Optional Masonic Memorial Service

Adopted December, 1972 by The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Texas

We are assembled as Masons on this solemn occasion to pay a final tribute of love and esteem to a departed friend and Brother. Brother _____ was a beloved member of _____ Lodge No. _____ Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.

It is an honor for Masonry to have the privilege of paying a final tribute to the memory of a Brother whose life was inseparably linked to ours by solemn and binding obligations, entered into before the Holy Altar of Freemasonry. Our Brother's death does not release us, nor would we be absolved from the duties imposed upon us by those obligations.

It is such moments as these, while under the spell of the tragic touch of nature, that we pause for serious reflection, in which and through which, there comes a realization of our own unworthiness, a desire for a closer walk with our Brethren and with all mankind as with upturned faces we supplicate the Divine Throne: "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom."

This white apron which our Brother was privileged to wear is an emblem of innocence and the badge of a Mason, more ancient than the Golden Fleece or Roman Eagle; more honorable than the star and garter, when worthily worn. We leave this emblem as a reminder of our unity in service. We also leave this sprig of evergreen, not alone because we remember that it once marked the temporary resting place of one illustrious in the annals of Masonry, but because of our belief that within us is an immortal spirit which shall survive the grave and which, blooming in everlasting beauty in the garden of our Father and our God, shall never, never, never die... Thus we may hope that when our earthly tabernacle is vacated and our bodies clothed in the habiliments of death, are deposited in the grave, our souls, rising in majesty, like those of our departed Brethren, shall blossom in Eternal Spring.

May these thoughts exert us to greater efforts in the doing of kind and friendly acts and in our endeavor to promote the welfare and the happiness of each other. Thus will the lessons of the departed be useful, as they have always been, as lectures to the living.

Let us pray.. Heavenly Father, we come to Thee in this sorrow, seeking that support which Thou alone can give . . . As we mourn the departure of a Brother from the circle of our Fraternity, we believe that he has entered into a higher Brotherhood, to find rest from earthly labors and refreshment from earthly cares. As the balm of Gilead soothed and sustained the wounded wayfarer, so we pray that Thy divine love may dwell amongst the dear ones of our Brother's household to cheer, to console and strengthen them in their hour of sorrow and despair. Let the light of Thy countenance shine upon them and be gracious unto them. Teach us Thy ways, O Lord. Make us to know the measure of Thy wondrous love, that we may seek Thee in truth, and forsaking our evil ways, cleave in righteous and constant devotion to Thee, O God, who is our Rock and our Redeemer both now and evermore. Amen.

{The prayer may conclude the service, or at the option of the Master and in keeping with the wishes of the family, the Master says: "This service will be concluded at the cemetery." At the cemetery the Brethren assemble (Public Grand Honors may be given) and the Master continues:}

The dust shall return to the earth as it was and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.

{Senior Warden and Junior Warden may repeat this. Then the Master continues:}

For as much as it has pleased Almighty God in His wise providence to take out of this world the soul of our deceased Brother, we, therefore, commit his body to the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust, looking forward to the general resurrection at the last day and the life in the world to come, when the earth and the sea shall give up their dead.

(Brethren repeat together the Lord's Prayer).

{Master continues:}

May the blessing of Heaven rest upon us; may Brotherly love prevail and every moral and social virtue cement us. Amen. Brother Pastor will give the benediction.

(The Master in charge of the service shall have the right to make such changes as may be appropriate to fit the particular occasion and in keeping with the wishes of the family of the deceased.)