Procedure
Any member who was in good standing in Freemasonry at the time of his death is entitled to a Masonic funeral if he or his family requests it. Such 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. Lodge information can usually be found on the member’s dues card, on the monthly Bulletin, or via the Internet.
The service must be authorized by the Masonic jurisdiction in which your partner is located at the time of his passing. The service itself may consist of participation at the mortuary, the beginning at the mortuary and the closing at the graveside, or graveside only. Pallbearers, if requested however, should be furnished at the request of the family, although some Masons may choose to participate if asked.
In general, the Lodge will do as much or as little as your, or the nearest relative wishes it to do, that is not inconsistent to our established customs and instructions. While we celebrate the contributions your partner makes in his daily Masonic endeavors, so shall we also cherish his memory when the roll of the workmen is eventually called, and this Master Mason does not answer to his name. If you would like Masonic burial rites or a Masonic funeral ceremony, please contact us.
The service must be authorized by the Masonic jurisdiction in which your partner is located at the time of his passing. The service itself may consist of participation at the mortuary, the beginning at the mortuary and the closing at the graveside, or graveside only. Pallbearers, if requested however, should be furnished at the request of the family, although some Masons may choose to participate if asked.
In general, the Lodge will do as much or as little as your, or the nearest relative wishes it to do, that is not inconsistent to our established customs and instructions. While we celebrate the contributions your partner makes in his daily Masonic endeavors, so shall we also cherish his memory when the roll of the workmen is eventually called, and this Master Mason does not answer to his name. If you would like Masonic burial rites or a Masonic funeral ceremony, please contact us.
Ritual
Below you can find the approved Masonic ritual of the DC Grand Lodge. We are always looking for brethren interested in learning and performing the Worshipful Master role. We welcome you to reach out to Brother Secretary if interested and he can connect you with others that have performed the ritual in the past.