Terry
Rundell J.P. C.M.C.
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BRETHREN:
The
Great Architect of the Universe having been pleased in His infinite wisdom to
remove our brother (Here
give departed Brother’s name from
the cares and troubles of this transitory life, may we, who survive him, be more
firmly united in the bonds of brotherhood and in the service of God and our
fellowmen. The
passing of our brother conveys a powerful appeal to our hearts, reminding us, as
it does, of the uncertainty of life and of the vanity of earthly hopes and
desires. For
what are all the externals of human dignity, the power of wealth, the dreams of
ambition, the pride of intellect, or the charms of beauty, when our mortal life
has ended? In
death all ranks are levelled, all distinctions are done away. Here the sceptre
of the prince and the staff of the beggar are laid side by side. Thus,
in humble dependence upon the mercy of the Most High, we may hope, when our
earthly life shall have passed away, to rejoin our departed brother in the Grand
Lodge above where the world’s Great Architect lives and reigns for ever. (The
apron is exhibited.) The
lambskin, or white apron, is the ~mblem of innocence and the badge of a Mason.
It is more ancient than the Golden Fleece or Roman Eagle. more honourable :han
the Garter, when worthily worn. *This
emblem we now deposit where rest
the earthly remains of our brother.
~
Alternative Wording. This emblem we 10M’
deposit upon this pedestal. (The
apron is deposited) (The
evergreen is exhibited.) This
evergreen, which once marked the resting place of our illustrious dead, is the
emblem of our faith in the immortality of the soul. This,
too, we deposit with the apron. (The
evergreen is deposited.) By
it we are reminded that we have an immortal part within us which shall never,
never die. Through our faith in the mercy of God, we believe that our souls will
bloom in eternal spring. Here
we leave the earthly remains of our brother, and in humble confidence we commend
his immortal spirit into the care of our God Who is the Creator and Preserver of
all Mankind. LET
US PRAY Almighty
Father and Author of Eternal Life; we turn to Thee in this hour, conscious of
our human limitations, and seek that assistance which Thou hast assured us will
be granted to those who faithfully trust in Thee. We
humbly beseech Thee to grant Thy consolation to those who by human ties are near
and dear to our departed brother. We
thank Thee for the fraternal fellowship we have enjoyed with Thy servant, for
thy promise of being re-united with him n Thy heavenly Kingdom, and of enjoying
that eternal felicity which awaits the souls )f just men made perfect.
Grant us Thy Grace so to regulate our conduct here, that, when the solemn moment
shall arrive at which we must quit this transitory scene, the enlivening
prospect of Thy mercy may dispel the gloom of death. Thus
supported we cherish our brother’s memory whilst we commend his spirit to Thee
Who gave it and consign his earth* body
to the ( earth ) or ( elements.) Brethren,
you will now move in procession and severally drop a sprig of evergreen on the
place where the remains of our departed brother rest So
Mote
it be. This
portion of the Ceremony may be omitted. If it is desired or considered
appropriate to have the procession, it must be after consultation with and
approval of the Clergyman and next of kin. The
portion of the ceremony enclosed in square brackets is optional. BENEDICTION
And
may the Lord bless us and keep us, may the Lord make His face shine upon us, and
be gracious unto us, and may the Lord lift up His countenance upon us and give
us peace. The
Clergyman officiating at the Church Funeral Service should be invited to
pronounce the Benediction at the close of the Masonic Funeral Ceremony. |
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