Our Masonic Education for October discusses the importance of our Masonic Funeral and Memorial Services. This topic for the sixth Month of Masonic Year 2024 – 2025 again places the spotlight on ENLIGHTENMENT - the second of the three Strategic Phases of the Grand Master’s theme.
As discussed in the previous month, our Masonic Rituals are the heart and soul of Masonry as all our tenets, philosophies, and lessons reside there. Anthropologists divide rituals into three (3) categories: Communal Rites, Rites of Passage, and Rites of Personal Devotion. Our Masonic Rituals can also be classified into these categories and Masonic Funeral and Memorial Services – being performed by the Lodge out of respect for a departed brother are considered among the Communal Rites in Masonry.
In the GLP Manual for Masonic Funeral and Memorial Services (MMFMS) prepared by the Committee on Custodian of the Work, the following were observed:
1. The Ritual described for MASONIC FUNERAL SERVICES is intended in honor of a deceased brother whose body or ashes are lying in state (nakaburol) or on the day of his funeral (paglilibing) or cremation.
2. The Ritual of the MEMORIAL SERVICES FOR THE LODGE OF SORROW is intended in honor of the memory of the deceased brother or brethren long buried or cremated (pag-alala). Replacing the coffin, urn, or tomb, is a catafalque – a raised bier, box, or similar platform where the names and portraits of the departed are solemnly placed.
3. Based on Masonic Practices, the rituals and ceremonies of a LODGE OF REMEMBRANCE are similar to the Lodge of Sorrow except that it is traditionally held in October.
Masonic Protocol dictates that the Blue Lodge will be the last to perform. Once a Funeral Rite by a Blue Lodge is concluded, no other Masonic Order may follow.
In our August Lecture “The Importance of the National Language in Masonry” – we mentioned several of our masonic rituals translated into Filipino and among them was the Version for Masonic Funeral and Memorial Services translated by WB Julian Cruz Balmaceda – Charter Master of Pintong Bato Lodge No. 51 namely: Rito ng Paglilibing ng mga Mason (Masonic Funeral Rites) and the Ritwal na Pampaglingkod Alaala (Ritual for Memorial Services).
Masonic Funerals have a long and storied history, rooted in the ancient traditions of brotherhood and fraternity. While the exact origins of the ritual are unclear, it is believed that the rites draw from the practices of medieval stonemasons who honored their fellow workers after death. With the flourishing of speculative Masonry by the 18th century, Masonic Funeral Rituals had become more formalized. These rites were based on the traditions of operative stonemasons but infused with symbolic meaning that reflected the philosophical and moral teachings of Freemasonry. As lodges spread across Europe and the New World, the funeral ritual evolved into the solemn ceremony we recognize and revere today.
A Masonic Funeral Service is more than a simple farewell or “paying our last respects”. It is a final reiteration of the lessons we learned while progressing through the degrees of Freemasonry, building upon one of the fundamental requirements for prospective members of the Craft – the immortality of the soul. It is, as the Worshipful Master says in the ritual, “the last sad tribute of our affection; thereby demonstrating the sincerity of our past esteem for him and our steady attachment to the principles of our beloved Order.” As such, the reasons why we perform these services are varied and far ranging.
First and foremost, for the Departed Brother - it is a tribute to a Brother’s life, honoring his masonic life and legacy - his “journey” as a Mason. In the Scroll of Remembrance, the brother who had dropped his working tools is recognized for “his fraternal sacrifices, devoted services and to the cause of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines.”
Secondly, for the Family of the Departed Brother, particularly his widow and orphans, the service offers solace and support, ensuring they understand that their loved one’s legacy will live on, not only in their hearts but in the fraternity he was a part of. It is also an opportunity to reassure the departed Brother’s widow and orphans of their continuing link with our fraternity despite the passing of their loved ones – a reiteration of one of our most basic and fundamental Masonic duties to provide them aid and assistance.
Thirdly, for Masons, the funeral service is an affirmation of our fraternity’s core values, demonstrating our commitment to our principal tenets of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. As with all Masonic rituals, it is an opportunity to learn, transmitting the time-honored lessons of our Craft. The Masonic funeral emphasizes that while life is temporary, the virtues we embrace in Masonry are eternal. It is a reminder of our mortality and the importance of living a virtuous life.
Finally, for Non-Masons, a Masonic funeral service is often their first true exposure to the traditions, beautiful and timeless rituals, and deep meaning behind our Fraternity. At this somber service, they will likely establish their opinions and form important perceptions of our organization. Upon witnessing the ritual and ceremony, the public becomes curious as to who we are, what we stand for, and what we believe in, as an organization.
In this way, a Masonic funeral bridges the gap between life and death, providing comfort to the living while celebrating the moral and ethical principles of the deceased.
ELEMENTS & SYMBOLISM
The Masonic funeral ritual is rich in symbolism. It is conducted with dignity, respect, and solemnity, reflecting the virtues that we as Masons hold dear. The ceremony is open to all, Masons and non-Masons alike, allowing everyone to witness the fraternity’s deep respect for the departed brother.
Some of the key elements of the Masonic funeral include:
THE SPRIG OF ACACIA - Symbolizing immortality, this sprig reminds us of the soul's eternal nature, which transcends the physical body and continues beyond death. “This acacia, which once marked the temporary resting place of one illustrious in Masonic history, is an emblem of our enduring faith in the immortality of the soul. By it we are reminded that we have an imperishable part within us, which shall survive the grave and which will never, never die. By it we are admonished that, though like brother we too shall soon be clothed in the habiliments of death, yet, through the loving goodness of our Supreme Grand Master, we may confidently hope that, like this evergreen, our souls will hereafter flourish in eternal spring.”
THE WHITE APRON - A white apron is placed on the deceased Brother, a symbol of the purity of life and conduct, and a reminder of the first gift he received upon becoming a Mason. “This lamb-skin apron is an emblem of innocence, and the peculiar badge of a Mason. It is more ancient than the Golden Fleece or Roman Eagle, and, when worthily worn more honorable than the Star and Garter, or any other Order which earthly power can confer. By this act we are reminded of the universal dominion of Death. The arm of Friendship cannot oppose the King of Terrors; the shield of Fraternal Love cannot protect his victim; nor can the charms of Innocence avert his fatal touch. All, all must die. We are continually reminded that we, too, are mortal, and that ere long our bodies, also, shall molder into dust. How important then it is for us to know that our Redeemer Liveth and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.”
THE SCROLL OF REMEMBRANCE
The Masonic Funeral Service ritual prescribes that “The Secretary should prepare an “Obituary Roll”, on which should be inscribed the name, place and date of birth, date of initiation, passing and raising, or affiliation, and date of death of the deceased brother.” Only strictly Masonic matters deemed appropriate or of special interest to the Lodge should be included. There should be no reference to domestic or business relations. At the proper time this roll should be read either by the Master or Secretary and later deposited in the archives of the Lodge.”
Edict No. 145 (Mateo), instructs the presentation of the “Scroll of Remembrance”- a written document extolling the masonic virtues of the deceased Brother to his bereaved family at the time of the necrological / funeral service “in recognition of his fraternal sacrifices, devoted services and contribution to the cause of Free & Accepted Masons of the Philippines”
Biblical Passages, Invocation, and Benediction - in Freemasonry we are always reminded that “No man should ever enter upon any great or important undertaking without first invoking the blessing of God.” This underscores the importance of Prayer in our Craft. Lodges are always opened and closed with a prayer and prayer is often used in our ceremonies. In Masonic Funeral Services, the Chaplain's role is even more evident, as he gives both the Invocation to open the ceremony and the Benediction to formally close it.
INVOCATION – “Most Gracious God, Author of all good, and giver of all mercy, extend Thy blessing to us, and grant that the solemnity of this occasion may Brethren Mourners Brethren Mourners bind us yet closer in the bonds of brotherly love. /// May the present instance of mortality remind us of our approaching destiny. May our affections be weaned from the things of the world and fixed more devotedly on Thee, our only safe refuge in the hour of need. And grant that when the summons shall come for us to quit the transitory scenes of earth, the light which is from above shall dispel the encircling gloom. May we go hence with faith in Thee, in full hope of a resurrection, and with charity toward all men. May we be admitted into Celestial Lodge on high, to an everlasting reunion with the souls of our departed friends and brethren.”
BENEDICTION - “The Lord bless us and keep us! The Lord make His face to shine upon us, and be gracious unto us! The Lord lift upon us the light of His countenance and give us peace! Amen.”
PASSAGES FROM THE VOLUME OF THE SACRED LAW - Masonry being religious in nature has its rituals imbued with selected verses from the King James Version of the Holy Bible. For funeral rites, emphasize the following:
“The silver cord is loosed: the golden bowl is broken; the pitcher is broken at the fountain, and the wheel is broken at the cistern. The dust has returned to the earth as it was, and the spirit has returned to God who gave it.” - Ecclesiastes 12:6-7
Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.” - Job 14:1-2
“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” - Revelation 21:4
Eulogies - After the formal ceremony, a speech or piece of writing in tribute to the departed is given by volunteers or selected Brethren close to the departed Brother, citing his Masonic virtues and deeds.
Music - helps set the tone and atmosphere at a Masonic funeral service, and the ritual prescribes the playing of appropriate music at strategic portions of the ceremony. The following are the prescribed playlist:
The Lord’s Prayer – to be played immediately following the Invocation. Chaplain leads the Brethren in reciting the Lord’s Prayer, after which a musical rendition of the same is played.
Pleyel’s Hymn – a familiar tune during the second section of the Third Degree Conferral, this is played and sung while the Brethren deposit the acacia sprigs at the tomb or coffin of the departed Brother.
Nearer, my God, to Thee – another song known to masons being played during the first section of the Third Degree Conferral, it is prescribed to be sung or played at the end of the Funeral Ceremony.
Other Songs or Hymns are prescribed to be played at the Procession and other parts of the ceremony and the Brethren performing the service are advised to choose appropriately. Highly recommended are the funeral songs and dirges from Brother Mason - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Masonic Funeral Music in C minor, K. 477 and Requiem as well as the sad pieces of Brother Mason Nicanor Abelardo. The works of other Classical composers can also be used appropriately like Adagio for Strings (Samuel Barber); Canon in D (Johann Pachelbel); Air on a G String (Johann Sebastian Bach); and many more.
Our Masonic Funeral and Memorial Services are enshrined in our Constitution and is an integral part of the Masonic Law Book (MLB) as part of LODGE PROTOCOL:
Under ARTICLE II - one of the POWERS OF THE LODGE is to conduct public or private funeral or memorial services for its deceased members (Sec. 3 / Letter O).
In ARTICLE III - among the DUTIES OF THE LODGE is to perform Masonic funeral services for a member when requested and bury him when necessary (Sec. 3 / Letter D); and To perform Masonic funeral services for any mason in good standing who dies within its jurisdiction, bury him when requested and to pay the burial expenses if his financial circumstances are insufficient, which however, shall be reimbursed by the lodge of which he was an actual member. No lodge shall fix in advance the amount to be paid for burial. A lodge may, at its discretion, perform funeral services for a brother who was suspended for non-payment of dues, if there is no other Masonic offense established against him. The Master and Wardens shall determine the propriety of burying a suicide with such honors; (Sec. 3 / Letter E)
One the several PROHIBITIONS ON A LODGE in ARTICLE IV includes meeting on a Sunday except for funeral services (Sec. 2 / Letter F)
For Article XIV, the SECRETARY shall keep the following books of the Lodge on the prescribed form: Book of Constitution, Installation Book, Funeral & Memorial Service Book, and volume of the Sacred Law (Sec. 2 / Letter B)
Under Article XIX A / Sec. 3 - CLOTHING, the proper attire at a funeral or memorial service is that no jewels shall be worn and the Master shall wear no hat. Only white aprons shall be used and the officers shall wear white gloves. The occasion should focus on the departed brother and is not a time to display masonic ranks and titles.
CONCLUSION
The passing of a Brother Mason is a deeply solemn and sacred event for our fraternity Masonic Funeral and Memorial Services stands among the most meaningful ceremonies in our tradition. It is a time not only for mourning but also for celebrating the life, values, and legacy of the departed. As Freemasons, we are reminded of our duty to one another, even in death, the ritual serves as a powerful symbol of our bond and beliefs. We hope that this lecture has enlightened the Brethren on the differences between the three Masonic Funeral Rites: The MASONIC FUNERAL SERVICES, MEMORIAL SERVICES FOR THE LODGE OF SORROW, and the LODGE OF REMEMBRANCE. Despite the differentiating conditions, Masonic Funeral Rites for the departed have one thing in common - they are done in public, in the presence of both masons and non-masons as it is the symbolic way for Masons to offer up a brother’s memory before the world, the last sad tribute of affection: thereby demonstrating the sincerity of the brethren’s esteem for the brother and their steady attachment to the principles of the beloved order of the Craft.
As a fraternity that values secrecy, there are only a handful of occasions when we as Masons perform ceremonies and services in public form. Laying the cornerstone of our masonic edifices, installation of our elected and appointed officers for the ensuing masonic year, and our charity work, are just a few examples. However, the performance of our Masonic Funeral Rites presents a different public expression of our Craft. Masonic Funeral and Memorial Services are more solemn and somber than the installation of Lodge Officers and Laying of Corner-stones, which are festive events. More often, the Brother was a close friend and companion, and our relationship with him transcends more than just regular co-membership to our Fraternity in general and to our Lodge in particular. Other times, we may know the departed Brother more by reputation and the service is our final honoring of his life and a demonstration of our respect.
Recalling last month’s lecture – Masonic CEREMONIES reflect the beliefs, hopes, traditions, culture, and spirituality of our Fraternity showing others that Masons are united and belong to each other. Ceremonies in tribute to our departed brethren can motivate us, stimulate our emotions, and prompt those memories of our friendship and fellowship. Masonic RITUALS reinforce these beliefs, hopes, traditions, culture, and spirituality. Our Rituals are done in commemoration of our relationship with the deceased brethren - reminding us of our mortality and that we too shall soon drop our working tools and stand naked and alone at the pearly gates.
GUIDE QUESTIONS FOR LECTURERS
Note: DGL’s answers to these questions shall be among their contributions to the Lecture:
1. Have you been witness to a Masonic Funeral Service? What parts of the service made you “emotional”?
2. Reflect on how witnessing a Masonic Funeral Service has impacted your thoughts and feelings about the mortality of the body and the immortality of the soul.
3. Do you wonder what your own Masonic Funeral Service would be like? How would you like it to be performed?