INSTRUCTIONS for CONDUCTING A MASONIC FUNERAL SERVICE IN A HOME
OR FUNERAL HOME, OR AT A GRAVE. 

NOTE: Remove this instruction sheet before presenting booklet to family.

The Masonic Funeral Service takes immediate precedence after the religious services, and when they are performed the Lodge must leave the area or grounds.

The Lodge cannot join with any other association in the performance of funeral ceremonies.
The booklet contains space to indicate the Masonic record of the deceased Brother and the names of those members of the Fraternity who attended the service. It is to be presented to the family of the deceased following the service. Please make sure this instruction sheet is removed from the booklet before the presentation.

When the Worshipful Master receives a request to conduct a Masonic Funeral Service at a home, mortuary or grave site he should arrange to have the white leathern apron delivered to the funeral director prior to the time of the service.

The Worshipful Master, or his representative, upon delivering the apron, should instruct the funeral director on the correct placement of the apron and inform him on the procodure for a Masonic Funeral Service.

The apron, in services held in the home or mortuary shall be placed in the customary position as worn in the Masonic Lodge, but not tied.

The service may be given from memory, but it is important that it be done well. Therefore, this booklet must be placed on a podium or lectern so that the several participants may read from it or use it as a reference. Ideally, the Worshipful Master, Wardens and the Chaplain of the Lodge will conduct the service. If this is not possible, it is recommended that a team of proficient Brethren, appointed by the Worshipful Master, perform the service to the best of their ability. This team should be carefully selected and would perform ONLY at the request of the Worshipful Master.

It is recommended and preferred that Masonic Dress be worn by the Brethren participating, Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden and Chaplain if at all possible. Otherwise they should wear dark clothes, dark necktie, black shoes, white gloves, apron, collar and jewel. Attending Brethren should wear dark clothes, aprons and white gloves if possible.

The display on the left coat lapel of a blue ribbon two inches long and one half inch wide is optional.

The Worshipful Master, Senior and Junior Warden shall each carry in the hand a sprig of evergreen for use in the ceremony.

The Worshipful Master and Chaplain stand at the head of the casket. The Wardens stand at the foot facing the Worshipful Master and Chaplain.

The center of the casket shall be unobstructed in order that the mourners may view the
body.

The Brethren may form on two sides of the room or grave site in a manner not to ob-
struct the view of the mourners.

In the case of a large visitation of Brethren, those not able to take positions at the
casket should assemble in an adjoining room or near the grave site.

After the service is completed, the Worshipful Master should stand fast until after all
the Brethren have passed to pay respect to the deceased Brother.

If it is necessary to have Brethren assembled in another room, or near the grave, the
Wardens should assist them to pass by the casket. The Worshipful Master should
remain in place until after all the Brethren have passed and then retire last.

NO INNOVATIONS ARE PERMITTED.

The Instructor of Ritualistic Work, the Regional Instructors, and the Principals of the 
Schools of Instruction are prepared to instruct when requested or needed.

SPECIAL NOTES

1. Closed casket
In each of these services, when the casket is closed the apron is placed upon the
coffin prior to the service and the scroll and evergreen are placed on a pedestal, if
one is used, or the scroll and evergreen may be carried in the hand if no pedestal is
used. When the casket is draped with a United States flag, the scroll, apron and
sprigs of evergreen must be placed upon a pedestal at the head of the casket, and
after each is used during the ceremony, each must be returned to the pedestal.
Nothing shall be placed upon the United States flag.

2. Crematory urn
In the case of a crematory urn, the urn, scroll, apron and evergreen shall be placed
on a suitable small table or pedestal at an appropriate place in the room where the
ceremony would be held.

3. Half casket
In the case where only the upper half of the casket is open, the apron shall be placed
on the casket in the same relative position as if it were on the body. The scroll and
evergreen shall be placed by the Worshipful Master the same as for the regular
service. The evergreens of the Wardens should be placed alongside the body near
the scroll.

4. Blanket
If a blanket has been placed upon the body, the apron shall be laid on top of the
blanket in the same position as if there were no blanket.

For Special cases, consult the Ahiman Rezon.