Arts & Sciences Memorial Service
(Based on a Translation of a Memorial Service used by our Turkish Brethren)

WM *** –      Brother __________, as our newest _______________, you will kneel at the altar. The brethren will form a chain around our altar, joining hands by the grip of an Entered Apprentice, with the Wardens in the West.

                                Note: At Arts & Sciences Lodge, a chain representing a looping cable tow is formed by the WM extending his arms to the left and right. The brothers to his left and right will cross their arms right over left. Their adjacent brothers will extend their arms as the WM did. The brethren will alternate crossing and extending their arms. Each brother uses the grip of an Entered Apprentice. The Wardens do not take each other by the grip, allowing a break. In many other lodges, all brethren cross right arm over left.

WM –             I will pass the first half of the Word of an Apprentice through the brethren on my left and the second half through the brethren on my right.

[Done, the halves reaching the Wardens in the west.]

JW –               Our chain is broken.

SW –               The word is lost.

WM –             A brother is (or brethren are) absent from our midst. Brother Secretary, you will report.

[Secretary reads the Masonic record of those who have died since the last memorial service.]

WM [Addressing brother at the altar] – Brother __________, will you fill the breach? Will you take the place that Brother __________ has left for you?

EA (or some other new brother) – I will.

WM –             Then take your place between the Wardens, grasping their hands by the grip of an Apprentice, and complete our Chain of Union. [Done.] Wardens, give him the word.

[JW whispers the first half and SW the second.]

JW –               Our Union is complete.

SW –               The word is restored.

WM –             Brethren, you are now to quit this sacred retreat of friendship and virtue, to mix again with the world. Amidst its concerns and employments, forget not the duties you have heard so frequently inculcated and forcibly recommended in this lodge.

                        Be diligent in your several stations, prudent, temperate and discreet in all your actions. Remember that around this altar you have promised to befriend the unfortunate and relieve every brother who shall need your assistance. You have promised to remind him in the most tender manner of his failings, and aid him in his reformation. Vindicate his character when wrongfully traduced. Suggest in his behalf the most candid and favorable circumstances. Let the world observe how Masons love one another.

                        These generous principles are to extend further. Every human being has a claim upon your kind offices. Do good unto all.  Recommend it more especially to the “household of the faithful.”

                        By diligence in the duties of your respective callings, by liberal benevolence and diffusive charity, by constancy and fidelity in your friendships, by uniformly just, amiable and virtuous deportment, you will establish the beneficial and happy effects of this ancient and honorable Institution.

                        Let it not be supposed that you have here labored in vain and spent your strength for nought, for your work is with the Lord, and your recompense with your God.

                        Finally, brethren, be ye all of one mind, live in peace, and may the God of love and peace delight to dwell with and bless you. Amen

Brethren –      So mote it be.

WM –             Brethren, we will now sing.

Our Chain of Union is renewed
As we join hand in hand–
With hearts united firm and free
And ’round our altar stand.
 
Each brother forms and earthly link
Until his time is o’er–
So let us hope to reunite
One day on that great shore!

WM –             Brethren, our memorial service has ended.