Welcome to Burbank Masonic Lodge No. 406

      First, a Masonic funeral is held at the request of a departed Brother or his family. Second, the service may be held in a chapel, home, church, synagogue or Lodge room with committal at graveside, or the complete service can be performed at any of the aforementioned places without a separate, committal. Also, a memorial service may be requested, however, you should make your wishes known to your immediate family. The Masonic service may be held in conjunction with a religious service and/or other fraternal service such as Legion or Elks or may be the only service performed. This is at the pleasure of the family, the only restriction being that the Masonic service, once started, must be completed without interruption for another service.

      Discuss this with those responsible openly and frankly. It is highly recommended that you: (1) put your wishes in writing, (2) give a copy to the person who will handle your affairs, and (3) place another copy with your will, insurance papers and other valuable documents so that your survivors can clearly comply with your expressed wishes.

      Whether or not you desire to have a Masonic funeral, keep in mind that the emotional anguish and trauma suffered by the survivors (more often than not), affects their ability to think with the clarity they normally possess. This is a normal reaction and it is not unusual for widows and others to be at a loss and unable to recall important dates, anniversaries, event, personal interest and major accomplishments of the deceased, therefore everybody should consider preparing an autobiographical profile of their life and updating it as necessary to keep it current. The contents should include such information as: date and place of birth, number of brothers and sisters, marriage(s), number of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, etc., religious affiliation, favorite scripture(s), hymn(s), song(s), church offices held, occupation or vocation, social accomplishments, recognitions or awards, membership in fraternal or civic/service clubs, offices held, dates of military service, rank held and any major medals, citations or commendations earned, also any public offices held. By way of additional information, include such things as hobbies (art, etc.) educational and professional accomplishments. You will want to record travels or unusual experiences you have had, not only as a child, but special events that took place as you were growing up. You may also want to record your own account of certain family events that stand out in your memory and share why these events were important to you. Take the opportunity to write down all those good thoughts that will make you look good. It is a lot easier to edit what you have written than it is to try to create a profile of isolated and fragmented memories.

      The funeral - properly planned for - can be a source of great comfort and healing to loved ones and friends, especially when those present get an accurate profile and better insight into the life of the person they have come to honor. This data is also invaluable to the person conducting the service.