Lodge of Sorrow
Lodge of Sorrow
Lodge of Sorrow
Also known as: Masonic Funeral Service
Distinguished from: Lodge of Rememberance
A Lodge of Sorrow is called when a Brother has passed away. It is the duty of the Brother receiving the news to relay it to the Secretary, Senior Warden, Senior Deacon, or Chaplain. The Memorial Committee confirms the time, date, location and particulars of the funeral service and relays the information to the Attendance Committee, who calls all the Brethren to notify them.
As the Brethren assemble at the funeral location, they don white leathern aprons (Lambskins) and place sprigs of acacia (evergreen) in their vest pockets. When all are assembled, the Chaplain calls the Brethren to order in the manner of Masons and turns the gavel over to the presiding official (usually the Lodge's Worshipful Master but can be a Warden if the Master is absent or a Grand Lodge officer if one is in attendance) who opens a Lodge of Sorrow for the deceased Brother.
As the funeral service begins, the Brethren proceed into the chapel single-file and all sit in unison. The Chaplain, sometimes assisted by the Worshipful Master or designated Marshal, gives an oratory befitting a funeral (the official WI Grand Lodge service ritual can be found here). At the end of the service (or near the end), the assembled Brethren rise and form a line near the front of the chapel. Each one, in turn, deposits his acacia on the casket (or table if no casket is present), raises his right hand to God, and places it over his heart in token of his sincerity. The right hand remains over the heart until the Brother is again standing back at his seat. Once all Brethren have paid their respects, they are seated in unison.
After all services (including other fraternal services, military honors, and religious services if applicable) have concluded, the Brethren retire to the dressing room and the presiding official (the one who opened the Lodge of Sorrow) closes the same. The Brethren remove their aprons, sign the guestbook, and visit with the family and friends to offer their comfort and support.
e are a Masonic Lodge constituted under the Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons of Wisconsin. We meet in the Lake Masonic Center at 1235 E. Howard Avenue in Milwaukee, WI. Our focus as a lodge is in charitable endeavors and support of community-oriented programs.
