Farewell My Brother – Thoughts on Masonic Funerals
While there is so much beauty to be found all throughout our Masonic ritual, there is no place where it is more prevalent than in the Masonic Funeral Service. The heartfelt words of farewell spoken by the Worshipful Master, the humble prayer recited by the Chaplain, and the unison echoes of the assembled Brethren combine to make that ceremony one which never fails to tug at the heart strings of every person present.
Here are a few things that each Mason should keep in mind about the funeral service.
1. They are not automatically conferred. 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.
2. It is one of our few public ceremonies. Sure we lay cornerstones and have open installations from time to time, but this is certainly the most widely known of our rites. As such, care should be taken to see that it is done reverently, solemnly, and with the utmost care each and every time. The parts should be memorized, the Officers should be appropriately dressed, and the members of the Lodge should be given as much notice as possible so that they may attend.
3. Attendance is an obligation. Remember that the man to whom you are saying farewell is your Brother. If you can attend, you should. Plain and simple.
4. Your Brother’s widow and children are part of your family. They should be invited to the Lodge for family nights. They should be kept on the Lodge’s mailing list. And most importantly, they should be cared for. If there is a need that the Lodge can fulfill, speak to the Almoner and make it happen.
So the next time the phone rings with news that one of your Brothers has passed to the Celestial Lodge, keep those things in mind. Be the Mason who takes his obligations seriously. Be there to say goodbye. Your Brothers would do it for you.
