Freemasonry & Family Funerals?

Question

If a family member (father) was once an active freemason, has been awarded for 50 years of membership, but not necessarily active fpr quite a few years, and when the inevitable happens and he passes, do we contact the Masons to be a part of the funeral service, or do they, once they are aware, contact us? What are the "rules" when it comes to other family members that may protest at the presence of Masons?

I've been to only one funeral service "led" by Masons. I am not knowledgable of these things, but know that one day we will be faced with knowing the proper procedure. Any comments or advice will be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

Answer 1

The Masonic Fraternity needs to be contacted if you want Masonic Services for a Member. contact either the Worshipful Master or Secretary. if you don't know whom to contact then ask the Funeral Home Director as most Funeral Homes have the names of the Lodge Officers. Please do so as this is the last Tribute of Respect we can give a Departed Brother.

The Masonic Service lasts for about 30 minutes and is a solemn, serious ceremony. if any family members have any problems please explain that as a 50 year Mason your Father deserves the last offices of respect he can be given for his service to GOD and his Fraternity.

Answer 2

Good question. First of all your dad must either be a member in good standing (dues current unless waived due to hardship) or he must get a DIMIT, a document releasing hin to join another Lodge (a loophole that does not require that he actually join another Lodge). It is probable that only he can ask for the DIMIT, but a relief from dues may be pleaded by another member. Most likely, due to his age and years in the Fraternity, he will have a lot of slack granted to him.



It would be your responsibility to let another member of his Lodge know of his passing - not necessarily the Worshipful Master, but just someone. Once they know of your desire to see him laid to rest in Masonic Regalia, they will do everything necessary, including informing the members of his Lodge and those nearby.



As for contentiousness no Masons want there to be public quarreling; so if they must, they would probably insist on two memorials - one, your own personal family thing with the anti-masonics among you; then later a short ceremony for the Masons and such as yourself who may be sympathetic.



Remember that Brothers of the Craft preach moderation and do not wish to drive a wedge between a Mason and his family.



P.S.: do not forget to locate his Lambskin apron - he will be buried in it according to Masonic tradition. If you can't find it, no big deal - they'll just supply another.

Answer 3

Marvin is very right i would just like to add to his answer.

I seen a funeral where the Masonic part happened in private before or after the regular funeral.



Also please tell me why anyone would protest Masons?

Anyone who would is misinformed.

Your father got a 50 year pin that means even if he wasn't active he was still paying his dues. So he understood what masons stand for and he supported it. If other family members are stuck believing silly conspiracy theories that have all been disprove and there soucres discredited that is there problem.

Answer 4

They were at my grandfathers funeral a few years back. Kind of freaky-I had never met these cats before and they kind of took over the whole show.