<<52E89554A7D04C4FA68E24133709562B>]>> Worshipful Master: Loved ones, friends and Brethren: We assemble today to perform the last duty the living can render the dead. He loved spending time with his lodge brothers and helped promote awareness of freemasonry in his town and anywhere he traveled. by it we are reminded that we have a life within us that shall survive the grave, and which shall never, never, never die. Suffer the apologies of human nature to plead in his behalf. service to simply attending in a body while someone else conducts the service. acts, promote the welfare and happiness of each other. committal. All Installing Officers should be in their stations, all to be The future of the Masonic Fraternity is in your hands. observation of our lives furnishes evidence not to be forgotten. Bright and glorious be thy rising from it! That way, you know exactly what to expect. military service, rank held and any major medals, citations or commendations As soon as he turned 21, he joined Pine Forest Lodge where he was elevated to the status of Master Mason. 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. A short eulogy is appropriate, when well done, as part of the Masonic Memorial Service. 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. Dawn has come and the sun is rising. membership in fraternal or civic/service clubs, offices held, dates of 0000083455 00000 n Mackey's Jurisprudence of Freemasonry. Include information such as their degree, years of commitment, when they achieved special recognition such as a Grand Master appointment, and other related information. They are also encouraged to dress in formal wear. Let us see to it, and so regulate our lives by the plumb line of justice, ever squaring our actions by the square of virtue, that when the Grand Warden of Heaven shall call us from our labors we may be found ready. part in the service, the Lodge members may place sprigs of evergreen on the He loved his lodge brothers and his church friends and always had a smile for anyone he met. Others permit several The main focus of a Masonic funeral is deeds. conducted, either in whole or in part, by the Masonic Order. He was a dedicated Mason involved in Saratoga Lodge and achieved the rank of a 32nd degree by the time he was 25. There are instructions that must be observed for each Service. will, insurance papers and other valuable documents so that your survivors can We know that he has been sent to legions and, in fact, all who have gone before, and that he will soon call upon us to stand in the great light of Truth. Stay safe! WM: This evergreen, which once marked the temporary resting place of the most distinguished and beloved of men, is an emblem of mans faith in the immortality of the soul. reconciliation and should seek it through loyal involvement with the religious Masonry includes many appendant groups, bodies, "rites," orders, and summer's last rose linger longest! about Masonic Funerals. _____, Free and Accepted Masons, open in mourning. A special thanks to the Chairman of the Masonic Awareness funeral service. of His countenance and give us peace! Fourth, make certain that the instructions contained within the Maine Masonic Textbook are fully complied with. dispensation from Thy hands may be sanctified in its results upon the This our brother tried to do, and this we should do likewise. Freemasonry has no wish to displace or hinder any Minister of God in the Lodge room or graveside at the place of interment. If you would like to do so, the funeral service is an expression of its fraternal affection for the deceased their beauties o'er thy resting place, and there may the sweetness of the If desired, you can also include the cause of death, though this is always optional. Worshipful Master: Let us unite in prayer. the loveliness of their existence, yet the destruction is not final, and His email address is forms. Attending a fraternity funeral service is an unusual experience for many people. As with all obituaries, a persons basic information should be included such as their full name, age, and date of death. Whether youve written an obituary before or youre just learning how to write an obituary, you can follow these steps for guidance. 11. that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens, there, my Thus we shall not be unprepared to enter After this, the Lodge says a special prayer for the committal, which involves committing the Brothers soul to God. Michael Fox, 32, was called from labor and laid down his working tools on March 15, 2021. There are three Services outlined in the latest edition of the G.L. It has symbolic that the emotional anguish and trauma suffered by the survivors (more often This emblem I now deposit with the body of our deceased brother, to be laid with, Chap: Unto the grave we have resigned the, http://web.mit.edu/dryfoo/Masons/Misc/funeral-IL.pdf. Worshipful Master: This concludes the public memorial to our Brother. This link will open in a new window. It is this group which will, most often, conduct the Masonic Funeral 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. His meritorious actions let us imitate, and from his lapses derive instruction. Ph.D. in Theology and a Past Master of Glendale Lodge #368 F.&A.M., Glendale, While some funeral homes offer this service for free, others charge a fee as an add-on service. 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. is to try to create a profile of isolated and fragmented memories. Funeral rites are prescribed by Masonic handbooks and include readings, responses, and prayers. Many a member has expressed interest in having his Lodge perform a This allows members of a lodge to practice their religion independent of their duty as a Mason. General Instructions The Grand Lodge desires that entire brethren record part to the service, whether members or past press present lodge or Grand Lodge officers on whatsoever kind, wear undecorated, plain whiten aprons . By clicking "Accept", you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy. It is a kindness to non-Masons and a reminder to those with aprons of their own. Usage of any form or other service on our website is This is an excerpt from a prayer that would open the ceremony: Almighty Father! Into Thy hands, we commend the soul of our beloved Brother. When Masonic participation is requested in a funeral, we would suggest that The verbiage of these prayers tend to skew on the Biblical side, and can sound archaic to the modern ear. From the time he was young, he wanted to be a member of his local lodge. who survive him be yet more strongly cemented by the ties of Brotherly The participation of the Masonic Institution in a The second is the same Service, which can be held in a Lodge Room instead of a funeral home. That At this type of service, they play Masonic music. all tears from their eyes, and where there shall be no more death, neither WM: While we drop a sympathetic tear over the grave of our deceased friend, let the broad mantle of a Masons charity induce us likewise to throw a veil over his foibles and frustrations, whatever they may have been, and let us not withhold from his memory the praise his virtues would have claimed. This is your right as a Mason. senses, and the recollection of a virtuous and well-spent life will yield faith of their preference. While back in the day the only place to post an obituary was in the newspaper, today there are several places where you can share this information. all mercy! 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. His [body|ashes] will return to the earth from whence [it|they] came, and in the solitude of the grave his dust will mingle with its kindred dust. Solemn music may here again be introduced, representing God. The the thinking and values of an earlier day. Though the winds of Autumn may destroy things are passed away.". As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. WM: Each lesson, however, must be understood for the truth it teaches. and updating it as necessary to keep it current. synagogue or Lodge room with committal at graveside, or the complete service Sec: Reads the deceased brothers masonic record. 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. We would be most happy for you to become better acquainted with the Masonic This is at the pleasure The Funeral Service is used very rarely and only at the request of the family. service. particular portions of any Joint service.'. The Great Creator having in His infinite wisdom, removed our Until then, 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. It is our desire that there never be with you when their groups are going to serve at the funeral. to the' clergy, we hope it will be helpful to others who may have questions It was written to encourage Amen! If the lodge is withouta fully capable person. WM: With all proper respect to the established customs of this nation, with due deference to our superiors in church and state, and with unlimited good-will to all mankind, we here appear in the character of our profession to remember one of our own. We pray, our father, that thou wilt fill our hearts so full of thy great love that we may be reconciled to this parting from our friend and brother, and be able and willing, because he is with thee, to say, It is well. Amen. Example Masonic obituary for a grandparent. A Masonic funeral is a service provided to three levels of brotherhood in a Mason Lodge. Everyone's different. Masonic Burial Services With General Instructions [Macoy, Robert] on Amazon.com. The cradle and the coffin stand side by side -- and, it is a solemn truth that as soon as we begin to live, that moment we begin to die. A persons Masonic activity is an important part of their obituary, as it demonstrates to the world their level of commitment and involvement in their lodge. honorable than the Star or Garter, or any distinction that can be *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. 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. 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. He always had time for others and was the first to lend a hand to someone in need. are going to serve as quickly as possible, well before the hour of the never darkened by sorrow; and after our departure hence in peace and in We are, more often than not, visited at a time unexpected and inconvenient, when we thought ourselves at the meridian of our existence, bearing our honors thick upon us. 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. May the earliest buds of spring unfold for Arts & Sciences Lodge. 0000004053 00000 n The contents should include startxref WM: Death is a solemn visitor, and fills our hearts with sadness. forget, my brethren, that we, too, are mortal; and that our spirits, too, Here's how to honor your unique loved one. The funeral process also often features verses from the Bible, particularly the Old Testament. The Lambskin Apron is an emblem of innocence and the badge of a It was the first gift of Masonry to our brother, and he wore it with equal pleasure to himself and honor to the Fraternity. California, and a member of the fraternity for 50 years. The benefit to going this route is that visitors to the memorial webpage can often access extra features such as sending flowers or condolences directly to the funeral home on behalf of the grieving family. after which the Master continues. We pay our tribute of love and esteem to our departed friend and Brother, who was a beloved member of __________ Lodge, Number _____, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. The words spoken at a Masonic funeral come from two sources. 0000004165 00000 n generalized educational content about wills. Chap: Our brother, like each of us, was possessed of a perfect spirit in the eyes of God, but he had, notwithstanding, outgrown the innocence of his birth. Sometimes the Lodge conducts the grave side Cake offers its users do-it-yourself online forms to complete their own wills and Masonic Funeral Services by Simons and Macoy [email protected] 1-800-637-4640; Wishlist Account; Login; Account; Home; Browse Store. Perfection has never been attained, and the wisest as well as the best of men have erred. The fees for the advice of an attorney should not be compared to the fees of do-it-yourself online again, to part no more. Fragrant be the acacia sprig which shall flourish there. It can occur during the ceremony, Colon, Felix A. educational and professional This service, although primarily designed for use at the Grave, can, if it is thought best to do so, be performed within the Chapter room, the Church, or other appropriate place. was, and the spirit has returned to God who gave it. Second, the service may be held in a chapel, home, church, The apron is followed by the display of acacia. Masonic Burial Tutorial - The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas. The Worshipful Master shall then pronounce the following benediction: Worshipful Master: May the blessings of Heaven rest upon us and all regular Masons. other than the attendance of individual Lodge members as a part of the general secrets of all hearts are known; and on the great day of reckoning we , a Masons obituary contains specific Mason-oriented elements that you wont find in a non-Mason obituary. By it we are reminded that we have an The silver cord is loosed; the As noted previously, funeral prayers is a major part of the Masonic funeral service, and is usually conducted by the Worshipful Master. make you look good. with darkness, will reign unbroken and perpetual. events that stand out in your memory and share why these events were important which no time can close, but which will remain open during the boundless The dust has returned to the earth as it If they were also involved in religious activities, include information about the place of worship they attended and any particular ways they were involved. As such, it offers you a glimpse of another integral part of their life that is not as easily accessible otherwise. To start, it may be well to point out They were married a year later and the couple had two children, Bill and Jane Rogers. him in the hands of that Beneficent Being who has done all things well; Maintain contact with the widow, and render whatever assistance is requested during the period of adjustment, following the immediate period of bereavement. growing up. This can include items like where they grew up, where they went to college, when they married, their Masonic activities, major milestones, and other events they were proud of. Legion or Elks or may be the only service performed. Offer the assistance of the officers and brethren of the Lodge. COVID-19 tip:If you're planning avirtual Masonic funeralusing a service likeGatheringUs, you can still adapt many of the traditions below. This poem celebrates a mason's . This prompts members to consider their own short lives. "A Mason" by Carl W. Mason. They list ages by years, months, and days. If you'd like some help and guidance through the process, check out our post-loss checklist. Since social media has an unlimited reach, an obituary can be shared and re-shared between friends and family members. Phoenixmasonry, Inc. 50 Year Presentation 8. It is a lot easier to edit what you have written than it The basic unit is the Lodge, often called the "Blue They are not automatically conferred. There is no single Masonic Funeral Service. WM: Forasmuch as it has pleased Almighty God, in his wise providence, to take out of the world the soul of our deceased brother, A_____ B_____ C_______, we commit his mortal remains to the ground; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Our expert guidance can make your life a little easier during this time. Pinterest. It means that youre allowed to be a spectator for a very important part of the deceaseds life. Thou, who dost mark the sparrow's fall, and who dost number even the hairs on our heads, look with infinite compassion on our weakness, and in this hour of need, give strength which Thou alone can impart. Master Masons, Fellow Crafts, and Entered Apprentices may receive a Masonic funeral. Through the loving goodness of our 0000005120 00000 n As mentioned above, it allows Brothers to commit the deceaseds soul to God. The funeral emphasizes the good works and time spent by the Brother, and is often symbolized as guidance for those attending the service. There has always been a significant amount of mystery revolving around the Masons. earth. Fine Print. 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. Whether youve written an obituary before or youre just learning. 5.0 out of 5 stars 2 ratings. The Funeral Service is separately printed and is obtainable from the Grand Secretary. Previous page. The order of a Masonic funeral is very straightforward. Macoy Publishing & Masonic Supply Co. See all details. Again, this adds another new dimension to the religious service. Any member who 0000058563 00000 n It serves as a tribute, full of wise reminders and verbiage that sound straight out of the Bible. This data is also invaluable to the person conducting the service. Other Lodges, some veterans' organizations, and various societies, as well The Worshipful Master prioritizes reminders of brotherly love, proper use of the life we have, and doing good works. 0000083234 00000 n He also states that the deceased has reached the end of his toils.. They also provide closure for mourners. It is worn in the lapel, I believe the left lapel is specified, worn with an apron which must be inside the jacket (here, at least). We shall ever cherish in our hearts the memory of our departed Here the scepter of the prince and the staff of the beggar lie side by side. possess. WM: As the last offices of respect and love paid to the dead are useless forms except as they are lessons to the living, we ought to derive instruction from them. This isnt the case at a Masonic funeral. The funeral attire differs between Masons and non-Masons. The Worshipful Master guides the proceedings, and he starts with an introduction. material pursuits are vain, let us no longer postpone the all-important form. Masonic Memorial Service 2 7. By way of additional information, Masonic Burial Services With General Instructions Your family has 500 hours of work to do after you die. 0 reviews. -To Masons the sprig of evergreen is a symbol of After the prayer is over, they introduce a chaplain. long, particularly when the Masonic observance is to be a part of the service But the words used also focus on committing the soul to their resting place. CHAPLAIN: The Lord bless us and keep us! George Evans, beloved husband and devoted Mason, passed away from the world on January 19, 2021, at the age of 40. The service shall be given by a brother or brothers who can and will do an exemplary job. The Worshipful Master recites information in the following order: name, rank, member of (where the lodges name and number are listed), date of death, and age. generalized educational content about wills. He leaves behind his parents, Bert and Gracie Fox, brother, James Fox, and grandparents, Sheldon and Tracy Fox and Richard and Dottie Smith. He is survived by his two children, Bill Rogers and his wife Cheryl, and Jane and her husband Dan Mays, and his grandchildren, William Rogers III and Janet Mays. Take the opportunity to write down all those good thoughts that will our souls will hereafter flourish in eternal spring. Fax: (207) 843-1088. Chap: And now may the comfort of our Heavenly Father be and abide with all who are bereaved, and give to each of themand to each of uscourage and strength to meet and perform lifes appointed part, and may the blessings of Heaven rest upon us and all mankind, may brotherly love prevail, and every moral and social virtue unite and cement us. This link will open in a new window. Death is a milestone, not a teacher. recommended that you: (1) put your wishes in writing, (2) give a copy to the uncertain about what the Lodge intends to do, it is quite in order for him to So, too, are the many other tasks you might face after the death of a loved one. In this case, it allows Brothers to die as they lived, within a tradition of brotherhood. Various compilers and authorsMasonic Funeral Services of the Grand Lodges of Ohio, Iowa and North Dakota. any conflict with the Church, Temple, Synagogue, Mosque, or other religious Dryfoos, GaryMasonic Funeral Service, http://web.mit.edu/dryfoo/Masons/Misc/funeral-IL.pdf(accessed October 8, 2014). He was highly involved in helping new members learn rites and progress through the degrees of freemasonry. Supreme Grand Master of the Universe forever presides. 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. At the end of the obituary, include information on funeral or memorial services. the "Eminent Commander" of the Knights Templar would also be happy to consult This is followed by a eulogy. Let us imitate the good man in his virtues, his unfeigned piety to God, his inflexible fidelity to his trustand may we accept that death is but the messenger sent by the Great Master, to lead us from this imperfect to that all-perfect, glorious and Celestial Lodge above. 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. PO Box 430, Holden, ME 04429-0430, (207) 843-1086 / Toll free: 1-855-843-1086 Related Bodies. while time and opportunity are offered, to provide for that great change It was the first gift of Masonry to our brother, and he wore it with equal pleasure to himself and honor to the Fraternity. This link will open in a new window. The Masonic brotherhood gives the opportunities for their members to not only develop positive feelings for their fellow mason but also reflect on the bond of brotherhood. Twitter. form. have had, not only as a child, but special events that took place as you were accomplishments. Masonic Funeral Services with Instructions in Lodge Room At Church or Home Unknown Binding . For example, the Order of the Eastern Star, which includes He leaves behind his wife of 20 years Laura Bradford, his son, Harvey Bradford, and his father, Brandon Bradford. The opening lines contain information about the person including their name, date of death, and age. Some websites allow you to keep the memorial site up indefinitely, as well. Do not hesitate to tell the funeral director if he has you standing in front of the family or others and they can't see the service, as this is very rude. earned, also any public offices held. Welcome to the Grand Lodge of Masons in Maine, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. curtains of the hidden world beyond, and bid Hope sustain and cheer the 1597 25 Find out about important dates, titles, and other information that you want to place in their biographical section. ), (Adopted December, 1959 by The Grand Lodge of Texas, A.F.&A.M.). place! personal interest and major accomplishments of the deceased, therefore Freemasons rarely hold ceremonies that are open to the public. The almighty fiat has gone forth "Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt leave you with this one bit of information. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Clara Rogers. brethren, may Almighty God in His infinite mercy, grant that we may meet call your Lodge Secretary, This is an open letter to clergy of all George was most known for two things: loving his family and loving his lodge brothers. Twitter. So, in the bright About Us. All Rights Reserved.Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio | 14th Masonic District, Expectations for Affiliating Master Masons. fortitude and resignation in this hour of sorrow, and grant that this See the published Grand Lodge service relative to drapings, rods and other paraphernalia to be used if marching with the VSL or body. Further Reading: Memory Work - Masonic Rituals and Ciphers. William Rogers, 76, laid down his working tools on September 9, 2021, and passed away peacefully at Madison Hills Nursing Home. 0000002025 00000 n Master of a nearby Lodge would be glad to spend some time with you, show you ages of eternity. Chaplain: Unto Thee, O God, Father of all men, do we come in our hour of grief and bereavement. The ceremony is paused while those present repair to the grave. Some Masons are another link in the fraternal chain by which we are bound together, let us Making sure your dress is conservative and dark is appropriate. was in good standing at the time of his death may have a Masonic Funeral if he This prayer revolves around reminders that all material pursuits are vain." Fifth, establish a Telephone Committee charged with contacting Brothers to attend. membership is never to interfere with our obligations to God, our country, our our solemn engagements with the ties of sincere affection! May we who survive him be more strongly bound in the ties of friendship and union. The Master, as the leader of the departed Brothers Lodge, has certain duties, among which are the following: 1. Masonry includes many appendant groups, bodies, "rites," orders, and auxiliary organizations. Though some think of the Masons as a religious organization unto themselves, many members still participate in a religious setting apart from the Masonic Order. What sets Masonic funerals apart are the rituals, the focus, and inclusion. They will be responsible for last rites, prayers, and commending the deceaseds soul to God. Example Masonic obituary for a grandparent, Example Masonic obituary for a partner or spouse, Example Masonic obituary for a loved one without a spouse or child. Masons wear plain white aprons, as part of their traditional dress. While most funeral poems speak about the deceased's life, some verses may comfort those in mourning. This includes family, religion, and country. Senior Warden: We cherish his memory here. The Masons, or Freemasons, is a fraternal organization that traces its roots back to 13th-century stonemasons. WM or SW: Clearly, we ought more seriously to consider our own approaching fate. b Mackey's Jurisprudence of Freemasonry . Find out what to do and discover resources to help you cope. 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. Here are a few things that each Mason should keep in mind about the funeral service. We go from design to design, and from hope to hope, and lay out plans for the enjoyment of many yearsand react with alarm at the approach of our own demise. 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. As we go, we pray, O God, that Thy hand will lead us in all the paths our feet will be called upon to tread, and when the journey of this life is ended, may light from our immortal home illuminate the dark valley and voices of loved ones, gone before, welcome us home to that house not made with hands eternal in the heavens. We cannot give you customized advice on your situation or needs, which would require the service EachofyouCANmakeadifference! Since they may not be part of the fraternity, its easy to feel excluded. , you can follow these steps for guidance. 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.

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