From the East – September 2016

My Dear Brother,

It is with a heavy heart, to honor RW Thomas Wright II, that  I want to spread some light on the Masonic Funeral Services.  The Masonic Funeral is such a special service that a family can ask for our departed brother.  Always remember that a Masonic Funeral Service is the final tribute we can pay to our fallen Brother. That is the appropriate time to thank the Brother’s family for allowing him to share his time on Earth with our Fraternity. No, you may not have known the Brother personally, but if he was a member of your Lodge, he certainly deserves your presence at his funeral service. If he was a Brother, then he is entitled to all of the “lights, rights and benefits” of being a Freemason — and that certainly includes a well-attended Masonic Funeral Service. Attending these services are, in many ways, just as important as attending Lodge meetings — perhaps, even more so, because, as we can do nothing more for our Brother, the Funeral Service is really for the benefit of the deceased Brother’s family and friends, and it exhibits our genuine care and concern for one of our own.

For those that may have forgotten, the Masonic Funeral Service is one of the most beautiful pieces of literature ever written. Simple, honest, and straight-forward, it offers each of us an opportunity to reflect upon our own mortality, and to reaffirm our individual faith in the Supreme Grand Master of Heaven and Earth. It draws forth its inspiration and words of comfort not only from our Volume of Sacred Law, but also from many of the world’s greatest literary geniuses. No one can listen to our service and not be impacted by the gentle, yet powerful, words that touch the heart of every person present — both Mason and non-Mason alike.

Consider the sobering passage from our Masonic Funeral Service: “One by one they pass away, the Brothers of our adoption, the Companions of our choice. A Brother whose hand we have clasped in the bonds of Fraternal Fellowship is now passing from our sight, and we know that we shall meet him on Earth no more.”

Thank you for all the Brothers, their families, friends who attended the Masonic Funeral Service for our departed RW Thomas Wright.  I know his family was very appreciative and thanked the Mason’s for their love and support.

I remain your friend and brother,

Jeremiah Phillips

Worshipful Master