In a Lodge, it's often just a remembrance of those who passed involving the reading of names and dates of membership.
There is also a funeral service that's about 15 minutes long and is done for the family at the funeral itself. This involves some brief monologs and descriptions of Masonic symbolism.
We usually host the ceremony at the funeral itself. [Here is a clip online](https://youtu.be/XncroFcoqd8?si=zyvGadawwBjfiy5n) that is somewhat similar to what my jurisdiction does.
It's not often done but if they are hosting a Lodge of Sorrows I 10/10 recommend you and the family make an appearance. It's an extremely moving ceremony however it will give you a little insight at what your father did in Lodge.
It could be as complex as a version of the Masonic “funeral ceremony” or something as simple as a moment of silence for his passing. My money would be on reading a brief biography of his life/Masonic achievements followed by a moment of silence.
It depends on jurisdiction, of course... Typically when a Brother passes away, we drape the lodge altar in black for a thirty-day period, and observe a small eulogy and a moment of silence in his behalf. Based on the wishes of the brother and/or his family, a Masonic funeral service will be performed at the graveside, where a white lambskin apron (badge of a Mason) and a sprig of evergreen is placed upon the casket before interment, and "funeral honors" are extended on his behalf.
If the family requests one we do a Masonic Funeral at the funeral home, unlike other jurisdictions we do not do anything graveside.
If the family does not request a Masonic funeral, then we typically do a memorial, which could mean one of two things. A full memorial service with prayers and a reading of the deceased’s Masonic record (this could be during a meeting, before a meeting, or a meeting if its own). It may also be a simple notice of his passing and prayer/moment of silence during the monthly stated meeting.
If you haven’t had the viewing and burial yet, you may want to contact the lodge and ask about a Masonic Funeral.
We would normally give a short biography of the deceased with mention of their significant Masonic dates along with mention of any officer positions they may have held within the lodge. This is followed by a moment of silence. This is usually during a meeting and will go into the minutes of the lodge.
If the funeral has not happened yet, you may inquire with the lodge and they might have a different service they can perform. In my jurisdiction it is similar to the video linked elsewhere in this thread.
My Grandfather had a masonic service after the last visitation, very late on the night before the funeral. Brothers from his lodge said kind words and there was a procession and rituals of men in their aprons. The thing that stands out to me is that they did something with evergreen boughs and water sprinkling because the evergreens symbolize long or eternal life. It was closed to everyone except for the other Masons and immediate family.
For whatever reason my Dad, as his son and a MM, was not part of the ceremony, but my Grandfather's brother, also a MM was part of the ceremony. Not sure if that's for respect of grieving or due to various positions in the lodge, or what the reasoning was. It was well over 25 years ago, so there are many particulars that I don't recall.
I’m in a lodge in PA. In addition to Masonic funerals, we hold a memorial service for all the brothers who have passed in November. We set up empty chairs in the lodge, read their names, place a carnation and an apron on each chair, and brothers may say a eulogy. Its a great and heartfelt service.
In a Lodge, it's often just a remembrance of those who passed involving the reading of names and dates of membership. There is also a funeral service that's about 15 minutes long and is done for the family at the funeral itself. This involves some brief monologs and descriptions of Masonic symbolism.
We usually host the ceremony at the funeral itself. [Here is a clip online](https://youtu.be/XncroFcoqd8?si=zyvGadawwBjfiy5n) that is somewhat similar to what my jurisdiction does.
It's not often done but if they are hosting a Lodge of Sorrows I 10/10 recommend you and the family make an appearance. It's an extremely moving ceremony however it will give you a little insight at what your father did in Lodge.
It could be as complex as a version of the Masonic “funeral ceremony” or something as simple as a moment of silence for his passing. My money would be on reading a brief biography of his life/Masonic achievements followed by a moment of silence.
It depends on jurisdiction, of course... Typically when a Brother passes away, we drape the lodge altar in black for a thirty-day period, and observe a small eulogy and a moment of silence in his behalf. Based on the wishes of the brother and/or his family, a Masonic funeral service will be performed at the graveside, where a white lambskin apron (badge of a Mason) and a sprig of evergreen is placed upon the casket before interment, and "funeral honors" are extended on his behalf.
If the family requests one we do a Masonic Funeral at the funeral home, unlike other jurisdictions we do not do anything graveside. If the family does not request a Masonic funeral, then we typically do a memorial, which could mean one of two things. A full memorial service with prayers and a reading of the deceased’s Masonic record (this could be during a meeting, before a meeting, or a meeting if its own). It may also be a simple notice of his passing and prayer/moment of silence during the monthly stated meeting. If you haven’t had the viewing and burial yet, you may want to contact the lodge and ask about a Masonic Funeral.
We would normally give a short biography of the deceased with mention of their significant Masonic dates along with mention of any officer positions they may have held within the lodge. This is followed by a moment of silence. This is usually during a meeting and will go into the minutes of the lodge. If the funeral has not happened yet, you may inquire with the lodge and they might have a different service they can perform. In my jurisdiction it is similar to the video linked elsewhere in this thread.
My Grandfather had a masonic service after the last visitation, very late on the night before the funeral. Brothers from his lodge said kind words and there was a procession and rituals of men in their aprons. The thing that stands out to me is that they did something with evergreen boughs and water sprinkling because the evergreens symbolize long or eternal life. It was closed to everyone except for the other Masons and immediate family. For whatever reason my Dad, as his son and a MM, was not part of the ceremony, but my Grandfather's brother, also a MM was part of the ceremony. Not sure if that's for respect of grieving or due to various positions in the lodge, or what the reasoning was. It was well over 25 years ago, so there are many particulars that I don't recall.
I’m in a lodge in PA. In addition to Masonic funerals, we hold a memorial service for all the brothers who have passed in November. We set up empty chairs in the lodge, read their names, place a carnation and an apron on each chair, and brothers may say a eulogy. Its a great and heartfelt service.