The Almoner's Handbook

THE ALMONER’S HANDBOOK

The United Grand Lodge of Victoria in conjunction with the Supreme Chapter of Victoria and the United Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Victoria.

INTRODUCTION In every Lodge, Craft, Chapter or Mark, each year one of the Brethren is appointed as Almoner or Welfare Officer, invested with the collar and jewel of his office and charged as follows:

“Your jewel is a scrip purse upon which is a heart. This jewel is to remind you that the dispensing of charity is one of the principal objects of our institution, a virtue which was prominently brought under your notice when you were made a Freemason. It will be your duty on every occasion when an appeal is made to the Lodge, or the individual members thereof, to use your best endeavours to give effect thereto, and to induce your Brethren to manifest that virtue which is so characteristic of Freemasons.”

Basically, that is all that the Almoner is told. He is then very often left to his own devices.

WHAT IS AN ALMONER OR WELFARE OFFICER? The Oxford Dictionary defines an Almoner, among other things, as “A distributor of Alms on behalf of a person or a community.”

Therefore, taking account of both the charge and the dictionary definition, one would expect the Almoner to be involved with the general financial welfare of his Brethren. However, we rarely find Lodge Almoners becoming involved in this aspect as they seem to concentrate more on the other part of their duty, which is not specifically mentioned in the Investiture, namely the health and physical wellbeing of the Brethren and their families.

Freemasons Victoria considers charity to include both aspects of the Almoner’s duty with the same emphasis on each part.

This handbook is provided to give a better understanding of the tasks Almoners could and should undertake. The newly appointed Almoner is encouraged to a wider participation in those activities, which concern the welfare of the Brethren when it becomes obvious that assistance is needed.

It may also help Brethren to realise that this position is one of the most important in the Lodge, ranking as it does between the Directors of Ceremonies and the Deacons, and that the Brother should have the ability to undertake the tasks designated to him. When properly performed, the office can be demanding yet it can also be very satisfying. We extend our congratulations and hope that you have a happy and rewarding year.

THE QUALIFICATIONS OF AN ALMONER OR WELFARE OFFICER The Lodge should select an Almoner because he is capable of the allotted tasks.

Here are some of the qualifications desirable in an Almoner.

1. He must have the time to be able to perform the duties of his important position. 2. He should have a genuine interest in the welfare of his Brethren and their dependents. 3. He should have the ability to identify and to act upon information that he may receive concerning any of his Brethren who need assistance either by direct financial aid, personal counselling or support. 4. He should be tactful, compassionate, caring and understanding of the needs of those in distress. 5. He should have a sound knowledge of the welfare resources available within Freemasonry particularly, those available from Royal Freemasons’ Homes and Freemasons Foundation Victoria Limited. 6. He should be familiar with the many and varied welfare resources within his local community and be in close liaison with them if the need arises. 7. He should be able to listen to and advise those who have need for personal support. 2

THE ROLE OF THE ALMONER OR WELFARE OFFICER Freemasons Victoria believes that faced with a society of increasing tension and the attitude of financial institutions to create more profit, adding pressure on families and individuals, it becomes desirable for Freemasonry to adopt a more positive and pro-active role in identifying those who, through no fault of their own, find themselves in financial distress.

The Brother most suited to coordinate all these activities is the Almoner. He should form a committee of Lodge members to assist him called “The Almoner’s Committee.”

Their tasks should include the following:

1. Be in close liaison with the Secretary of the Lodge, maintain a register of members and their families, both past and present, particularly widows. 2. Keep in contact with all members of the Lodge to enquire about their welfare and the welfare of their families. By having regular contact with the membership, you will engender a caring level of connectedness and you may identify early signs of loneliness or other issues which could lead to depression. 3. Determine the reasons why members are not meeting their financial commitments and offer a helping hand to both the member and to his family. 4. Make regular visits to those who are not able to attend Lodge because of illness and to the families of those who are ill. 5. Maintain a register of Brethren who require transport to Lodge or elsewhere and also of those who are willing to provide transport whenever necessary. 6. Examine all matters sent to the Almoner’s Committee for action and establish if any Lodge involvement is required or refer to another agency such as Freemasons Foundation Victoria Limited. 7. Establish contact with local welfare bodies. These may include the Department of Human Services, Department of Veterans’ Affairs and welfare groups run by Church or Social volunteers in your area. 8. Encourage activities highlighting the importance of the Lodge in the community particularly with regard to charitable organisations and their activities to support those in need in your community. 9. Maintain a close liaison with the Royal Freemasons' Homes representative and offer assistance if necessary. This representative should be on the Almoner’s Committee if possible. 10. Be conversant with the role of the Freemasons Foundation Victoria Limited and its activities. 11. Assisting a family with a Masonic Funeral is an important responsibility for you to be aware of. When requested ensure you are familiar with the Commemoration Service and discuss with the funeral director and the funeral celebrant the most appropriate way this can be carried out with dignity and credibility to the Brother’s Masonic journey. If your Lodge cannot provide a member who can perform this ceremony, then contact your District Almoner or District Coordinator. 12. Maintain regular contact with your members by sending greetings on occasions such as birthdays, graduations, weddings, birth of a child or grandchild. Not all of your duties are sad ones. Remember that our fraternity is about feeling connected to a wider group of like-minded people. 13. Maintaining a list of widows and keeping in touch with them. Remembering to invite them to Lodge dinners and ladies’ functions as well as providing a gift at Christmas or at other important festival times each year. 14. In conjunction with the Lodge Chaplain you should consider establishing a plan to assist members and their families in their spiritual needs if required. 15. Contact the Welfare Officer of your Brother’s Chapter and Mark degrees, (if a member) and work in conjunction with these Brethren in assisting all members of the Craft, Chapter and Mark in your area.

LODGE OF SORROW Should be at hand when required to assist all members of the Lodge when a death occurs. It is not only the family that will feel grief, but also the members who knew the departed member well. See Appendix A.

MASONIC COMMEMORATION SERVICE Is requested it is essential that the right person should be chosen to conduct this service. If a close friend of the deceased Brother wishes to be involved but is not capable of presenting this service with dignity and respect, he should be encouraged to assist and to allow a more experienced Brother to lead him. See Appendix B.

DEATH OF A GRAND MASTER OR PAST GRAND MASTER When the death of a current or Past Grand Master occurs, it is essential that all members of the Lodge past and present are informed and that this passing ought to be recognised in the next Lodge summons as well as at the next Lodge meeting by observing a time of respect for his service to Freemasonry. Historical details of the Brother concerned can be supplied upon request from the Grand Secretaries office.

INVOLVING THE ROYAL FREEMASONS’ HOMES OF VICTORIA Royal Freemasons (The Homes) offers accommodation and care for older persons in Victoria. Services include home care, aged care, and independent and retirement living at all levels of affordability with sites in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. Wellness services including day therapy provide stimulating and customised programs to promote independence and wellbeing for older persons. For further information: • Personal enquiries can be made at any facility or at Support Services on Level 7, 580 St Kilda Road, Melbourne 3004. • For home care enquiries call 1800 756 091 • For general enquiries call 1300 176 925 • Enquiries can also be made through the website at www.royalfreemasons.org.au

INVOLVING THE FREEMASONS FOUNDATION The accepted method of seeking assistance from the Freemasons Foundation is by way of application via its electronic portal which is www.freemasonsfoundation.org Any Almoner who has difficulties in understanding this requirement is advised to contact the Foundation Administration office for assistance.

GRANTS FOR CHARITABLE PURPOSES The Almoner should be aware that assistance may be given to charities and charitable appeals. Grants may be given to supplement any such support, which a Lodge might give to needy causes. This funding is in addition to direct aid from the Foundation and confirms a wide discretion on Freemasons to assist charitable works. The Foundation makes initial examination of applications, and then makes final recommendations for implementation.

LODGEMENT OF APPLICATIONS Applications are accepted via www.freemasonsfoundation.org.Click on the dropdown menu “GRANTS” and follow the choices which apply to your case. Personal or telephone enquiries can be made to the Executive Officer of the Freemasons Foundation on (03) 9411 0124 or email on [email protected] Their postal address is PO Box 553 East Melbourne 8002.

THE CHALLENGE Almoners cannot achieve the desired objectives by themselves. They must be assisted by Lodge members who should accept their responsibility as Freemasons as part of a world-wide organisation that has a deep concern for all those in need whether it be through sickness or financial difficulty. The Almoner should be the spearhead of increased awareness in Freemasonry of those sick or indigent who may solicit or need our support.

The challenge, therefore, is to create a living and vibrant charitable network starting at the Lodge Almoner and carrying through to the wider field of Freemasonry and ending with the satisfaction of seeing our charitable works being recognised throughout the whole community.

As Almoner you will be called upon to assist in times of emergency. Therefore, it is important for you to have at hand a list of contacts, which you may need to call upon.

Here are a few which could prove helpful:

AMBULANCE: 000

NEAREST DOCTOR: ______

NEAREST HOSPITAL: ______

ROYAL FREEMASONS‘ HOMES OF VICTORIA Home Care: Call 1800 756 091 General enquiries: Call 1300 176 925

PLACES OF WORSHIP IN YOUR DISTRICT: ______

FUNERAL DIRECTORS IN YOUR DISTRICT: ______

MASONIC BUILDING MANAGER: (03) 9411 0111

DISTRICT COORDINATOR: ______

GRAND SECRETARIAT: (03) 9411 0111 or 1800 068 416

APPENDIX A

LODGE OF SORROW

A Service of Remembrance for a departed Brother to be performed in the Lodge room and open to non- Masons prepared by VWBro. VRev. Frederick A. Shade PGIWkgs (January 2019).

The purpose of the Lodge of Sorrow is to pay our respects for a Brother of the Lodge who has passed to the Grand Lodge Above. The venue, where possible, is to be the Lodge room. The attendants are the Brethren of the Lodge and family and friends of the deceased. Thus, the commemoration is open to non-Freemasons, especially the family of the deceased.

A Lodge of Sorrow is not a meeting convened for the purpose of Masonic Labour. There are therefore various departures from normal procedure.

The Worshipful Master and officers of the Lodge must ensure that their aprons and jewels are draped with black material. So far as is possible the brethren in the Lodge should also arrange to have their aprons and jewels similarly draped.

It is recommended that the family and friends of the deceased brother be especially invited to the service.

A brief explanation of the Service should be given to the assembled brethren prior to its commencement.

Duration of the commemoration should take no more than 20 minutes.

All rise

The Worshipful Master and Officers of the Lodge enter in procession under the direction of the Director of Ceremonies, who will seat the Worshipful Master and direct the Officers to their normal places (see notes at end.)

WM: I welcome you all here on this important occasion, to remember our departed Brother, ______and I will now commence our Lodge of Sorrow.

Let us sing together the hymn "O God, our help in ages past." Tune: St Anne

O God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, Our shelter from the stormy blast, And our eternal home.

Under the shadow of thy throne Thy saints have dwelt secure; Sufficient is thine arm alone, And our defence is sure.

Time, like an ever rolling stream, Bears all its sons away; They fly forgotten, as a dream Dies at the opening day.

O God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, Be thou our guard while troubles last, And our eternal home.

All are seated

THE WORSHIPFUL MASTER ADDRESSES THE BRETHREN

WM: Brethren. The solemn music betokens the dissolution of this earthly tabernacle, our physical body, and the spirits of the departed have been summoned to the land where our fathers have gone before us.

Our Brethren sleep in that peace which the world cannot give nor take away. The gentle breeze fans their resting place but it wakes them not. Sunshine and storm pass over it, but they are not disturbed. Hence, we have ordered this Lodge of Sorrow as an expression of sympathy by the Brethren, and in memory of our departed Brother.

CHAP: Reading from Ecclesiastes Chapter 3, Verses 1-4 (To everything there is a season) or Psalm 90. (optional)

CHAP: Let us pray.

All rise and assume the Sign of Fidelity.

CHAP: Almighty God, Author of all goodness, pour down upon us the consolation of thy mercy, and strengthen our solemn engagements with the ties of sincere affection. In the passing of our Brother may we be reminded of our own mortality, and have our hearts so drawn towards thee, that when the time of our own departure shall come, we shall be sustained and comforted by the sense of thy gracious presence, and be able to rejoice in the blessed hope of an unbroken fellowship in thine everlasting kingdom.

Brethren: So mote it be. 7

All drop the Sign of Fidelity and remain standing.

WM: Let us sing together the 23rd Psalm.

Psalm 23: "The Lord's My Shepherd" Tune: Wiltshire

The Lord's my Shepherd, I'll not want He makes me down to lie In pastures green; he leadeth me The quiet waters by.

My soul he doth restore again: And me to walk doth make Within the paths of righteousness, Ev'n for his own name's sake.

Yea, though I walk in death's dark vale, Yet will I fear none ill: For thou art with me: and thy rod And staff me comfort still.

My table thou hast furnished In presence of my foes: My head thou does with oil anoint, And my cup overflows.

Goodness and mercy all my life Shall surely follow me: And in God's house for evermore My dwelling-place shall be.

All are seated

DIALOGUE WITH THE WARDENS

WM: Bro. SW, what man is he that lives, and shall not see death? Shall he deliver his soul from the hand of death?

SW: Surely every man walks in this world but for a short time. He heaps up riches, and knows not who shall gather them.

WM: Bro. JW, when he dies he shall carry nothing away; his glory shall not go with him.

JW: But the loving kindness of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon those who love him.

CALLING OF THE ROLL

WM: Brother Secretary, you will call the Roll.

The Roll of living Brethren is called by the Secretary. Those present will answer to their names, and an appointed Brother will give an apology for those absent. The name of the deceased Brother will be called last. This will be done three times, and, after the third calling, the appointed Brother will rise and say, "Worshipful Master, our Brother has been summoned to the Grand Lodge Above". 8

All rise. The Deacons approach the East and stand either side of the pedestal with the apron thereon, facing west, with Wands crossed.

All assume the Sign of Fidelity.

A member of the deceased Brother’s family, or close friend/close Brother, is conducted to the pedestal and places a white Calla Lily upon the apron, and then is conducted back to their seat.

The Junior Warden advances from his pedestal, places a white Calla Lily alongside the apron on the left, and says:

JW: (Sign of Fidelity) In memory of our departed Brother I deposit this white flower, emblematical of that pure life to which he has been called, and reminding us that, as this flower will fade away, so, too, we shall soon follow those who have gone before us. It also encourages us so to labour while it is yet day, and that we may leave to our brethren a sweet remembrance.

The Junior Warden drops the sign and returns to his pedestal.

The Senior Warden advances from his pedestal, places a white Calla Lily alongside the apron on the right, and says:

SW: (Sign of Fidelity) As the sun sets in the West to close the day and heralds the approach of night, so, one by one, we lie down in calm repose for the time when the heavens shall pass away as a scroll, and man, standing in the presence of the Infinite, shall realise the true end of his pilgrimage here below. Let this flower be to us the symbol of remembrance of all the virtues of our Brother who has preceded us to the silent land, that it may be a token of that fraternal alliance which binds us while on earth, and that Brotherly love will finally unite us in heaven.

The Senior Warden drops the sign and returns to his place.

The Worshipful Master advances from his chair, places a sprig of evergreen above the lilies, and says:

WM: (Sign of Fidelity) It is truly said that for everything there is a time and a season, a time to live and a time to die. The dust shall return to the earth, and the spirit unto God who gave it. In the grave all men are equal, and their heroic sacrifices survive and bear fruit in the lives of those who strive to emulate them.

Let us be reminded, by the evergreen symbol, of our faith in immortal life, that the dead are but sleeping, and that we may be comforted by the reflection that their deeds will not be forgotten.

Deacons uncross Wands, the Worshipful Master and Deacons return to their places, and a period of silence will follow.

All remain standing and hold the Sign of Fidelity.

CHAP: Let us pray.

CHAP: We pray for the continuance of thy divine blessing, O Lord, that we, who now come after those who have preceded us, receive from their hands the Torch of Truth and run with enduring faithfulness the race that is set before us.

Grant unto us a continuation of thy protection and inspiration. Keep us within the bounds of Prudence, Temperance, Fortitude and Justice, so that we may be received into thine everlasting Kingdom, there to enjoy the refreshment of thy glorious presence throughout the endless cycles of eternity. 9

Brethren: So mote it be.

All are seated.

EULOGY by ______

CHAP: Reading from Ecclesiastes Chapter 12, Verses 1-7 (Remember now thy Creator) (optional)

DIALOGUE WITH THE WARDENS

WM: Bro. SW, what is man that the Lord is mindful of him?

SW: Man is like to vanity, his days as a shadow that passes away.

WM: Bro. JW, may we always profess what is good; and may we always act agreeably to our profession. JW: So mote it be.

WM: May the Lord direct and prosper us; and may all our good intentions be crowned with success.

SW: So mote it be.

WM: Glory to God in the highest; on earth, peace towards men of goodwill.

JW: Let his great name be blessed forever, and unto all eternity.

WM: Brethren, may we so live, that, when the Lord calls us into his immediate presence, we, too, may be found worthy to become stones in that immortal temple, that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

Brethren: So mote it be.

WM: I now call upon the Chaplain.

All rise and assume the Sign of Fidelity.

BENEDICTION

Chap: Unto God’s gracious love and protection we commit you; the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you; the Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon you and give you his peace, this day and for evermore.

Brethren: So mote it be.

All drop the Sign of Fidelity.

WM: The Lodge of Sorrow is now closed.

All remain standing.

Brethren will remain in their places until the Worshipful Master and officers have retired. 10

NOTES

Participants The main participants include the following officers of the Lodge (nine Brethren if possible): Worshipful Master (WM), Chaplain (Chap), Secretary (Sec), Senior Warden (SW), Junior Warden (JW), Senior Deacon, Junior Deacon, Organist and Director of Ceremonies (DC). Other Brethren may officiate in their place.

Ceremonial The Senior and Junior Wardens, and the Senior and Junior Deacons have ceremonial work to do, as indicated in the Order of Service. It is most desirable to have an organist present. The ceremonial includes the formal entrance and exit of the officers under the direction of the DC.

Entry Procession The DC will call all present to rise. The Wardens enter together and at the north east will stop and turn in. The Worshipful Master will enter under the wands of the Deacons. The Worshipful Master walks between the Wardens and goes to his chair in the East. The Deacons then drop wands, the Wardens and Deacons then go to their normal places.

Odes These two odes/hymns are included as they are well known. It also involves all those who are present. They could be considered optional — a decision for others to make.

Readings These are well known and everyone would connect with them. They too could be considered optional — a decision for others to make.

Eulogy Although a eulogy would have been given at the funeral service, something should be said at the Lodge of Sorrow as there are likely to be people present who did not attend the funeral. The eulogy should be brief.

Dialogue The dialogue between the Worshipful Master and his Wardens enables the senior officers to contribute, rather than leaving it all to the Worshipful Master.

Prayers All Masonic meetings open and close with prayer, and also have a prayer in the ritual of each degree. And so, having prayers included here is following custom and practice. The Benediction is also used in Masonry. It is universalist in language and is a fitting conclusion to the observance.

Ceremonial As this is a formal occasion (like a Lodge meeting), it requires a degree of decorum, and the use of Lodge officers (or their deputies) in this observance gives it the importance it deserves. It also means that more Brethren participate.

Duration The service should take up to 20 minutes. This document includes items that are worthy of consideration and are consistent with Masonic teachings and practice. If a Lodge wishes to carry out this observance, then perhaps it could be set up to show that some items are optional e.g. odes, readings, processions.

LODGE OF SORROW READINGS

Ecclesiastes 3:1-4

1. To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: 2. A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; 3. A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4. A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.

Ecclesiastes 12:1-7

1. Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; 2. While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain: 3. In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened, 4. And the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of musick shall be brought low; 5. Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets: 6. Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern. 7. Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the Spirit shall return unto God who gave it.

Psalm 90:1-9

1. Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. 2. Before the mountains were brought forth, or even thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. 3. Thou turnest man to destruction; and sayest Return, ye children of men 4. For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night. 5. Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they are as asleep: in the morning they are like grass which groweth up. 6. In the morning it flourisheth and groweth up; and in the evening it is cut down, and withereth. 7. For we are consumed by thine anger, and by thy wrath are we troubled. 8. Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance. 9. For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told.

APPENDIX B

MASONIC COMMEMORATION SERVICE

As delivered at The ______Parish of ______Address: ______Time: ______Date: ______

In the presence of: ______For: ______

(Name, Rank, Awards and Credentials of Dearly Departed Brother)

Introduction and Invitation

I extend an invitation to all in attendance to share these moments as we, as Freemasons, honour the memory of our dearly-departed Brother, ______(provide full name and rank/title of departed Brother) and on behalf of all Freemasons present, I extend our deepest sympathy and most-sincere condolences to______(provide full name of late Brother’s dear wife/partner).

I note many here are not Freemasons so for the benefit of all, I shall briefly describe Freemasonry, before we pay tribute to a good man, who was a Freemason. Freemasonry is an international men’s fraternal organisation, based on the guilds of stonemasons in Europe in the Middle-Ages, with traditions derived from the building of King Solomon’s Temple some 3,000 years ago. It is not a religion nor is it religious, but it is one of few community organisations that demand a religious and spiritual faith of its members. It is open to good, upright and true men of all faiths and every Masonic meeting commences and concludes with prayer. The fraternity can be described as one founded on the Brotherhood of Man and the Fatherhood of God. With the tenets of Freemasonry being Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth and its teachings mostly derived from Old Testament history, most of its practices closely align with doing unto others, as we would have them do unto us and hence truly being good Samaritans.

Masonic History

Freemasons Victoria Member Profile – (Bro. ______)

Bro. ______was initiated into ______(Lodge) No. ______in ______(year), where he was Passed in ______(year) and Raised in ______(year). Bro. ______was therefore a Freemason for ______years!

(A short summary of the recently-passed Brother’s Masonic History may be presented)

Invocation

Ladies, Gentlemen and Brethren, the Great Architect of the Universe having been pleased in His infinite wisdom, to remove our Brother from the cares and troubles of this transitory life, may we, who survive him, be more-firmly-united in the Bonds-of-Brotherhood and in the Service of God and our fellow beings.

The passing of our Brother conveys a powerful appeal to our hearts, reminding us of the uncertainty of life and of the vanity of Earthly hopes and desires, for what are all the externals of human dignity, the power of wealth, the dreams of ambition, the pride of intellect, or the charms of beauty, when our mortal life has ended?

In death all ranks are levelled, all distinctions are done away. Here the sceptre of the prince and the staff of the beggar are laid side-by-side.

Thus, in humble dependence upon the mercy of the Most High, we may hope, when our Earthly life shall have passed away, to again unite with our dearly-departed Brother, who having lived respected, died regretted on ______(Date of Passing) and now resides in the Grand Lodge above/Higher-Realms, where the world's Great Architect lives and reigns forever.

The Apron

(A clean, plain white apron is exhibited)

The lambskin, or white apron, is the emblem of innocence and the badge of a Mason. It is more ancient than the Golden Fleece or the Roman Eagle and more honourable than the Garter, when properly and worthily worn.

This emblem we now deposit where the Earthly-remains of our Brother rest.

(The apron is deposited on the coffin)

The Evergreen

(An evergreen is exhibited)

This evergreen, which once marked the resting place of our illustrious dead, is the emblem of our faith in the immortality of the soul.

This, too, we deposit with the apron.

(The evergreen is deposited on the coffin)

By it we are reminded that we have an immortal part within us which shall never, never die and through our faith in the mercy of God, we believe that our souls will rise and bloom in eternal spring.

Here we leave the Earthly remains of our Brother and in humble confidence we commend his immortal spirit into the care of our God who is the Creator and Preserver of All.

Closing Prayer

I invite everyone present, to stand for Prayer and Brethren, you will rise and stand to order with the sign of Fidelity, as a token of respect, favour and esteem for our dearly-departed Brother.

Almighty Loving and Eternal God, Author of Eternal Life, with love and humility we seek Your Divine Consolation for those, who by human-ties are near and dear to our late Brother and we thank you for the fraternal fellowship we have enjoyed with your Servant and we commend Him into your eternal care.

Enable us to regulate our lives and actions, so that when the solemn moment arrives, at which we must quit this transitory scene, our lives may meet with Your Divine Approbation.

Thus supported, we cherish our Brother's memory and seek Your Divine Aid as we continue our lives in peace and harmony with Your Divine Will, whilst we commend his Spirit to You who gave it. So Mote It Be.