brother, and to express sympathy and condolences at the time of bereavement. Chap: As it has pleased the great Creator to remove our worthy brother now deceased from the cares and troubles of a transitory existence to a state of eternal duration, and thereby to weaken the chain by which we ourselves are linked one to another, may this example of the uncertainty of human life remind us of our approaching fate, and may we who survive him be more strongly cemented with the ties of union and friendship, and so regulate our conduct here, by the sacred dictates of truth and wisdom, as to enjoy, in the latter period of our own lives, that serene tranquility of mind which ever flows from a clear and unsullied conscience, void of offence. 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. (Deposits it upon the casket) We are reminded by this of the universal dominion of death. Our mailing address is: departed Brother our sincere sympathy in this hour of sorrow, and we pray If youre unsure of how to bridge the gap between both worlds and write a Masons obituary, read on for everything you need to know. If desired, the Lord's Prayer may be offered by the Brethren present. Accept. Before you write your loved ones obituary, take a few minutes to read through these examples for inspiration. The Funeral Service is used very rarely and only at the request of the family. 0000083164 00000 n After the introduction is complete, they play the funeral music. The present occasion thus presents to our view a striking instance of the uncertainty of life, and demonstrates the vanity of all human pursuits. membership is never to interfere with our obligations to God, our country, our The Master and the two Wardens shall deposit the evergreen in the grave or upon the casket. By it we are reminded of our high and glorious destiny beyond the world of shadows, and that there dwells within our tabernacle of clay an imperishable, immortal spirit over which the grave has no dominion and death no power. Macoy publishes MASONIC CATCH-E-KISM, Duncan's Ritual Part 1, Duncan's Ritual Part 2, Scottish Rite Illustrated (2 Volumes), Adoptive Rite Ritual 1998 Revised Edition, Adoptive Rite Ritual 1952, 1980 Editions for Chapters under Supreme Grand Chapter authority, Starlight Catechis, Amaranth Ritual. for Arts & Sciences Lodge. booklet entitled "The Memorial Services": One is the Service which is normally performed in a funeral home. You should contact a funeral director and ask him or her for assistance in preplanning your funeral and burial. The Knights Templar are all Christians and their funeral Though non-Mason obituaries often say that a person died or passed away, many Masonic obituaries state that the person laid down his working tools. This is a Masonic way of saying they passed away. Your family has 500 hours of work to do after you die. mortality draw our attention toward Thee, the only refuge in time of need. and foster understanding between the Masonic Fraternity and Ministers who may In conformity with this laudable usage, and at the special request of our deceased brother, whose memory we revere and whose loss has wounded us deeply, we are here assembled, under legal dispensation, in the form and character of Masons, to resign his [body|ashes] to the earth from whence [it|they] came, and to offer up the last tribute of our fraternal affection and regard to his memory; thereby demonstrating to the world the sincerity of our past esteem. 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. It is not a _____, Free and Accepted Masons, open in mourning. fcolon1@juno.com. As such, they form a close family bound together by meaningful traditions and rituals. Secondly, provide the best possible rendition of the Memorial Service. Amen! 0000002578 00000 n usefully employ our time, and, in the mutual exchange of kind and friendly After this, the Lodge says a special prayer for the committal, which involves committing the Brothers soul to God. This focus prompts people to engage with death in a logical, thoughtful manner. 0000082898 00000 n We shall ever cherish in our hearts the memory of our departed It has symbolic Perfection has never been attained, and the wisest as well as the best of men have erred. allusions to God's care which is provided for us, but which we can not supply The mood at a Masonic funeral is one of contemplation and nostalgia. Masonic Funeral Services with Instructions It's often just one more chore, one more duty in the awesome responsibilities of a Worshipful Master. As the minister in pastoral relation to the family involved, it is 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. about Masonic Funerals. This will make the writing process easier. His Goodness; and it should always be our endeavor so to live that we too pallbearers. Many of the services are rather At this type of service, they play Masonic music. recommended that you: (1) put your wishes in writing, (2) give a copy to the Thats not the case at a Masonic service. 0000004165 00000 n MASTER: Our Brother has been raised in that blissful Lodge to be at a loss and unable to recall important dates, anniversaries, event, Talk with your funeral director or event planner to help you figure out the logistics or limitations. Let your loved ones know now, just in case. Tom Bradford, 53, laid down his working tools on December 4, 2021, after a long battle with cancer. Attending a fraternity funeral service is an unusual experience for many people. A family member must request that the Lodge perform this service, so it is imperative that you make it known to your loved ones that you would like to have it done when the time arrives. The ceremony is paused while those present repair to the grave. 0000000816 00000 n Death is a milestone, not a teacher. What are all the externals of majesty, the pride of wealth, or charms of beauty when nature has paid her last just debt? 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. continually reminded of that purity of life and conduct so essentially Masonic practices don't claim to be a religion or a faith tradition. The focus is on the life their deceased Brother lived. The work SHALL be done in a perfect or near perfect manner. Tom Bradford was a wonderful example of a Mason, a husband, a father, and a friend. The rituals and wording set Masonic funerals apart in most peoples minds. Tip:No matter what a family's culture or traditions are, planning or attending a funeral is hard. The lodge has no "plan of salvation" or way of This prayer focuses on praise and comfort, which gives the mourners some sense of closure. Others permit several