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MASONIC FUNERALS:
UNDERSTANDING OUR DUTY
by W:. Tim Bryce, PM, MPS
timb001@phmainstreet.com
Palm Harbor, Florida, USA
"A Foot Soldier for Freemasonry"
Early last year I lost my
father, a 57 year Mason. I had the pleasure of calling him "Brother," as
he raised me to the sublime degree of Master Mason many years ago. He
was a loyal Mason and we gave him a Masonic Memorial Service that was
well attended by Brothers from Florida's Districts 20 & 21. His home
lodge, Lodge of the Ancient Landmarks No. 441 F.& A.M. of Buffalo, New
York was also represented. This was certainly appreciated by my family
and I know my father would have liked it.
Having said this, my
thoughts turn to Masonic funeral services in general. I have attended
many such services over the years and I have found them to be greatly
appreciated by the families of the deceased. Many are overwhelmed by the
love and support the Masons express during the service. As far as I'm
concerned, attending a Masonic service is the very least we can do for a
Brother, regardless if he is a local member or from a distant
jurisdiction. I am always amazed how some Brothers are unwilling to
attend such a service. Many mistakenly believe they have to belong to an
Acacia/funeral committee in order to participate. In reality, it is our
duty as a Mason to attend such a service whether we know the Brother or
not. I realize some services are performed during the day when many of
us are working and unable to attend. But aside from this, if there is a
Masonic service to be performed, and our cable-tow permits us, we should
be in attendance.
Many claim they simply are
unaware of the passing of Brothers. All you need to do is browse the
obituaries of the local newspapers, either the printed form or on the
Internet. As for me, I have bookmarked the obituary sections of the
local newspapers and regularly scan them using keywords such as "Mason"
and "Lodge." When I come upon a Brother from a northern jurisdiction, I
e-mail the obit to his Grand Lodge and, if I can find it, his home
Lodge. As a past Secretary myself, I know this is very much appreciated.
Regardless if you scan the
obits on the Internet or in the printed version, there should be at
least one person in your Lodge charged with monitoring the passing of
Masons. Although the Worshipful Master should be made aware of the
passing of a Brother, the responsibility is typically delegated to the
Secretary, the Chaplain, or the chairman of your funeral committee.
Also Brothers, please dress
properly for a funeral. In Florida, for example, it is customary to wear
a dark suit and tie; a tuxedo is not considered appropriate, nor are
dungarees and shorts. Plain white aprons are the norm, not Lodge officer
or Past Master aprons. Funeral committees usually make aprons available
to Masons attending the service, but you may also want to bring your own
in case they run short of aprons.
Prior to the funeral, the
Brother's Masonic background should be verified by his home
jurisdiction, so that we might know more about the Brother and assure he
is in good standing with his Lodge.
If you become involved with
a committee charged with performing a Masonic funeral service, be sure
you know your responsibilities, your lines (if any) and how to deport
yourself during the service. Rehearsals are invaluable to assure the
service comes off polished and dignified. Further, talk with the clergy
or funeral directors involved prior to the service to assure the
ceremony is well organized and runs like clockwork.
Attending or performing a
Masonic service is not complicated, nor is it time consuming. And I can
tell you this, a little dignity, a little polish, and a little sympathy
is very much appreciated by the family of our departed Brother.
Keep the Faith.
W:. Tim Bryce
NOTE: As with all of my
Masonic articles herein, please feel free to reuse them in Masonic
publications or re-post them on Masonic web sites (except Florida). When
doing so, please add the following:
Article reprinted with
permission of the author and
"http://www.FreemasonInformation.com"
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