Fraternal Organizations

Fraternal Organization

A CLUB OR OTHER ASSOICATION, HISTORICALLY FOR MEN, HAVING A LIMITED MEMBERSHIP AND DEVOTED TO PROFESSIONAL, RELIGIOUS, CHARITABLE, OR SOCIAL ACTIVITES; usually formed around a common bond, ideology, or personal background; members come together for mutually advantageous reasons; offer opportunity for networking, leadership development, continuous education and charitable social events

Masons/Freemasons/Accepted Masons

OLDEST FRATERNAL ORGANIZATION IN THE WORLD; 2 million members in the US, 6 million worldwide; can be tied to the stonemason's guild in the Middle Ages who built many of the Cathedrals in Europe; Decline in the building shifted focus to social and philanthropic ideals; members encouraged to lead virtuous and socially oriented lives; originally organized based off the stages of the original guild; Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason (now more of a philosophical structure)

The Square and Compasses

Masons symbol; tools used by skilled builders; speculation on the meaning of the "G"; Geometry, God, "Grand Architect of the Universe"

Masonic Ceremonies

as long as the deceased is in good standing with his Lodge, one of a few ceremonies can take place; EVENING SERVICE- SHORT SERVICE HELD DURING THE VISITATION; FUNERAL SERVICE- LESS COMMON, USUALLY FOR THOSE WHO AREN'T HAVING A FORMAL FUNERAL SERVICE, HELD AT THE FUNERAL HOME OR SECULAR LOCATION; GRAVESIDE SERVICE- SHORT SERVICE HELD DURING THE COMMITTAL;

Master of the Lodge

Mason ceremonies are led by the _____________________________; those completing the ritual will be dressed in the traditional Masonic uniform; Fellow Masons attending the Service will wear a symbolic PLAIN WHITE APRON, AND IN SOME PLACES, WHITE GLOVES

The Apron

A LAMBSKIN APRON is given to a new Mason as a gift upon entering the organization; it symbolizes THE DEGREE OF MEMBERSHIP on the member's journey through the Masons, changing as new levels are achieved; symbolizes the DIGNITY AND WORTH OF LABOR, the honor that comes with being a workman, and the glory attached to life and living for one's purpose

The Acacia

Given that God chose the acacia as the tree for building the ARK OF THE COVENANT, it has long been considered more sacred than other trees; the evergreen quality of the tree reflects the HUMAN SPIRIT, the immortal part of us which can never die; A SPRIG OF THIS TREE IS CEREMONIOUSLY PLACED IN/ON THE CASKET DURING A MASONIC SERVICE

Order of the Eastern Star

Established in 1850, this organization was adopted and approved by the Masonic Fraternity in 1873 as an appendant body; there are 500,000 members worldwide; MEN WHO JOIN MUSTBE A MASTER MASON; THIS ORDER ALLOWS WOMEN AS MEMBERS if they have a familial relation to a Master Mason (historically- daughter, widow, wife, sister, or mother) (THEY NOW ALLOW OTHER RELATIVES AS WELL, AS LONG AS THEY ARE 18 YEARS OR OLDER)

Emblem of Order of the Eastern Star

the OES emblem is a COLORFUL FIVE-POINTED STAR WITH A WHITE HEXAGON IN THE CENTER (RED, BLUE, GREEN, WHITE, AND YELLOW PONTS); each point of the star REPRESENTS A BIBLICAL WOMAN AND AN ASSOCIATED CHARACTER BUILDING LESSON

OES Ceremony

This ceremony is designed as A GRAVESIDE EVENT, but can be adjusted to be done beforehand; A FLORAL ARRANGEMENT REPRESENTING THE OES EMBLEM SHOULD BE PRESENT FOR THE CEREMONY; this floral star may be deposited with the casket or be retained by the family of the deceased; members representing the women/colors/lessons each have prescribed readings and will each place flower tributes on the casket

Adah

Blue symbolizes Fidelity

Ruth

Yellow symbolizes Constancy

Esther

White symbolizes Light and Purity

Martha

Green symbolizes Nature's Life and Beauty

Electa

Red symbolizes Fervency and Zeal

Knights of Columbus

Is the WORLDS LARGEST CATHOLIC FRATERNAL SERVICE ORGANIZATION, founded in 1882 by FATHER MICHAEL J. MCGIVNEY and named after CRISTOPHER COLUMBUS; the Catholic Church banned membership in the Freemasons, so McGivney set out to create an alternative organization with charitable goals; more than 1.7 million members worldwide; membership is limited to "PRACTICAL CATHOLIC" MEN OVER 18 YEARS OLD; the order is dedicated to the principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism; raise funds to fight developmental disabilities; volunteer for the Special Olympics and other charitable organizations; conduct blood drives and raise funds for disaster victims

Knights of Columbus Color Corps

The KoC will provide an Honor Guard for members who are in good standing with the organization at the family's request; AN HONOR GUARD WILL BE PRESENT AT THE VISITATION, STANDING AT THE CASKET; though they will not act as pall bearers during this duty, they will also stand at the entrance of the church before and after the service and can be present at the cemetery, if requested; the KoC will also lead the ROSARY SERVICE at the visitation if the family allows

Other Fraternal Organizations

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW); American Legion; Rotary Club; Loyal Order of Moose; Independent Order of the Odd Fellows; Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks; Fraternal Order of Police; there are innumerable organizations for different ethnicities, religions, occupations, and ideologies; know which ones are prominent in your community and what they can contribute to a funeral service