Question about Freemasonry before funerals...?

Question

I wonder if anyone can enlighten me about this.....My former father in law was some kind of office bearer for the local Freemasons. I don't know what this office was, but he did maintain all the books relating to the upkeep and maintenance of their meeting hall, I do know THAT.

Anyway, he died and my wife was the eldest living relative so we had to arrange the funeral. My wife was contacted almost immediately by a friend of her father, whom we assumed to have been another freemason. He requested she hand over the books, which she was more than happy to do, because she knew the guy well.

Here's where it gets interesting though. My father in law's body was at the undertaker's , awaiting the funeral. The undertaker contacted my wife and asked her permission for a group of freemasons to attend the undertaker's premises and conduct some sort of rite or ritual over the open coffin. When I asked the undertaker about this, he said it doesn't happen often, but he had encountered such requests before. My wife gave her permission.

So,......... what where they up to? Can anyone shed light on this mystery?

Answer 1

I am a freemason. It is odd that they asked for his books, I've never heard of that.



Regarding the funeral stuff; there is a Masonic funeral service that many Freemasons do want performed after they die. It is simply another way to honor and remember a Brother and friend who has died. You and your family would have been welcome to attend that service and should have been invited to do so.

Answer 2

It is a ceremony where the other Brethren will come and pay there last respects, they will read a couple passages from the Bible as well as his Masonic Record (i.e. what he did as a freemason) and possibly present his family with his apron or a framed copy of his Record. They will also place a sprig or Acacia on his coffin (the sprig in masonry represents rebirth and is a token to wish him well on his path to Heaven. You are correct, it isn't Christian, but it shouldn't be offensive to a Christian either, it is a special was to pay respect to a lost dear brother.

Answer 3

Even though Freemasons are a very secretive bunch, there have been books written about them, which you should be able to find in your local public library.

The Church has traditionally been opposed to Freemasonry, as they appear to "worship" a different god, but it is well known that some very high-ranking church-men have been masons.

So, the church would not wish to have an open display of freemasonry in the church at the funeral, and the freemasons prefer to carry out their secret rituals with the body "in camera."

Answer 4

the whole point is that the freemasons are a secret society, so any of your answers will be guesswork, a freemason would not answer the question, nor give you any information

but good luck anyway.

Answer 5

If you have any questions, please go to your local masonic lodge or your state's grand lodge. They will assist you. You father in law was probably his lodge's secratary.

Answer 6

They are a secret society and the only way you are going to know anything you will have to join. I wouldn't

Answer 7

just saying goodbye to a brother