National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-10-05
ODD FELLOWS BURIAL RITES
NEW FUNERAL CEREMONY ADOPTED
IlN TN Z CE Nh L AnCaE

NEW FUNERAL CEREMONY ADOPTED
BY THE GRAND LODGE.
The Grand Lodge Of the Independent Order Of
Odd Fellows, at their recent meeting at Atlanta,
Ga, adopted the following ceremonies to be OBJ
served at funerals of deceased members:
1.-THE order of procession and regalia to be worn
the same as prescribed in the Book Of Forms.
The coffin having been deposited in the grave,
and such religious services performed as the
friends of the deceased may have desired, the
Noble Grand shall take position at the head of
the grave, with the Chaplain on his right hand.
Silently and uncovered, the brethren, joining
circles around the grave, as near as may be,
holding the hat in the left hand, and the cere-
mony shall proceed as follows:
Noble Grand-Brethren of the Independent
Order Of Odd Fellows: We are assembled to per-
form the last Office which the living can render to
the dead. Be attentive therefore, to the instruc-
Chaplain-My Brethren: A solemn occasion
brings us here to-day; and as the coffin and the
grave so fOrcibly speak to us of our latter end
may we not ask with the Psalmist, Lord, what
is man, that Thou art mindful of him, and the son
Of man, that Thou visiteth him?" From the
Sacred Scriptures comes the response: "Man
that is born of woman is Of few days and full Of
trouble. He cCmeth forth like a flower and is
cut down; he fieeth also as a shadow, and con-
it were tale that is told. The dust shall return
to the earth 1t was and the spirit shall return
unto God, who gave it.
In obedience to the Divine will our brother has
been removed from earth and its associations
But, though he be dead, shall he not live again ?
Yea, verify; for is It not said in Holy Writ,
the shadow of death, will fear no evil for thou
art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff comfort me-
My flesh, also, shall rest in hope, for Thou will
not leave my soul in the grave"
Thus, though we nOWdeposit in the earth the
mortal remains of our beloved brother, we have
an assurance Of meeting again, at the coming Of
that day to which hope looks forward with ardent
Joy, when the tears and woes of this life shall be
submerged in the healing tide that will flow from
the eternal fountain of divine peace and love.
lOur help is in the name of the Lord, and though
He cause grief, yet will He have compassion ac-
cOrding to the multitude Of His mercies. Take
heed, then, brethren, lest there be in any of you
an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the
living God. Let the wicked torsake his way,
and the unrighteous man his thoughts, and let
him return unto the Lord, and He will have
mercy upon him, and to our God, for He will
abundRntly pardon. In His presence is fullness
Ofjoy: at His right hand are pleasures for ever
Noble Grand, (casting a sprig of evergreen into
the grave: , As Odd Fellows we deposit this ever
green in the grave of our deceased brother as
token that while we bury his frailties with his
body, his virtues shall dwell greenly in our men,
cries.
The brothers will now deposit their ever
greens: after which hymn or ode may be sung.
Prayer by chaplain: Almighty and eternal
God, the creator and Tedeemer Of all mankind we
pray Thee to impress us with sense Of the short
ness and uncertainty of human life. In Thy
hands alone are the issues Of life and death, and
we humbly beseech Thee to look upon us in mercy
while we weep with those that weep. Grant that
we who survive may put our trust in Thee, and do
those things which are pleasing in Thy sight. D,
merciGul God, we commend to Thy unfailing
goodness those whom It hath pleased Thee to add
to the number Of the sOrroWing. Remember them
in mercy, and sanctify Thy fatherly correction to
them. Give them patience under their affection,
and resignation 10 Thy will. Be Thou their
strength and shield, and relieve them according
to their needs. Bless our beloved order here and
elsewhere. May Friendship and Love abide with
us,While Thy Spirit leads us in the way of Truth
Maintain peace and prosperity within our bor-
ders; shield us from the shafts of enmity, and
make US dwell in unity-faithful in principle and
faithful in good works. And unto Thy holy name
be ascribed the honor and glory forever.
Benedction. The grave having been filled up
or closed, the brethren shall silently reform in
procession according to the order observed in COM
ing to the place Of interment and shall return in
such order to the lodge-room, where the N. G.,
after the ordinary business is transacted, shall
declare the funeral ceremonies to be closed.