The Masonic Funeral and the Lodge of Sorrow: How a Lodge Buries and Remembers Its Brothers

Overview

A Masonic funeral is held for a Master Mason in good standing when he or his family asks for it. It is conducted by his lodge under its Grand Lodge’s prescribed service, at the graveside or as a memorial service. A Lodge of Sorrow is a separate memorial for Brethren who have already died.

This guide begins with George Washington’s Masonic funeral in 1799 and the nineteenth-century Lodge of Sorrow rituals, then turns to practice. Using the North Carolina code and Virginia’s funeral instructions, it covers who is entitled to Masonic rites, how to handle cremation and delinquent members, and why the family asks and the lodge never solicits. It explains how to work with clergy and funeral directors, so the Masonic service comes first or last and the committal happens once. It shows how to prepare the Brethren and what they may wear, and what a lodge should keep in a ready funeral kit. It also covers courtesy services for sojourners, the annual Lodge of Sorrow and common mistakes.