Chapter 82
Burials
REG. 82-1 DUTY OF THE MASTER.
It shall be the duty of the Master of each lodge on the death of a member or a sojourning Master Mason, Fellowcraft or Entered Apprentice, qualified therefor to ascertain if Masonic rites would be agreeable, and to take measures accordingly. A lodge should bury a deceased member with Masonic rites if requested by him during his life or by his near relatives after his death. In all other cases Masonic rites may be granted or withheld by the Master of the Lodge. [59-2.43].
REG. 82-2 WHO MAY NOT RECEIVE MASONIC RITES.
Without dispensation of the Grand Master, a lodge shall not bury with Masonic ceremonies a brother who died under charges, nor one who was nonaffiliated, excluded, suspended, or expelled. [59-2.43; 82-4; 87-5].
1. A lodge may hold a Masonic burial service over the ashes of a brother who has been cremated. (this subsection amended, effective 1/1/2011) [74-5.2; 74-5.3; 74-6.5; 77-6; 77-6.1; 82-2.4].
REG. 82-3 OPENING AND CLOSING LODGE.
For the purpose of Masonic funerals only, a Lodge of Sorrow may be opened annually on the Degree of Master Mason, after the installation of officers, the usual lodge ceremonies conducted. At the time of request for Masonic funeral services, the Master shall notify lodge officers and members to assemble at a specified place and time. At the assembly point instruction and information will be given relative to the funeral service and place of interment. The minutes shall be read and approved at the next convened meeting of the lodge. The Lodge of Sorrow shall be closed annually on the Degree of Master Mason, before the next installation of officers. [38-5; 38-3.4].
1. The Secretary shall add at the end of the minutes a certificate to the effect that the brethren did receive the body and did inter the same with a Masonic burial ceremony.
2. The Secretary shall during the annual closing of the Lodge of Sorrow read the names of all deceased brethren with dates of birth, initiation, passed, raised, and death.
REG. 82-4 ENTERED APPRENTICE-FELLOWCRAFT
An Entered Apprentice or Fellow Craft may take part in a burial procession or ceremonies.
The only Masonic clothing permissible at a Masonic burial shall be white gloves, white aprons, and the officers' jewels. The remains of a deceased brother may be clothed with his Masonic apron at his request or that of his relatives even though the burial services are not conducted by a Masonic lodge. [89-3;89-4].
REG. 82-6 MASONIC BURIAL ON SUNDAY.
A Masonic burial or memorial service may be held on Sunday. [45-11].
REG. 82-7 MASONIC MEMORIAL SERVICES.
Memorial services may be conducted for an eligible deceased brother at a funeral home, hall, church or other appropriate location upon request of the deceased or his survivors. The Masonic Memorial Service as formulated by the Grand Lodge Committee on Masonic Ceremonies as approved by the Grand
Master shall be used. (this chapter amended, effective 1/1/2012)