Chaplain's corner
GRAND CHAPLAIN’S SERVICE OF REMEMBRENCE
After these were done, the Grand Master called upon Very Reverend John B. Connell, our Grand Chaplain and Chairman of the Memorial Service Committee, to present the Service of Remembrance for our departed brethren which is a follows:
Most Worshipful Grand Master, Officers and Members of the Grand Lodge of Hawaii, Honored Guests, and Brethren all;
I have had the distinct honor and privilege to be your Grand Chaplain for a number of years. In my official capacity I have been called upon to invoke divine blessings at countless banquets, numerous installations, the laying of cornerstones, the opening of a cemetery, and even at the dedication of a hospital. Since I am also an ordained Episcopal Priest, many brothers have also asked me to make hospital visits, provide pastoral care, bless their homes, do an exorcism, and several asked me to give them and their fiancés pre-marital counseling and officiate at their weddings.
But one of the things which moves me deeply is being asked by a brother or his family to do his Masonic Funeral.
A Masonic funeral is the last opportunity for a man’s brothers and friends to assemble in the character of Masons, and, with the solemn formalities of the Craft, to offer up to his memory, before the world, the last tribute of our affection.
It is also a reminder that we too are mortal, and that our spirits, too, must return to the God who spake them into existence. We must prepare for eternity by living a virtuous and swell spent life, so that on that great day of reckoning we shall be ready to give a good account of our stewardship while here on earth.
With the symbols of the Lambskin Apron and the Acacia, we commend his spirit to Almighty God.
We extend to the bereaved family and friends our sincere sympathy and pray that they may realize that our brother is happy in his Father’s house where there shall be no more death, sorrow or crying or pain, but life and joy everlasting
There is no conflict with religious services. You can have both a Masonic service and a service of the religion of your choice. I often do the Masonic Service and then put on my clerical vestments and conclude with a Christian funeral service and interment.
Countless family members have said that, until they attended the Masonic Funeral Service, they never realized the extent of the brotherly love and affection which really exists among the brothers of the Lodge. They use words such as beautiful, inspirational, hopeful, etc. and express their sincere appreciation for the comfort and support the service provided.
One young man never thought about joining the Masons, even though his father was a Past Master. But at his father’s Masonic Funeral, he was so impressed with all of these men who turned out in their white aprons to pay tribute to his father that he wanted to become a Mason himself. He joined and rose to positions of leadership in many Masonic Bodies, and today, is an officer of this Grand Lodge.
Brethren,wemustrealizethatwetooaremortal. With every breath we take we too are moving closer to the time when we will have to answer that divine decree, and be called to travel to that heavenly lodge above..
The Masonic Funeral Service is one of the few Masonic ceremonies open to the public, and which can give people a glimpse of the teachings of our noble craft. All you have to do is ask the Master or Secretary of your Lodge, and he will make all of the arrangements. Tell your family that when the time comes, you want a Masonic Funeral, and put it in writing in your will or your trust documents so there is no doubt.
