A Masonic Funeral.  One of the rewards of faithful Masonic life is the honor of a Masonic burial by his Lodge for his family and friends.  One of the greatest challenges of our craft, given the closeness of the bonds which exist between so many of the brethren, is to perform this Service for a departed brother.  The ceremony does not concentrate on loss and grief.  Instead, it draws our focus to the fact that “the spirit of our brother is happy in his Father’s house…” and reminds us that we will meet again in a place and time more glorious than any we could find on this mortal soil.

Who Is Entitled.  Any Master Mason who was in good standing at the time of his death is entitled to a Masonic funeral, if he or his family requests it. 

How To Request.  A request should be made to the Master of his Lodge who will make the necessary arrangements with the family, the mortuary, and the minister.  Pallbearers will be furnished at the request of the family. In general, the Lodge will do as much or as little as the nearest relative wishes them to do.  If his Lodge is elsewhere, such a request can be made to the Master of a Lodge near the place of funeral.  See the contact page for local contact.

Who Performs.   All Masonic funerals must be by a Lodge of Master Masons and no Entered Apprentice or Fellowcraft can be admitted to the procession.

How Performed.   A Lodge of Master Masons is opened and the Brethren repair to the place of funeral service.  There to hold a memorial service or accompany his body to the place of internment, and there deposit it with the formalities of the Masonic fraternity.