District, who is in hospital. Heavenly Father we know and believe that our times are in Your hands, but Lord it's so often such a shock to us when a dear loved one meets with a sudden or unexpected death through an accident or perhaps due to some unforeseen tragedy, which takes the life of someone they loved long before it would be expected. An often-overlooked concern for the Chaplain is the well being of lodge members, especially during periods of ill health. Now, seeing as he/she is gone, I pray that he/she finds everlasting life and eternal happiness in Your powerful embrace. Let us remember with thanks the men and women who have, and still do, honour us by pledging their lives to help us live in peace in the Canada we all love. May the Great Architect of the Universe bless that which His bounty has provided. Facebook. Although this funeral poem seems to have no title, the unknown poet created a poem popular for Masonic funeral services. Be the Life, Prayer, Bread, Bread of life BASIC PRAYERS The Our Father - stanthonyes.com stanthonyes.com Building tools like the square take center stage in this poem: Square of Virtue for our actsWherewith to set them true,Can make a building, standing quiteAs worthy in our childrens sight,And in the Masters, too., Was your loved one a model Mason," or genial, wise and true? To continue the poem, Their works theyre numbered all in heaven, those deeds of charity!. Like the seed buried in the ground, you have produced the harvest of eternal life for us; make us always dead to sin and alive to God. You have given us light, O God; may You now bless us, and the food we are about to eat, and grant that we might share that light with others. We thank you, too, for the work and effort that our Grand Master and his officers devote to the care and improvement of our brotherhood, and thereby, to the betterment of those whose lives we touch.Through You, O God, we have much; keep us ever mindful of those who have little. May you rest in the arms of the Lord who formed you from the dust of the earth. The old order has passed away: Amen, O God, we thank You that we are able to be here tonight: that You have given us the health and the means to be together as brothers. Masonic funerals are unique because of their attention to ritual, their focus, and their exclusive nature. So mote it be. May we be ever mindful that a Father's care is always over us and that Thine all-seeing eye is ever upon us. Prayers before meals | My Freemasonry | Freemason Information and Lord, we thank You for the social board that we have enjoyed. We thank You for our time of work together, and ask that our efforts might be reflected in our day-to-day lives. A Program for Masonic Widows - Masonic Grand Lodge of Maine (The benediction or closing prayer may . This prayer in Masonry was partially modeled after the prayer found in the Book of Common Prayer for ease of understanding and familiarity to the hearer. Hail Mary, full of grace. 1. The Lord is with thee. Unite us together again in one family, to sing Your praise forever and ever. Show us from Masonry's degrees, its Make us aware of our nature as moral beings. What sets Masonic funerals apart are the rituals, the focus, and inclusion. It includes the stanza: They are not dead! Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble. 403-262-1149, 2023 Grand Lodge of Alberta | #210, 2816 - 11 St NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7S7 | 403-262-1149 | info@freemasons.ab.ca, May that warmth and food remind us, though, of those who have neither; and let our prayers always include the poor, the destitute, and those who struggle with their lives. May this evenings work and refreshment make us better instruments of Your will. Robin Carson, The Most Worshipful Grand Chaplain (2012), General GracesVariations on a ThemeThe SeasonsDegrees and InstallationsFor Those in NeedSpecial OccasionsGraces by OthersWriting a GraceFestive Board Prayer. We thank You for the harmony we share, for the food before us, and for the many other blessings You have bestowed upon us. Belinda McLeod, BA in Secondary Education, http://www.themasonictrowel.com/indexes/index_masonic_poetry.htm. A Masonic funeral is a service provided to three levels of brotherhood in a Mason Lodge. The Masters Apron by Brother Robert Burns, Other Tips for Planning a Loved Ones Funeral. Listen to our prayers; look with love on Your people who mourn and pray for their dead brother/sister. May the G.A.O.T.U. He cometh forth as a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not. I commend you, my dear [name] to almighty God, and entrust you to your Creator. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. This poem can give tribute to the acts of service the deceased performed in the course of his life. A Freemasons Prayer by Dan Goldstein, 8. The Square by Brother R.J. McLaughlin, 22. Amen, O Merciful God, bless us as we celebrate yet another step that our newest brethren have taken toward the Light. We pray that you guide us to be wiser, to be kinder, and to be more appreciative of whatever time we have left. The chaplain speaks about how a Mason builds his character the same way he builds a house, and how once a person dies his soul is placed in the temple of heaven, built by God, whom the Masons call "The Grand Architect of the Universe.". If there is a grace you like, whether it is one of these, or one of your own, it is easy to make changes to it for another Festive Board. The entire premise of a Masonic funeral is to allow the Mason brethren to show their respect and love for their brother who has passed on and to his family and loved ones. Planning a memorial service for a loved one deserves great thought and consideration. To that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be; Good friend, I am building this bridge for him!, 6. It's an ominous drawing called "Time and the Virgin" depicting an old man holding a scythe, much like the grim reaper, behind a young female who is weeping over an open book and broken column. Let me offer a few tips. Shield and defend us from the evil intentions of our enemies, and support us under the trials and afflictions we are destined to endure, while travelling through this vale of tears. Keep these valued brothers in Your care, O God, and in our thoughts and prayers. Here's how to honor your unique loved one. May you see your Redeemer face to face and enjoy the sight of God forever. We also honour the widows of Passed members with a mid-winter tea, andhere is a grace suitable for such an event. Amen. Amen, Through You, O God, we have much; keep us ever mindful of those who have little. Bless, too, this food; and make us ever mindful of the lesson of charity we learned at the rough ashlar. May Mary, the angels, and all the saints come to meet you as you go forth from this life. Let us also give thanks for this food we share together.May God give us fond memories of those who cannot be with us today, grant us stillness in the midst of turmoil, and peace during our lonely moments. In it, the speaker vows to uphold all the principles that Freemasonry describes, such as truth and love and justice, with morality and trust., Robert Burns, one of Scotlands most famous poets, was a member of the Grand Lodge of Freemasons in Scotland. 617 Masonic Blvd, Jefferson, WI 53549, USA, JEFFERSON COUNTY LODGE #9 FREE & ACCEPTED MASONS, The Graveside Prayer of the Master Mason Degree. The Masonic Chaplain will say a prayer, and the brother Masons will also join in to the litany. You are the God of all comfort Who comforts us in time of need and we pray that for those that are facing such a difficult trial today. Celebrate the authenticity of this person by reading A Real Mason at his services. We thank You, O God, for giving us companionship when so many are lonely; and for food when so many of Your children are hungry. Again, the form and much of the imagery used would have been immediately recognizable to almost all English-speaking people at the time. The concluding statement implies that a Brother keeps contributing to the very end of his life: The master speaks,The work is done:The gavel sounds,God calls us home.. Bring us harmony both at labour and at refreshment, bless this food we enjoy tonight, and keep us ever mindful of those who need our help. Amen. Often, a soldier or commander who fell during a war is given a broken pillar, such as the one displayed in Albany Rural Cemetery, to symbolise the unfinished life. The only comfort left is knowing that our Cherished One is with You now in Heaven with a full heart and an eternal soul. Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Make it easier. The Masonic funeral draws brother Masons from miles away. As the Fraternity moved from specifically Christian to non-sectarian, its thinking members knew that there would be among its members those who had varying religious thought as the Fraternity leaves decisions on faith to the individual member. Our loved one is now at peace in Heaven, surrounded by radiance and infinite love. He referred to the dates on his tombstone, from the beginning to . Amen. Women have given us life, patiently raised and taught us, and, for the men here tonight, have become fast companions who share both our joys, and our secret tears. Lord, we here all are fit and able, To enjoy this festive table, But ever mindful we shall be, Of those that need our charity. This link will open in a new window. Mercy Prayer. Lord God, you are attentive to the voice of our pleading. The Masonic chaplain or clergyman reads a eulogy that speaks about the principles of Freemasonry. For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. Amen, O God, keep us ever thankful for the many blessings you have bestowed upon us: for food, for friends and for fellowship. If your loved one made significant contributions in the course of his life, you might want to print this poem in his funeral program. Amen, We thank you, O God, that we are able to extend the gift of enlightenment to him who seeks it, and who now joins us as a Master Mason. The Significance of Frogs in Chinese Culture. Great Artificer of the Universe, Who has provided us with refreshment from Thy bounty, bless, we beseech Thee, with Thy gracious favour, our continued humble efforts to Thy service. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen. From the sin of gluttony, and the pain of indigestion, may the Great Architect of the Universe protect us. So the next time the phone rings with news that one of your Brothers has passed to the Celestial Lodge, keep those things in mind. I pray in hope for my family, relatives and friends, and for all the dead known to You alone. The grace remains the same, but the introduction to it requests thought and prayer for those who need it. This link will open in a new window. Amen. Amen, Help us to be good men, Almighty God, and to use the many gifts You bestow upon us, such as this food and this fellowship, to Your use and glory. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. Pinterest. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. relatives, and friends everlasting happiness. GAOTU, we thank You that our various paths have brought us together here in harmony this evening. Accept. As far as I remember, my brother/sister has been with me through all the ups and downs of life. Lord Jesus, our Redeemer, You willingly gave Yourself up to death so that all people might be saved and pass from death into a new life. for a loved one deserves great thought and consideration. Amen. In this life you embraced them with your tender love; Lord, those who die still live in Your presence, their lives change but do not end. Amen, In the presence of The Great Architect, let us be grateful for this food, and more especially for the brotherhood that brings us together to enjoy it. Lord, we bring before You today those who are having to go through such a tragic loss and pray that You would be very close to each one that is in mourning today over such a loss and are perhaps confused or even angry that such a devastating occurrence has overtaken them without any apparent warning. Here are two examples: Create the body for the grace. Phone: 215-988-1912, Research/Genealogy Requests These graces are intended to honour those women who must put up with men who are off to lodge. Lighten our darkness, dear Lord. We thank You, too, for this food, and for the fellowship we share. May your God, your family and your friends, give you strength and confidence. Staff, 15. Each Mason will speak about the symbols of Masonry. Amen, O God, we thank You bringing us together this evening. This link will open in a new window. Amen. In your hands, O Lord, A Masonic funeral is not only for male Masons. Great Artificer of the Universe, Who providest refreshment for those who work, bless, we beseech Thee, this Thy bounty with Thy gracious favour that, this meal ended, we may return to our labours and consecrate our humble efforts to Thy service. After giving them the grace of mourning, may you gift them with the peace and love of acceptance and comfort. of the Wisconsin Masonic Grand Lodge. Amen. Bless this food we enjoy tonight, and keep us ever mindful of our lesson at the NE angle of the Lodge. Amen, O God, we thank you for our being together at this special meal. we humbly entrust our brothers and sisters. We pray that with his unexpected death, his soul may find peace that he has lived a good life and did his best serving his family, workplace and loved ones while he was on earth. Great Architect be praised, My belly's been raised,An inch above the table And I'll be damned,If I'm not crammed, As full as I am able. Grant us harmony both at this table, and when we are away from it. Visit our bookstore for more information. The tree bough symbolizes the belief of the Masons in the eternal soul and their unwavering faith. Privacy Policy. Ask others to contribute as you gather stories. So mote it be. May the Great Architect of the Universe bless His gifts to our use, and whilst partaking of His benefits, make us ever mindful of the needs of others. Bless that which his bounty has prepared for us and may he give us greatful hearts and help us to supply the wants and needs of our fellow creatures.So mote it be. they have but passedBeyond the mists that blind us hereInto the new and larger lifeOf that serener sphere.. The heartfelt words of farewell spoken by the Worshipful Master, the humble prayer recited by the Chaplain, and the unison echoes of the assembled Brethren combine to make that ceremony one which never fails to tug at the heart strings of every person present. May your spirit be lifted, may your heart be filled with peace, and may the light of Gods promise fill you with joy and hope. Freemasons are people from all walks of life who pride themselves on moral virtues and religious practice. Someone questions him as to why he would create such a bridge after crossing the divide. While most funeral poems speak about the deceaseds life, some verses may comfort those in mourning. It is one of our few public ceremonies.
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