The Durham recorder. [volume] (Durham, N.C.) 1879-19??, 1896-02-20
FUNERAL REFORM


derest and most sacred feelings
and sentiments of the human
heart. With these feelings the
ministers of Christ's Gospel are
in tie deepest sympathy; Of
which there is standing testi
mony. in that at death, yea be.
fore death ensues, the minister
is the first comforter sent for,
and the first TO respond. In sug
gestiDg, therefore, any changes
IN the customs connected with
the burial of the dead, a reform
difficult to accomplish, because
of the sacred associations, it
would appear most appropriate
for the ministers of the commu-
nifty to speak as being the leasl
likely to be misunderstood; and
also as being the recognized
leaders in holy and sacred
things. We therefore, the min
listers Of Durham in conference
assembled, believing that GER
tam customs connected with the
burial of our beloved dead pre-
vail which tender rather TO stifie
the sacred feelings natural
thereto, and which are injurious
and often disastrous to tie liy.
ing, with due modesty venture
TO call attention to these customs
and to suggest certain changes,
The particulars in which we be,
lieve change is desirable are
briefly indicated below:
l. The EXPENSES of the fu-
neral. In our love for the dead,
our heart prompts us TO disre
gard expense. In dong so, how
ever, we may unintentIOnally
DO injury 10 the living, in the
persons of our own loved ones
and of the community. A cost
ly casket, a large number Of
hired carriages by those who
can afford them establishes a
standard. the cost of which en-
forces upon those who cannot
afford IL a debt. (wh ich often
can ne yer be paid and Tobs the
living at times Of the very nee
essaries of life for months after
wards. We suggest, therefore,
out of proper consideration for
the sacred feelings Of Gods
worthy poor and persons of linn.
tied means. aud for the needs of
the living the use of a simple
inexpensive casket, and the hire
of only a sufficient number of
carriages for the members Of
the immediate family.
2. Services at the grave. These
lasting several minutes-often
in inclement weather-jeopar-
die the health and life of the
family and friends, the strength
of some Of whom at times has
been impaired by long nursing
of the deceased; so that one fu.
neral sometimes necessitates an.
other in quick succession. With.
out any disrespect to the dear
one buried, il would be wise and
prudent for all friends I'd rela-
tiyes TO retire from the grave as
soon as the formof commitment
has been read, whenever the
weather is inclement, and leave
the filling oi the grave and the
placing of flowers TO the super
intendent of the ceremony and
20 one or more chosen friends.
Moreover, it is best and in the
interests Of health in inclement
weather for oil parties TO keep
their heads covered during the
committal Of the body TO the
ground.
3. Sunday funerals. Except
in cases Of ABSOLUTE NECESSITY
funerals should never be ap-
poinnd on the Lords Day. On
the readily appreciated grounds,
that they necessitate q great
deal Of additional labor TO the
undertakers, the liveryman, the
superintendent Of the cemetery
and 10 the employees; that they
interrupt the appointed worship
Of Gods Day and Houses; that
they take people away from Sun.
day schools and church services,
who by preference would be
there, greatly TO the temporary
detriment Of these services, and
that they impose additional aud
trying service upon ministers
whose heaviest and most impor.
tant duties fall upon the Lords
Day.
4. Wearing of mourning ap.
parel. This Is purely a matter
Of custom, seeing that in some
countries the badge of mourn
ing Is white, in others as in
England II Is red or purple. The
excessive use Of black among
Christians for the loss Of Chris
tian friends is q virtual denial d
q precious truth Of the Gospel,
viz: the immediate blessedness
OF those who fall asleep in Jesus.