Instructions Governing

Masonic Funerals
and
Evening Memorial Services
as prescribed by the

GRAND LODGE, A.F. & A.M.

of VIRGINIA

2002
 Instructions Governing
Masonic Funerals
and
Evening Memorial Services
as prescribed by the

GRAND LODGE, A.F. & A.M.

of VIRGINIA

2002
 Instructions Governing
Masonic Funerals and
Evening Memorial
Services
A Lodge in the unavoidable absence of its Worshipful
Master and Wardens, may be opened by a Past Master or Past
Warden of the Lodge, or in their absence, by any Past Master
or Past Warden affiliated with any Lodge in Virginia, A.F. &
A.M., for the purpose of burying a deceased Brother or holding
an Evening Memorial Service. The same permission also
applies to the convening of a Lodge of Sorrow previously
opened by the Master of the Lodge.
It is not proper or regular for the Master of a Lodge or his
designee to perform the burial service or either of the Evening
Memorial Services without opening a Master Masons’ Lodge or
convening a Lodge of Sorrow.
Only deceased Master Masons, in good standing, are entitled
to a Masonic burial or Evening Memorial Service. Non-
affiliation disqualifies a Brother from receiving a Masonic
burial or Evening Memorial Service.
Only Master Masons, in good standing, can participate in a
Masonic Burial Service or Evening Memorial Service.
4 FUNERAL SERVICE
 FUNERAL SERVICE 5

A Lodge cannot go out of its jurisdiction and open a Master

Masons’ Lodge or convene a Lodge of Sorrow in that of
another Lodge, even for a funeral. Once opened or convened in
its own territorial jurisdiction, if there be no objection by the
Lodge in whose jurisdiction the burial is to be or the Evening
Memorial Service held, the Lodge so opened or convened, may
conduct the Burial Service or conduct the Evening Memorial
Service.
It is for the family of a deceased Brother to select
pallbearers, any or all of whom may be Masons.
The Masonic Fraternity cannot exclude other Orders from
the procession accompanying the remains to the place of burial,
or dictate the order of procession, but by reason of her
antiquity, tradition and custom, she is entitled to the post of
honor in the procession, which is usually in front of the hearse.
A Masonic Lodge must conduct its Burial Service either first
of all or last of all, in the opinion of the Master of the Lodge.
When a Lodge receives a request from the Master or
Secretary of a Lodge in a sister Grand Jurisdiction to conduct a
Courtesy Funeral or hold an Evening Memorial Service for a
Brother sojourning in the jurisdiction of the Lodge, the Grand
Lodge of Virginia grants permission to conduct such Funeral
Rites or Evening Memorial Service ONLY when cleared
through the offices of the Grand Secretaries. The Lodge
receiving such a request is expected to check the regularity of
the requesting Lodge. This may be done by referring to the
“List of Regular Lodges,” published by the Pantagraph Printing
& Stationery Company of Bloomington, Illinois.
If the Lodge receives a request from an individual or the
family of a sojourning Mason for Funeral Rites or Evening
Memorial Service and the deceased does not have a current
dues card which would indicate both his own standing and the
6 FUNERAL SERVICE

regularity of his Lodge, such request must also be handled

through the office of the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge
of Virginia to be cleared with the Grand Lodge under which his
Lodge is holden.
The Master’s first duty, on being informed of the death of
one of his members, is to call on the family. In making this
call, he should do so merely for the purpose of conveying to
them the sympathy of his Brethren and to offer to them any
assistance his Lodge may provide. As a matter of courtesy and
information, the Master should inform the family of the
availability of the Masonic Funeral Service, should it be their
desire. This is, in no sense, a solicitation on his part to be
allowed to conduct the Funeral Rites or Evening Memorial
Service. If either is wanted by the family, they will make their
wishes known.
The Masonic Funeral Service was originally designed as a
“graveside rite.” The Grand Lodge, A.F. & A.M., of Virginia,
has an approved “Evening Memorial Service,” and this or the
“amended ritual” of the older Service may be used at the
funeral home, Chapel, Church or home of the deceased on the
evening before interment. Both Services have been further
amended to include occasions when the body or ashes is not
present. The word (spirit) will be substituted when there is no
body or ashes. The Lodge of Sorrow covers both the “Evening
Memorial Service” and the “Masonic Funeral Service,” as
amended. According the graveside rites the preference due
them because of their antiquity, it would probably be better to
have an Evening Memorial Service if a proper attendance could
not be secured for the graveside service. This is a matter for the
Worshipful Master to decide, but it should not be settled
without concurrence from the family of the deceased.
 FUNERAL SERVICE 7

Following is a suggested “Notice of Funeral

Communication” which is applicable for use in connection with
a graveside or Evening Memorial Service:

For Convening a Lodge of Sorrow

“Virginia Lodge No. 1015, A.F. & A.M., will
convene its Lodge of Sorrow at
(Specify Place) to pay the last
tribute of respect to our late Brother
(Show First, Middle and Last
Name) at (Time) o’clock on
(Date) 20 .”

If a Lodge of Sorrow has not been opened, it is suggested

that regular means of notifying membership be used, or modify
the above to suit the occasion.
The Holy Bible, Square, and Compasses are indispensable
and must be displayed whenever either of the Funeral Services
is conducted. Rods, Staffs, and Tiler’s Sword ARE NOT TO
BE USED OR DISPLAYED at any public Funeral Service. If
Divine Services ONLY are to be conducted in either the
Church, Chapel, funeral home, or home of the deceased, with
the Masonic Funeral Service to follow at the grave site, the
Holy Bible, Square, and Compasses will not be taken into these
facilities. Masonic Aprons, Jewels, and white gloves may be
worn with the approval of the Minister or Pastor.
The Bible Bearer WILL NOT participate in Grand Honors.
All other Masons will participate in Grand Honors.
The Worshipful Master or his designee conducting a
Masonic Funeral Service, either graveside or Evening
8 FUNERAL SERVICE

Memorial Service will NOT wear a hat. The hat is not to be

worn in public at any time during these services.
The Brother conducting the Service will wear the Jewel of
the Worshipful Master unless he is the District Deputy Grand
Master or a Grand Lodge Officer, who will wear the Jewel of
his respective office.
Members of the Masonic Fraternity should remain standing
during either of the two Evening Memorial Services. This is an
inherent part of the Masonic Services and should be observed.
When space limitations make this impractical, the Marshal shall
direct all but the officers to a designated area where they will be
seated together. The Brethren will stand for Grand Honors, the
Prayer, and Benediction.
If the casket is Flag draped, the funeral director should be
requested to fold it back so that the Apron, Glove, and Sprig of
Acacia is not placed on the Flag.
The Senior Deacon will carry the White Leather Apron,
Glove, Sprig of Evergreen, and sand and hand them to the
person conducting the service at the appropriate time.
Do not use sand or earth at time of committal at the Evening
Memorial Service. Use the words: “Unto his Maker we resign
the body (spirit) of our deceased Friend and Brother, there to
remain until the General Resurrection, etc.”
There should be ONE committal of the body. If the Minister
commits the body, the Brother conducting the Masonic Funeral
Service will OMIT the words “Earth to Earth, Dust to Dust,
Ashes to Ashes” and the strewing of sand or earth.
Earth or sand is to be used during committal at graveside
rites—DO NOT use flower petals.
Do not use a trowel to spread earth or sand on the casket at
the graveside service—secure a container of earth or sand from
 FUNERAL SERVICE 9

the funeral director if the Lodge does not possess one of its
own.
At the Graveside Service, the White Leather Apron is to be
placed directly on the head of the casket by the one conducting
the service. It is suggested that two small pieces of double-
backed tape be placed on the back of the Apron to prevent wind
from blowing it from the casket.
At either Evening Memorial Service, the White Leather
Apron is to be placed on the edge of the casket, nearest the
person conducting the service.
At either Evening Memorial Service, when the body or ashes
is not present, a table shall be placed near the person
conducting the service. A flower, vase, or picture of the
deceased shall be placed on the table prior to the service. The
White Leather Apron will be placed on the table by the person
conducting the service.
At both the Graveside Service and either of the Evening
Memorial Services, the White Glove and the Evergreen are to
be placed on the Apron.
The Brethren do not deposit or drop a Sprig of Evergreen in
the grave or on the casket.
The Tiler will stand to the right and back of the Wardens at
either the Graveside or Evening Memorial Service WITHOUT
his sword and does participate in giving the “Grand Honors.”
The oldest member (if practical) of the Lodge, carrying the
Holy Bible, Square and Compasses, standing at the foot of the
casket or table and in front of the Senior Warden, (at either the
Graveside or Evening Memorial Service), will hold the Holy
Bible, Square and Compasses at all times and will not
participate in giving the “Grand Honors.”
10 FUNERAL SERVICE

GRAVESIDE SERVICES
THE MASONIC FUNERAL SERVICE
If Lodge of Sorrow Has Not Been Opened
The Brethren being assembled at the Lodge room, the
presiding Officer opens a Master Masons’ Lodge in Due and
Ancient Form and having stated the purpose of the meeting,
gives the Brethren strict charge upon their deportment during
the procession and ceremonies. The Lodge will then proceed, in
a body (if possible) to the funeral home, Chapel, Church, home
of the deceased Brother or place of interment—See diagram
under “Order of Procession.”

If Lodge of Sorrow Has Been Opened

The Brethren having assembled at the funeral home, Chapel,
Church, home of the deceased Brother or place of interment,
the Marshal, under the direction of the Worshipful Master, will
assemble the Brethren and make available to them the necessary
gloves, aprons, etc. When the Brethren are properly clothed,
the Worshipful Master shall say: “I now declare this Lodge of
Sorrow at Labor.” The Marshal will then instruct the Brethren
in forming a procession—See diagram under “Order of
Procession.”
At the funeral home, Chapel, Church or home of the
deceased Brother, provided the body is not already reposing
therein, the procession will halt, open to right and left and
standing at a comfortable distance apart, shall face inward and
uncover while the body is borne by the pallbearers. The
 FUNERAL SERVICE 11

procession then follows the casket in inverse order and leave in

the same form as entering at the conclusion of the Service.
The same “Order of Procession” is to be followed if the
body has been previously taken to the Chapel, Church or home
of the deceased, or if there is no body or remains.
At the cemetery, the Marshal instructs the Brethren to form
lines beginning at the hearse—See diagram under “Order of
Procession”— Pallbearers and casket to pass through lines.
Procession of Lodge Officers and Brethren follow casket to
grave site, with the Worshipful Master flanked by the Senior
and Junior Deacons leading the Procession. The Senior Deacon
to be on the right of the Worshipful Master.
At the grave site, if necessary, the Worshipful Master or his
designee, shall begin the service by requesting the Brethren to
assemble around the grave. The Worshipful Master or his
designee, flanked by the Senior and Junior Deacons, together
with the Chaplain, will stand at the head of the grave.
The Officers will take their Stations, as near as may be
practical, with due regard to the family, and the other Brethren
will stand, in a body, at the foot of the grave, behind the
Wardens.

EVENING MEMORIAL SERVICE

If Lodge of Sorrow Has Not Been Opened
The Brethren having assembled at the Lodge room, the
presiding Officer opens a Master Masons’ Lodge in Due and
Ancient Form, and having stated the purpose of the meeting,
gives the Brethren strict charge upon their deportment during
the procession and ceremonies. The Lodge will then proceed, in
a body (if possible) to the funeral home, Chapel, Church or
12 FUNERAL SERVICE

home of the deceased Brother—See diagram under “Order of

Procession.”

If Lodge of Sorrow Has Been Opened

The Brethren having assembled at the funeral home, Chapel,
Church or home of the deceased Brother, the Marshal, under
the direction of the Worshipful Master, will assemble the
Brethren and make available to them the necessary gloves,
aprons, etc. When the Brethren are properly clothed, the
Worshipful Master shall say: “I now declare this Lodge of
Sorrow at Labor.”
The Marshal will then instruct the Brethren in forming a
procession—See diagram under “Order of Procession”—(space
permitting, the procession will enter the place where the
Evening Memorial Service is to be held).
The Worshipful Master or his designee, flanked by the
Senior and Junior Deacons (the Senior Deacon to be on the
right of the Worshipful Master or his designee), together with
the Chaplain, will, as nearly as possible, stand at the head of
the casket.
At the conclusion of either the Graveside or Evening
Memorial Service, the procession returns to the place from
whence it set out, and the necessary duties are complied with
there.

If Lodge of Sorrow Has Not Been Opened

The Officers and members will return to the Lodge room and
when the necessary duties, including the reading and approval
 FUNERAL SERVICE 13

of the minutes, are complied with, the Master Masons’ Lodge is

closed in Ancient Form and Harmony.

If Lodge of Sorrow Has Been Opened

The Officers and members will reassemble at the funeral
home, Chapel, Church, home of the deceased Brother or place
of interment and the Worshipful Master shall say: “I now
declare this Lodge of Sorrow dispensed with during my will
and pleasure.”
NOTE: Minutes covering communication held when Lodge
of Sorrow has been opened will be read and approved at the
following stated communication of the Lodge.
14 FUNERAL SERVICE

ORDER OF PROCESSION

MARSHAL

MASTER MASONS

PAST MASTERS

TILER

STEWARDS

TREASURER SECRETARY

SENIOR WARDEN JUNIOR WARDEN

THE HOLY BIBLE ON A CUSHION, COVERED

WITH A BLACK CREPE AND CARRIED BY THE
OLDEST MEMBER OF THE LODGE.

CHAPLAIN

JUNIOR DEACON SENIOR DEACON

THE MASTER
 FUNERAL SERVICE 15

The Lodge of Sorrow

OPENING AND CLOSING CEREMONIES
The Worshipful Master of any Virginia Lodge may, at the
beginning of his term, or at any time during such term of office,
open a Lodge of Sorrow, provided a Master Masons’ Lodge
shall have first been opened in a regular manner. After the first
such opening, no further formality need be followed except as is
noted herein for subsequent convening of the Lodge of Sorrow
specified hereinafter.

OPENING
Worshipful Master:
Brethren, we will now proceed to open a Lodge of Sorrow.
(Three raps.) Let us pray.

Chaplain:
Grand Architect of the Universe, we of the Masonic
Fraternity, having dedicated our lives to the formation of true
living stones for Thy Temple, ask Thy blessing on our work
that we may be better enabled to serve Thee. May we always
work according to Thy grand design. (Response) So mote it
be.—Amen.

Worshipful Master:
Brother Senior Warden, it is my order that a Lodge of
Sorrow be now opened for the purpose of paying the last tribute
of respect to those Brethren of this Lodge whom death will take
16 FUNERAL SERVICE

from us and for honoring members of other Lodges as an act of

courtesy when duly requested. This you will communicate to
the Junior Warden in the South that the Brethren having due
notice thereof may govern themselves accordingly.

Senior Warden:
Brother Junior Warden, it is the order of the Worshipful
Master that a Lodge of Sorrow be now opened for the purpose
of paying the last tribute of respect to those Brethren of this
Lodge whom death will take from us and for honoring those
members of other Lodges as an act of courtesy when so
requested. This you will report to the Brethren that they having
due notice thereof may govern themselves accordingly.

Junior Warden:
Brethren, take due notice thereof and let it be accordingly so
done.

Worshipful Master:
Brethren, let us apply the symbolic tools of Masonry to our
daily lives that we may be tried and found to be true as living
stones and thus render ourselves worthy for that house not made
with hands, eternal in the heavens. Accordingly I declare this
Lodge of Sorrow open, to remain open until my successor shall
have been duly elected; and to be closed as my last order of
business as Worshipful Master of this Lodge. (One rap) Brother
Junior Deacon, inform the Tiler.

Junior Deacon:
Brother Tiler, the Lodge of Sorrow is now open.
 FUNERAL SERVICE 17

CLOSING
The Worshipful Master of any Virginia Lodge shall at the
end of the term for which he was elected (the last stated
communication of his term) close the Lodge of Sorrow, which
has previously been opened during his tenure as Worshipful
Master.

Worshipful Master:
Brethren, we will now proceed to close this Lodge of Sorrow.
(Three raps) Let us pray.

Chaplain:
Great Architect of the Universe, while we mourn the passing
of our departed Brethren, let us learn well the lessons of death.
Make us aware that time is passing swiftly and this separation
from our departed Brethren is of short duration. Let the loss that
we have sustained increase our affections for those who are yet
spared. (Response) So mote it be.—Amen.

Worshipful Master:
Brother Senior Warden, it is my order that the labors of this
Lodge of Sorrow be now ended, to be resumed at the will and
pleasure of the incoming Master and his Officers. This you will
communicate to the Junior Warden in the South that the Brethren
having due notice thereof may govern themselves accordingly.

Senior Warden:
Brother Junior Warden, it is the order of the Worshipful
Master that the labors of this Lodge of Sorrow be now ended, to
be resumed at the will and pleasure of the incoming Master and
18 FUNERAL SERVICE

his officers. This you will report to the Brethren that they,
having due notice thereof, may govern themselves accordingly.

Junior Warden:
Brethren, take due notice thereof and let it be accordingly so
done.

Worshipful Master:
Brethren, may we be ever aware of our approaching fate as
this alone can bring seemingly major crises into proper
prospective, thereby creating that attitude of peace and harmony
for which we strive. Accordingly I declare this Lodge of Sorrow
closed. (One rap) Brother Junior Deacon, inform the Tiler.

Junior Deacon:
Brother Tiler, the Lodge of Sorrow is now closed.
 FUNERAL SERVICE 19

Lodge Memorial Service

(For use in Tiled Lodge only.)
Worshipful Master:
Brethren, from the very beginning of history it has been the
custom among men of all races to honor ceremonially the
memory of their departed Brethren. Such a custom has its roots
in the fundamental nature of our being and the universal
institution of the immortality of the soul.
Wherefore, it is fitting that Masons should, from time to
time, as occasion might require, meet together in solemn
assembly, for the purpose of commemorating their Brethren at
rest, and to remind ourselves of the hope beyond the grave, the
preparation for which should be our daily concern.
Brother Senior Warden, How stands the hour?

Senior Warden:
Low Twelve! The sun has set over the graves of our beloved
Brethren who have laid aside the working tools of life,
Worshipful.

Worshipful Master:
Brother Junior Warden, whither shall we look?

Junior Warden:
Toward the East, where the rising sun, the Glory of the Lord
reminds us of that which was lost, and is found with God, with
Whom do live the spirits of just men made perfect, Worshipful.
20 FUNERAL SERVICE

Worshipful Master: (rising)

Then, Brethren, (three raps) let us invoke the blessing of the
Grand Architect of the Universe, as we remember our Brethren
at rest from their labors.

Chaplain: (kneeling at altar)

Almighty Father, the source from which we come, the end to
which we travel, the light and strength of our pilgrimage, and
the repose of the holy and blessed dead, bind us, we pray Thee
in comradeship with the heroes and saints of every age. In this
hour of solemn remembrance, we think of our Brethren who
have faithfully lived and died, especially those who are near to
us. Lift us all into light and love, and give us at last our portion
with those who have trusted in Thee and have striven to do Thy
will.
And to Thy Name, with the Brethren on earth and the
Brethren above, we ascribe all honor and glory.—Amen.

Response:
So mote it be. (one rap)

Worshipful Master:
Brother Senior Warden, what solemn duty should we now
perform.

Senior Warden:
We should recall in loving remembrance the names of all the
Brethren who have passed to higher service above, Worshipful.
 FUNERAL SERVICE 21

Worshipful Master:
Brother Secretary, you will advance to the Altar and there
read the names of all of the Brethren who, since our last
Memorial Service, have finished their earthly pilgrimage and
entered into eternal rest. (three raps)

The Lodge stands with right hands over the heart while the names
are read.

Worshipful Master:
Brethren, let us bow our heads in silent reverence to the
memory of these, our departed Brethren.

(During this period of reading and silent reverence, the lights of the
Lodge should be lowered. At the sound of the gavel, the Brethren will
be seated and the lights raised to full brilliance again.)

Scripture Reading:
(Suggested passages—Psalm 23 or 121: Ecclesiastes 12:1-7)

Hymn:
O God Our Help in Ages Past

Address:
A Memorial Address may be delivered, if desired.

Worshipful Master:
Brother Chaplain, you will advance to the Altar and there
offer up the prayers of Commemoration and Dedication. (three
raps)
22 FUNERAL SERVICE

PRAYER OF COMMEMORATION
Chaplain:
Almighty God, with whom do live the spirits of them that
depart hence in the Lord, and with Whom the souls of the
faithful, after they are delivered from the burden of the flesh,
are in joy and felicity; we praise and magnify Thy Holy Name
for all Thy servants who have finished their course and kept the
faith, beseeching Thee that it may please Thee, of Thy gracious
goodness, shortly to accomplish the number of Thine elect, and
to hasten Thy kingdom, that we, with all those that are departed
in the true faith of Thy Holy Name, may have our perfect
consummation and bliss, both in body and soul, in Thy eternal
and everlasting glory. Hear our prayer, O God, and let our cry
come unto Thee.—Amen.

PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Almighty Father, by Whose grace we have life and in Whose
light we see light, mercifully grant that this hour of memory
may be a mount of vision, from which new light shall fall upon
our fleeting days; that we may think of our lives as sent from
Thee, on Thy Errand for service Thou has appointed.
Reverently, O God, we give ourselves to Thee in new
dedication.
Fill our minds with light and our hearts with love, that we
may serve Thee with patient faith and joyous confidence. Build
our lives into Thy Temple of spiritual fellowship and keep us as
Brethren steadfast in that fellowship.
 FUNERAL SERVICE 23

Make our days bright with Thy presence, rich in the fruits of
the spirit and tender in human ministry, that our lives may be
fragrant with happiness.
Use as Thou wilt, our hands to do Thy work, our lips to
speak Thy truth, our lives to be gospels of Thy love and mercy;
and to Thee be honor and glory, thanksgiving and adoration,
world without end.— Amen.

BENEDICTION
Chaplain:
The Lord bless us, and keep us. The Lord make his face to
shine upon us and be gracious to us. The Lord lift up His
countenance upon us, and give us peace, both now and
evermore.

The Lodge is then closed in ancient form and harmony.

(The following Optional Memorial Address may be used at

the place indicated, if desired.)

OPTIONAL MEMORIAL ADDRESS

“What doth the Lord require of thee, O man, but to do justly
and love mercy and walk humbly with thy God. And one of the
elders sayeth unto me: Rejoice ye and be exceedingly glad:
behold the Lion of the Tribe of Judah hath prevailed to open the
book and loosen the seven seals thereof.” These words from the
Book of the Law remind us of the two great symbols of
24 FUNERAL SERVICE

Freemasonry and that for which they stand—the white

lamb-skin apron and the sprig of acacia.
The lamb-skin, representing he that takes away the sins of
the whole world and gives us that great peace which man
cannot understand. The apron, representing the earth crowned
by the triangle of the flap representing Deity, symbolizes for us
the brotherhood of man under the Fatherhood of God. The sprig
of acacia represents that immortal or better part of man which,
through the merits of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, survives
the grave. By it we are also reminded of the promise of the
resurrection of the body, which will arise and become as
incorruptible as our soul. Death is not the end but merely the
gateway to another life. It is not a terminal but merely a
milestone.
For human existence continues after death, with different
conditions. After passing through the gateway of death it enters
upon a new and more exalted phase, one devoted to spiritual
rather than material growth. It is in the life after passing beyond
the grave that the human soul begins the life immortal in
eternity.
Man may often ask himself what becomes of the human soul
but each of us must remember that this can only be answered by
the use of the knowledge that the soul is the gift of God; the
spark of the Divine in each of us.
In the persons of these, our Brethren, whom we memorialize
here, the dust has returned unto dust and the spirit which is
immortal has returned unto God who gave it. Let us not lose
sight of the fact that immortality is an individual state and that
each of us, created in the image of God, is capable of
achieving, with His help the state of being immortal.
 FUNERAL SERVICE 25

ORDER OF PROCESSION
THE MASONIC FUNERAL SERVICE
(Graveside)
All will wear Masonic Aprons and white gloves.

If a procession is practical continue as below, otherwise see THE GRAVE SITE.

At the cemetery the Marshal instructs the Brethren to form lines beginning at the
rear of the Funeral Coach allowing room to remove the casket. Note: Figure 1
presumes a grave site to the right of the funeral coach. The lines would be formed
appropriately for a grave site to the left.

(GRAVE SITE)
TL♦
MM♦ ♦MM
MM♦ ♦MM
PM♦ ♦PM
PM♦ ♦PM
JS♦ ♦SS
SEC♦ ♦TR
JW♦ ♦SW
GL♦ ♦SD
ML♦ ♦WM
CH♦ ♦JD

PB PB PB
Funeral Casket
Coach
PB PB PB

FIGURE 1

As the pallbearers and casket pass through the lines (above) the procession forms
(see Figure 2). The procession of Lodge officers and Brethren follow the casket to
the grave site.

CONTINUED ON FOLLOWING PAGE

26 FUNERAL SERVICE

PB PB PB
MM MM PM PM JS SEC JW JD Casket Grave
TILER GL ML CH WM Site
MM MM PM PM SS TR SW SD PB PB PB

FIGURE 2

AT THE GRAVE SITE

The Brethren and Officers will form at the grave site (see Figure 3) for the service.
The Bearer of the Great Lights will not participate in Grand Honors.

♦MM ♦MM
JD♦ H F ♦JW ♦SEC ♦JS ♦TILER
WM♦ E O ♦GL
SD♦ A O ♦SW ♦TR ♦SS ♦ML
CH♦ D T ♦MM ♦MM
♦PM ♦PM

FIGURE 3

At the conclusion of the service all will remain quietly in place until the family
members have departed the grave site.
 FUNERAL SERVICE 27

Graveside Funeral Service

Provided a Lodge of Sorrow has not been previously opened,
the Brethren having assembled at the Lodge room, the presiding
Officer opens a Master Masons’ Lodge in Due and Ancient
Form and having stated the purpose of the meeting, the
following services then begin:

IN LODGE
Master:
What man is he that liveth and shall not see death? Shall he
deliver his soul from the hand of the grave?

Response:
Man walketh in a vain shadow; he heapeth up riches, and
cannot tell who shall gather them.

Master:
When he dieth, he shall carry nothing away; his glory shall
not descend after him.

Response:
Naked he came into the world, and naked he must return.

Master:
The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the
name of the Lord.

The Master then taking the Roll in his hand, says:

28 FUNERAL SERVICE

Let us live and die like the righteous, that our last end may
be like his.

Response:
God is our God forever and ever; he will be our guide unto
death.

The Master then has the name, age, and day of death of the
deceased recorded upon the Roll, and says:

Master:
Almighty Father! In Thy hands we leave with humble
submission the soul of our deceased Brother.

The Brethren answer three times—giving the Grand Honors each

time:

ALL:
The will of God is accomplished! So mote it be—Amen.

(The Master then instructs the Secretary to deposit the Roll in the
Archives and repeats the following prayer.)

Master:
Most glorious God! Author of all good, and giver of all
mercy, pour down Thy blessings upon us, and strengthen our
solemn engagements with the ties of sincere affection. May the
present instance of mortality remind us of our approaching fate,
and draw our attention towards Thee, the only refuge in time of
need! That when the awful moment shall arrive that we are
about to quit this transitory scene, the enlivening prospects of
 FUNERAL SERVICE 29

Thy mercy may dispel the gloom of death; and after our
departure hence in peace, and in Thy favor, may we be
received into Thine everlasting kingdom, to enjoy, in union
with the souls of our departed friends, the just rewards of a
pious and virtuous life.—Amen!

*To avoid all sectarianism on occasions of funerals, Chaplains are

required to use the prayers prescribed in the Text Book.—Proceedings
1869, page 41.

AROUND THE BIER

MY BRETHREN AND FRIENDS:
The last offices paid to the dead are useful as lessons to the
living; from them we are to derive instruction and to consider
every solemnity of this kind as a summons to prepare for our
dissolution.
Notwithstanding the warnings of mortality with which we
daily meet; notwithstanding Death has established his empire
over all the works of Nature, yet, through some unaccountable
infatuation, we put from us the thought that we are born to die.
We go on from one design to another, add hope to hope, and
lay out plans for the employment of many years, forgetting that
we may be suddenly alarmed at the approach of Death, when
we least expect him, and at an hour which we probably
conclude to be the meridian of our existence.
Let the present occasion excite our most serious thoughts,
and strengthen our resolutions of amendment. As life is
uncertain, and all earthly pursuits are vain, let us no longer
postpone consideration of the all-important concerns of eternity,
30 FUNERAL SERVICE

but, while time and opportunity permit, seek to prepare for our
great change.
Let us, while in this state of existence, support with
propriety the character of our profession, advert to the nature of
our solemn ties and pursue with assiduity the sacred tenets of
our order. Above all, let us seek the favor of the Eternal God,
whose goodness and power know no bounds, at whose bar of
Infinite Justice and Mercy we must all so soon appear.

The following invocations are then made by the Master:

Master:
May we be true and faithful, and may we live in love and die
in peace.

Response:
So mote it be.

Master:
May we profess what is good, and always act agreeable to
our profession.

Response:
So mote it be.

Master:
May the Lord bless us and prosper us, and may all our good
intentions be crowned with success.

Response:
So mote it be.
 FUNERAL SERVICE 31

Master:
Glory be to God in the highest; on earth peace and good will
toward men.

Response:
So mote it be, now, from henceforth, and forever—Amen!

The Master, taking an Apron and holding it up with both hands,

says:

Master:
This Lamb-Skin or White Leather Apron is an emblem of
Innocence, and the time-honored badge of a Free and Accepted
Mason—more ancient than the Golden Fleece or Roman Eagle;
more honorable than the Star and Garter, when worthily worn.
This emblem I now deposit (in the grave) (with the body) (with
the spirit) of our deceased Brother. By it we are reminded that
through the universal dominion of death our Brother has
finished his earthly labor, and that his account now rests with
his God.

The Master then takes a white Glove, and, holding it up to public

view, says:

This Glove is an emblem of Innocence and a token of

Friendship, and though Death has severed and destroyed our
social connection with our Brother, let us remember that it has
not impaired or weakened our obligations to the living.

The Master presenting a Sprig of Evergreen, says:

32 FUNERAL SERVICE

The Evergreen is an emblem of Masonic faith in the

immortality of the soul, or that better part of man which neither
cross, accident, pain, sickness nor death itself can destroy, but
shall continue to bloom with an eternal verdure through an
ever-beginning to a never-ending eternity.

GRAND HONORS
ALL:
“His Spirit to God—His memory in our hearts—His body to
the earth.” (three times)

The Master then continues the Ceremony as follows:

Master:
In conformity to an ancient and honored custom of Free and
Accepted Masons, we have assembled here to offer to the
memory of our deceased Brother the last tribute of our
affections, thereby demonstrating the sincerity of our past
esteem, and our steadfast attachment to the principles of our
Order.
May we who survive him anticipate our approaching fate,
and be more strongly united in the ties of union and friendship,
that, during the short space allotted to our present existence, we
may wisely and usefully employ our time, and in the reciprocal
intercourse of kind and friendly acts promote the welfare and
happiness of each other.

The Master then, (strewing earth three times on the Coffin), says:
 FUNERAL SERVICE 33

Unto (the grave) (his maker) we resign the (body) (spirit) of

our deceased Friend and Brother—(earth to earth, dust to dust,
ashes to ashes)—there to remain until the General Resurrection,
and we pray Almighty God of His infinite goodness to comfort
the hearts which have been stricken by this affliction, and to
extend His saving mercy to us all, and when the work of life is
ended may our hopes ripen into the fruition of everlasting bliss
and this we beg for the honor of His Holy Name, to whom be
Glory now and forever.

Response:
So mote it be—Amen!

The whole ceremony is then concluded with the following:

PRAYER BY THE CHAPLAIN

Almighty and Eternal God! in whom we live and move and
have our being, and before whom all men must appear in the
judgment day to give an account of their deeds in life, we who
are daily exposed to the flying shafts of Death, and now
surround the (grave) (mortal remains) (spirit) of our deceased
Brother, most earnestly beseech Thee to grant us Thy divine
assistance to redeem our misspent time; and in the discharge of
all the duties of this life, to give us Wisdom from on high to
direct us, Strength commensurate with our task to support us,
and Beauty of holiness to adorn and render all our performances
acceptable in Thy sight; and when our work is done, and our
bodies mingle with the mother earth, may our souls, disengaged
from their cumbrous dust, flourish and bloom in eternal day,
and through Thine infinite mercy enjoy rest made perfect, in
our home above eternal in the Heavens.
34 FUNERAL SERVICE

Response:
So mote it be—Amen!

The following Benediction is to be used in connection with

the Masonic Funeral Service, after the Prayer by the Chaplain,
when a Benediction is not given by the minister who conducts
the Divine Services. It is to be given by the Worshipful Master,
or his designee, conducting the Service. The Worshipful
Master, or his designee, will not alter his position or raise his
hand while giving the Benediction.

BENEDICTION
“Into Thy hands and keeping, O Lord, we commit our
Brother and ourselves. May we receive light to guide us,
courage to support us and love to unite us, now and
forevermore. (Response) So mote it be.— Amen.”
 FUNERAL SERVICE 35

ORDER OF PROCESSION
(Evening Memorial Service)
MARSHAL
MASTER MASONS
PAST MASTERS

TILER
JS & SS
TREASURER & SECRETARY
SW & JW
GREAT LIGHTS

CHAPLAIN
JD-MASTER-SD

All will wear Masonic Aprons and white gloves.

All will pass the casket from head to foot and follow directions of Marshal up to and including the
Bearer of the Great Lights.

The Tiler, Stewards, Secretary, Treasurer, Wardens and the Bearer of the Great Lights will position
themselves at the foot of the casket with the Great Lights in front of the Junior and Senior Wardens.

The Chaplain and the Deacons escorting the Worshipful Master will pass the casket from the foot to
the head and position themselves at the head of the casket. The Senior Deacon will be on the right of
the Worshipful Master, the Junior Deacon on the left of the Worshipful Master and the Chaplain to
the right of the Senior Deacon.

If it will not obstruct the view of anyone we will all remain standing during the entire service. If it
would obstruct the view of anyone we will be seated and arise at the direction of the Marshal who
will direct us to our seats.

At the conclusion of the service all will remain until the Worshipful Master has spoken to the widow
and or family. He will then lead us out in reverse order of the procession.

The Bearer of the Great Lights will not participate in Grand Honors.

H F
E O
A O
D T
JD♦ ♦JW ♦SEC ♦JS ♦TILER
WM♦ ♦GL
SD♦ ♦SW ♦TR ♦SS
CH♦
36 FUNERAL SERVICE

ORDER OF PROCESSION
(Evening Memorial Service)
(Cremation or No Remains)
MARSHAL
MASTER MASONS
PAST MASTERS

TILER
JS & SS
TREASURER & SECRETARY
SW & JW
GREAT LIGHTS

CHAPLAIN
JD-MASTER-SD

In instances of cremation or there are no remains, a table should be provided to receive the Apron,
Glove and Evergreen.

All will wear Masonic Aprons and white gloves.

All will pass the table from left to right (as if from head to foot of a casket) and follow directions of
the Marshal up to and including the Bearer of the Great Lights.

The Tiler, Stewards, Secretary, Treasurer, Wardens and the Bearer of the Great Lights will position
themselves at the right of the table (see diagram) with the Great Lights in front of the Junior and
Senior Wardens.

The Chaplain and the Deacons escorting the Worshipful Master will pass the table from right to left
and position themselves to the left of the table (see diagram). The Junior Deacon will be at the left of
the Worshipful Master, the Senior Deacon at the right of the Worshipful Master and the Chaplain to
the right of the Senior Deacon.

If it will not obstruct the view of anyone, we will all remain standing during the entire service. If it
would obstruct the view of anyone we will be seated and arise at the direction of the Marshal.

At the conclusion of the service, all will remain until the Worshipful Master has spoken to the
widow and or family. He will then lead us out in reverse order of the procession.

The Bearer of the Great Lights will not participate in Grand Honors.

JD♦ ♦JW ♦SEC ♦JS ♦TILER

WM♦ TABLE ♦GL
SD♦ ♦SW ♦TR ♦SS
CH♦
 FUNERAL SERVICE 37

Evening Memorial Service

To be used at the election of the Master of a Lodge in the
Funeral Chapel or home of the deceased at an evening service
prior to the interment of the deceased or when there is no body
or remains.

Worshipful Master:
Friends and Brethren, we who are Masons have assembled on
this occasion to express our respect and esteem for our Brother
who has passed beyond our mortal sight and to share with those
near and dear to him our belief in the immortality of the soul.
In this time of sorrow, when we all need comfort and
consolation, let us turn reverently to God who, in the midst of
the trials and tribulations that are a part of life, can alone endue
us with that quietness of spirit and that peace of mind and heart
which the world can neither give nor take away. Let us pray.

Chaplain:
O God, our Father in Heaven; the giver of life and light and
love, our help and solace in times of trial and sorrow. Thou has
assured us that when we walk through the valley of the shadow
of death, Thou art with us. Thy rod and Thy staff comfort us.
Thou art our light and our salvation, our refuge and our strength
in time of trouble.
We thank Thee for the life of our Brother. We thank Thee
that he was one of our fellowship and that we were privileged to
labor with him in the mystic ties of brotherhood. We are grateful
to Thee for the memories of him which we shall carry always in
our hearts. We thank Thee for all that he has meant to those who
38 FUNERAL SERVICE

were near and dear to him through the ties of family and
friendship.
Above all we are grateful to Thee for teaching us that, while
the body is mortal, the soul is immortal. Though the outward
form we knew and loved be removed from our sight, we have
the assurance that Thou has taken to Thyself his soul, which is
the enduring essence of life. This conviction Thou hast
implanted in us through Thy Holy Word, which is the Great
Light of Masonry.
We earnestly beseech Thee that this short time which we
spend together may renew and strengthen our convictions and
hope. Let Thy peace abide with us now and lead us ever in the
paths of righteousness. In Thy name we make our prayer.—
Amen.

Worshipful Master:
From time immemorial it has been the custom of Masons to
assemble with the family and friends of a departed Brother to
honor his memory and to voice our sympathy to those whom he
loved and who loved him. The message we bring is one of the
triumph of life over death, the victory of hope over despair.
Masonry has come down from the distant past. It uses the
tools of the builder’s trade as emblems and symbols to teach
Masons how to build character and moral stature. It teaches
service to God, to a Brother, and to all mankind. It seeks
constantly to build the temple of the soul and thus fit us for that
house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Masonry is a
fellowship that unites Masons in friendship and good will. It
teaches the spiritual values of life that lie beyond the physical
senses.
Masonry confronts the fact of death with the greater fact of
Faith in the immortality of the soul. Masons believe sincerely
 FUNERAL SERVICE 39

that when life on earth comes to a close, the soul is translated

from the imperfections of this mortal sphere to that all-perfect
glorious and Celestial Lodge above where God, the Great
Architect of the Universe, presides.
With these truths and convictions our Brother was well
acquainted, though perfection of character is not of this world,
yet we are persuaded that our Brother sought to live by these
truths and principles of Masonry; that they sustained and
supported him and that by them his life was made richer, fuller
and more meaningful.

Secretary:
Here the Secretary of the Lodge should give the Masonic
biography of the Brother. When and in what Lodge he was made
a Master Mason; what offices, if any, he had held; and special
committee services he had rendered and such other items of
Masonic interest as might be appropriate.

Worshipful Master:
When our Brother labored with us in Masonic attire he wore
a white apron which he was taught is an emblem of innocence
and the badge of a Free and Accepted Mason. By it he was
constantly reminded of that purity of life and that rectitude of
conduct so necessary to his gaining admittance into the Celestial
Lodge above. He will now wear that apron forever as the
emblem of the virtues it represents.

(The Master holds up the apron by the two upper corners with the
flap toward him, and places it over the edge of the casket or on the
table.)
40 FUNERAL SERVICE

The Master then takes a white Glove, and, holding it up to

public view, says:

This Glove is an emblem of Innocence and a token of

Friendship, and though Death has severed and destroyed our
social connection with our Brother, let us remember that it has
not impaired or weakened our obligations to the living.

(The Master places glove on the apron.)

The Master presenting a Sprig of Evergreen, says:

The Evergreen is an emblem of our faith in the immortality

of the soul. By it we are reminded of the immortal soul of man
which survives the grave and which will never, never die. In
accordance with our ancient custom, I now deposit this emblem
with the (remains) (spirit) of our Brother.

(The Master places Evergreen on the apron.)

And now to those who shared with our Brother the intimate
ties of family and friendship, we tender our affectionate
sympathy. Our hearts respond to your hearts in your hour of
grief. We trust that these affirmations of faith, in which our
Brother shared, may speak to you and inspire you to live with
hope and courage. May you always remember that the God and
Father of us all is a loving God, a compassionate God whose
ear is ever open to the cry of the distressed. Let us pray.

Chaplain:
Eternal and Everlasting God, we look to Thee in faith and
confidence, knowing that Thy love has power to bring comfort
 FUNERAL SERVICE 41

and consolation, even in times of bereavement, to those near

and dear to our Brother. Fill their hearts more and more with
the blessed assurance of immortality and of Thy abiding love.
Bless them and keep them, O Lord, make Thy face to shine
upon them and be gracious unto them. Lift up Thy countenance
upon them and give them Thy peace.—Amen.