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Masonic Memorial Sevice.

Keith C

Registered User
At our Stated Meeting last night we performed a Masonic Memorial Service for the Brothers who have passed away since the last one the Lodge held. This was the first Masonic Memorial Service that I have attended, it is quite different than the funeral service.

Despite the chaos I had to go through to find the bell required for the service (Our Lodge Room and storage areas underwent renovations over the Summer and some stuff still is not in the proper place) the service went off beautifully and was very moving.

As last night was also Past Master's Night at the Lodge, there were many remembrances of the departed brothers shared after the meeting.

It was a very touching evening.
 

Warrior1256

Site Benefactor
As last night was also Past Master's Night at the Lodge, there were many remembrances of the departed brothers shared after the meeting.

It was a very touching evening.
I find that a lump forms in my throat too at these types of events even when I didn't know the departed Brother(s).
 

Keith C

Registered User
I know everyone likes photos, so here is a photo of the Past Masters who attended plus our WM, SW and Myself.

43766910_10215795462433623_1357349024339853312_n.jpg
 

dfreybur

Premium Member
At our Stated Meeting last night we performed a Masonic Memorial Service for the Brothers who have passed away since the last one the Lodge held. This was the first Masonic Memorial Service that I have attended, it is quite different than the funeral service.

In Texas we do that each year after installation or on the night of the first stated meeting after that.

Some years there are ghosts in attendance. As expected the majority do not experience ghosts. It's something very subjective.
 

Bill Lins

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
In Texas we do that each year after installation or on the night of the first stated meeting after that.
Actually, it is to be held BEFORE the installation of new officers and presided over by the outgoing WM. See the Monitor under "The Lodge of Sorrow", thus:
"f. Toward the end of the term of the Worshipful Master and prior to the installation of his successor, the Lodge of Sorrow should be called to labor and closed."
 

Matt L

Site Benefactor
My first year as Master, I realized that we had some members with over 60 years in our lodge. I scheduled a Past Master, 50 year member dinner. I was working nights, so during the day I went to every Past Master, and 50 year members home to personally invite them. I followed up with letters and postcards as the day neared.

I made certificates for those over 60 years and for each PM and invited the Grand Lodge Officers. On the day of our dinner, it we had almost 100 attendee's. I was floored. Our Eastern Star Chapter ran out of food, and we had to send out. The Grandmaster, Grand officers and some PGM's attended.

I suggest talking to your senior brethren, and get them to tell you about the history of the lodge. It's amazing the things you can find out, and the old photos they have squirreled away.

I have a photo of the Brothers we celebrated that day, they have all since dropped the working tools of life. Do it now before it's to late.
 

Bill Lins

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
Bro. Matt, our Grand Lodge provides certificates & pins to our Brethren with 50, 60, 65, and so on years of service & dispatches the DDGMs to present said awards. Your GL doesn't do likewise?
 

Howard Giang

Registered User
Some years there are ghosts in attendance. As expected the majority do not experience ghosts. It's something very subjective.
Hi dfreybur,
What you meant by “ghosts in attendance”? How would you know if they are there? Have you experienced seeing ghosts? Are they considered good entities? Thanks.
 

Matt L

Site Benefactor
Bro. Matt, our Grand Lodge provides certificates & pins to our Brethren with 50, 60, 65, and so on years of service & dispatches the DDGMs to present said awards. Your GL doesn't do likewise?

They do as well, but I wanted to present them with something from the lodge too.
 

dfreybur

Premium Member
Bro. Matt, our Grand Lodge provides certificates & pins to our Brethren with 50, 60, 65, and so on years of service & dispatches the DDGMs to present said awards. Your GL doesn't do likewise?

In a lot of jurisdictions the MWGM delivers the pin for Masonic anniversaries 70 years and up. I see photos of the ceremonies in the magazines from all 3 of my jurisdictions.

I've been to 50 year pin award ceremonies without the DDGM present. They send their apologies as they are supposed to be there.

Awarding pins is a matter of what fits on the calendar.
 

Keith C

Registered User
Our DDGM makes sure he always attends when we have a 50, 60, 65 & 70 year anniversary to acknowledge. He always has extra pins for each with him "just in case." I have been at District visitations where a 50 year member's presence is a 'surprise' and he is able to make the presentation seem like it was well planned in advance.
 

Bill Lins

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
Our DDGM makes sure he always attends when we have a 50, 60, 65 & 70 year anniversary to acknowledge. He always has extra pins for each with him "just in case." I have been at District visitations where a 50 year member's presence is a 'surprise' and he is able to make the presentation seem like it was well planned in advance.
Here, the Lodge Secretary requests the certificate & pin & they are sent directly to the Lodge. Upon receipt, the Secretary checks with the Brother to see if he will be able to receive his award @ the Lodge and, if so, when. He then contacts the DDGM (hopefully with adequate notice) and arranges for him to be present to make the presentation. Sometimes the awardee cannot come to Lodge (usually due to health issues) and the Secretary will make arrangements for the WM & DDGM to present the award @ the Brother's residence, nursing home, or wherever is convenient for all to meet.
 

Keith C

Registered User
Here, the Lodge Secretary requests the certificate & pin & they are sent directly to the Lodge. Upon receipt, the Secretary checks with the Brother to see if he will be able to receive his award @ the Lodge and, if so, when. He then contacts the DDGM (hopefully with adequate notice) and arranges for him to be present to make the presentation. Sometimes the awardee cannot come to Lodge (usually due to health issues) and the Secretary will make arrangements for the WM & DDGM to present the award @ the Brother's residence, nursing home, or wherever is convenient for all to meet.

Indeed, that is how it is supposed to happen here. Some Secretaries are not as efficient as others and our DDGM is prepared to overcome that if the need arises.
 
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