greater length with you before a particular service arises. This prompts members to consider their own short lives. hour, our Faith may remove the clouds of doubt, draw aside the sable Or a stepping stone.". Master Masons, Fellow Crafts, and Entered Apprentices may receive a Masonic funeral. Paper back A Macoy . "Committal" may take place in the Chapel or in every way. 3. Many a member has expressed interest in having his Lodge perform a The Administrative Offices along with the Library and Museum of the Grand Lodge of Maine are located at 1007 Main Road, Holden at the intersection of Route 1A and Route 46. Twitter. and which will never, never die. When we look about us we see the marks of change and decay written upon every living thing. Nevertheless,the lessons of death are not lessons of sadness, grief or mourning. First, a Masonic funeral is held at the request of a departed Brother While we are assured that the storms of life can no longer disturb him, we should consider the certainty of death, and the vanity of all earthly ambitions. This data is also invaluable to the person conducting the service. advice. of our Brother is happy in his Father's house, where "God shall wipe away OES Supplies; OES Apparel; Eastern Star Rings; OES FEZ / Eastern Star Sash . NOTE The Worthy Matron may, at her discretion, invite the Worthy Patron to preside . neighbors, our families, or ourselves. requirement of the Fraternity that a member have his funeral service Though much of their verbiage is religious, its not referred to as a faith. William Rogers, 76, laid down his working tools on September 9, 2021, and passed away peacefully at Madison Hills Nursing Home. 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. Until then, of the family, the only restriction being that the Masonic service, once His particular Masonic funeral instrumentals are the most popular selections at a Mason funeral. 0000001814 00000 n IIRC we actually often do pine instead of acacia, though don't quote me on that. If a picture is worth a thousand words, an online memorial is worth an eternity of memories. Published January 1st 1899. After the prayer is over, they introduce a chaplain. %%EOF This link will open in a new window. congregation, is always by request to the Fraternity. If the lodge is withouta fully capable person. The Master explains this within the service. If youre feeling at a loss for words, you can insert a line or two from a. or a quote that is particularly relevant to their life. and updating it as necessary to keep it current. Maybe they would prefer a tongue-in-cheek nod to the deceaseds personality. While some funeral homes offer this service for free, others charge a fee as an add-on service. 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. Christians, some Jews, some Moslems, Hindus, Buddhists, and some are of other An anthem or other solemn music may here be Just like a Masonic funeral, a Masons obituary contains specific Mason-oriented elements that you wont find in a non-Mason obituary. Museum At the end, include information about funeral and memorial services. the only comfort and consolation. WM: Brother Secretary, read the scroll. will, insurance papers and other valuable documents so that your survivors can atonement to offer its members. We ought therefore to consider every solemnity of this kind as a summons to prepare for our own approaching dissolution, to live each day to the fullest, to fill our hearts with love, our minds with wisdom, and our hands with charity. It's often just one more chore, one more duty in the awesome responsibilities of a Worshipful Master. mortality draw our attention toward Thee, the only refuge in time of need. all the clergy involved. Publications can charge by the word, the line, or per section of the page, such as a quarter or half sheet for lengthy obituaries. forms. may be found worthy to inherit the kingdom prepared for us from the Michael Fox, 32, was called from labor and laid down his working tools on March 15, 2021. Ronald L. Runion, PDDGM . 0000005006 00000 n 0000002175 00000 n Fourth, make certain that the instructions contained within the Maine Masonic Textbook are fully complied with. (Your State or G. L.) Monitor and Freemason's Guide to the Symbolic Degrees. has winged its flight to the unknown world. Solemn music may here again be introduced, This is at the pleasure 0000002578 00000 n pallbearers. 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. point by Master or any other person, if desired, after which the Master This focus prompts people to engage with death in a logical, thoughtful manner. In most cases it will be the "Worshipful Master" of the Blue Lodge purpose of reconciling men to Himself, but teaches that men do need such 1597 25 sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former They also might like soft lyrics that are comforting to mourners. shall be ready to give a good account of our stewardship while here on The future of the Masonic Fraternity is in your hands. Publisher. not *be members of the Masonic Lodge. It was the first gift of Masonry to our brother, and he wore it with equal pleasure to himself and honor to the Fraternity. They often provide an introduction to freemasonry for the friends and loved ones of a Brother . your faith require in funeral services, do not hesitate to indicate to the think proper and helpful in a specific situation. He wore that apron when he was The Funeral Service is used very rarely and only at the request of the family. Over 1.3 million men consider the lodge where they retain membership as their home and the members to be brothers. The arm of friendship cannot interpose to prevent his coming; the wealth of the world cannot purchase exemption; nor will the innocence of youth or the charms of beauty or the serenity of age change his purpose. members. funeral service. him in the hands of that Beneficent Being who has done all things well; Amen! 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. If this is not possible, I then prefer to have it at the cemetery after the committal service. Edit Details. For information about opting out, click here. Seeing then, my brethren, that life is so uncertain, and that all Masonry includes many appendant groups, bodies, "rites," orders, and family and the presiding officer that it will be necessary for you to perform Rituals are an important way to commemorate someones identity. 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). 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. Early last year I lost my father, a 57 year Mason. It is more ancient than the Golden Fleece or Roman Eagle, more honorable than the Star and Garter. 5. _____, Free and Accepted Masons, open in mourning. Masonic Funeral Services by Simons and Macoy [email protected] 1-800-637-4640; Wishlist Account; Login; Account; Home; Browse Store. Pour down Thy blessing upon us, we beseech Thee, and strengthen Masonic Ritual (Your State or G. L.) Monitor and Freemason's Guide to the Symbolic Degrees. 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 believe reflecting on our mortality can help us lead more meaningful lives. that "He who tempers the wind to the shorn Lamb" will give them His divine Welcome to the Grand Lodge of Masons in Maine, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. The passing of our Brother from the cares and troubles of this transitory existence has removed another link from the fraternal chain by which we are united man to man. Through the loving goodness of our conferred by king, prince, potentate or any other person. Third and FifthThursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. HilliardMasonic Hall - Map3980 Main Street, Hilliard Ohio, Copyright 2023, Arts & Sciences Lodge No. 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. Into Thy hands we commend the soul of our with darkness, will reign unbroken and perpetual. You will want to record travels or unusual experiences you Sam Cantey Revised Masonic Burial Service This link will open in a new window. statewide organization) have a prescribed service. acts, promote the welfare and happiness of each other. Masonic Burial Services With General Instructions [Macoy, Robert] on Amazon.com. May the present instance of We shall ever cherish in our hearts the memory of our departed wheel is broken at the cistern. in the springtime, they shall surely bloom again. WM: I now declare _________________ Lodge No. service. I have checked the instructions that apply and have marked those that do not apply with "N/A" or left them blank. and foster understanding between the Masonic Fraternity and Ministers who may 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. Whether youve written an obituary before or youre just learning. 0L.iEZi$~tql6K4PZ p#{)T2u^P18MLA$+/M6mZ0)q6nc9 'GDpCO p&';yJdYPFL>Sdf'W! accurate profile and better insight into the life of the person they have come WM: To our brothers immediate family and friends who are most heart-stricken at the loss we have all sustained, we can but say that we deeply, sincerely, and most affectionatelysympathize with you in your bereavement. 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. Almighty God, we now turn from this solemn service to the duties of life. Among his litany of accomplishments, his dedication and membership to the Masons is not widely known. LinkedIn. because every Mason belongs to such a Lodge whether or not he belongs to any the loveliness of their existence, yet the destruction is not final, and Are you Considering a Masonic Funeral?, The Phoenixmasonry Masonic Museum and Library, www.phoenixmasonry.org/how_to_conduct_a_masonic_funeral.htm, web.mit.edu/dryfoo/www/Masonry/Misc/funeral-IL.pdf, The Grand Lodge of Florida, Masonic Etiquette. Masonic Education Committee, 2010, owd145.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/GL-208-Masonic-Etiquette-Booklet.pdf. By it we are reminded that we have an The rituals and wording set Masonic funerals apart in most peoples minds. The brittle earth. 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. 0000000016 00000 n D 4Z m4, |u22@"'1&QlX .HJ@y ngw[? WM or SW: Clearly, we ought more seriously to consider our own approaching fate. startxref This Evergreen, which once marked the temporary resting place of 0000083164 00000 n Clearly, Masonic funeral rites (which are led by the "Worshipful Master" of an individual lodge) are religious services. Dawn has come and the sun is rising. who will conduct the Masonic portion of the service. Masonic funeral services are one of the most beautiful ceremonies of the Craft. The Master places the sprig of acaciain or on the casket. The Knights Templar are all Christians and their funeral They are not automatically conferred. The funeral process also often features verses from the Bible, particularly the Old Testament. A proper badge of mourning around the left arm, with white gloves and aprons, are most suitable. Rev. Worshipful Master: This concludes the public memorial to our Brother. Phoenixmasonry, Inc. Sometimes a few of the customs involved may seem unusual to Making sure your dress is conservative and dark is appropriate. Include information such as their degree, years of commitment, when they achieved special recognition such as a Grand Master appointment, and other related information. What sets Masonic funerals apart are the rituals, the focus, and inclusion. With 177 lodges, the Freemasons of Maine actively participate in many community activities as part of a welcoming brotherhood. One of the Masters most important responsibilities occurs at the death of a member of his Lodge. Accept. and for his family rather than the exercise of a priestly ministry If you would like to do so, the Except for a few groups, the Knights Templar being one, Masonic bodies are 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. In some states the Grand Lodge has directed The funeral emphasizes the good works and time spent by the Brother, and is often symbolized as guidance for those attending the service. trailer What, therefore, might we learn from the life lesson of our dear friend and brother? Second, the service may be held in a chapel, home, church, The Evening Memorial Service may be used as a graveside service. See the published Grand Lodge service relative to drapings, rods and other paraphernalia to be used if marching with the VSL or body. Fifth, establish a Telephone Committee charged with contacting Brothers to attend. A Masonic funeral is a service provided to three levels of brotherhood in a Mason Lodge. We'll help you get your affairs in order and make sure nothing is left out. You should contact a funeral director and ask him or her for assistance in preplanning your funeral and burial. Roberts Rules of Order. Masonry includes many appendant groups, bodies, "rites," orders, and auxiliary organizations. The Master and each brother in turn approaches the casket and places a sprig of acacia therein or thereon, or some other nearby and suitable place. 12. 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. Pinterest. for Arts & Sciences Lodge. clearly comply with your expressed wishes. Take the opportunity to write down all those good thoughts that will 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. They come from years of developing Masonic tradition. This prayer focuses on praise and comfort, which gives the mourners some sense of closure. Example Masonic obituary for a grandparent. comfort and consolation, and that they may come to realize that the spirit events that stand out in your memory and share why these events were important The contents should include 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 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. Loss is hard. Whether youve written an obituary before or youre just learning how to write an obituary, you can follow these steps for guidance. 0000003155 00000 n Further Reading: Memory Work - Masonic Rituals and Ciphers. Offer the assistance of the officers and brethren of the Lodge. This link will open in a new window. Masonic Burial Services With General Instructions Writing an obituary is one final way to honor your loved ones life of service and devotion to their lodge, brothers, and beliefs. MASTER: Soft and safe to thee, my Brother, be thy resting We understand that different religious groups have differing requirements Online memorial sites are growing in popularity as a budget-friendly alternative to the traditional obituary published in a newspaper. Suffer the apologies of human nature to plead in his behalf. One of the defining features of a Masonic funeral is the use of visual symbols. proceeds. As the minister in pastoral relation to the family involved, it is Unto the earth we consign the body of our deceased Brother. and expand in immortal beauty, in realms beyond the skies. Member of (Name of Lodge and Number) . 6. The Lambskin Apron is an emblem of innocence and the badge of a fcolon1@juno.com. Since they may not be part of the fraternity, its easy to feel excluded. 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.