Fraternal Organizations and the Funeral Rite CH 11 (Directing)
order of the Eastern Star (Women's Branch of Free Masons)
Composed of female relatives of Masons who hold a Master Mason degree or higher Leader "Worthy Matron" Funeral service held the evening prior service or at the graveside
B'nai and B'rith International (BBI)
Dates back to 1843 Jewish humanitarian and human rights organization; fights anti-Semitism offers memorial service prior to regular service appropriate for Orthodox, Conservative, or Reform branches of the Jewish faith
Independent order of Odds Fellows "To improve and elevate the character of man"
First fraternity with mixed sexes as members originated in England first US chapter organized 1819 Contact person : Noble Grand (Executive officer) Purpose: Visit the sick, relieve the distressed, bury the dead and educate the orphans no national guidelines for funerals monotheistic organization
The National Grange "Order of Patrons of husbandry" P H (Logo)
Formed in 1867 Contact person : Master Promotes agricultural regions and issues "Protect farmers, ranchers, and foresters" Has its own "Funeral Service" and "Committal Service"; sprig of evergreen placed on casket
Modern Woodmen of America
Founded in 1883 Fraternal Benefit Society providing insurance for members Contact person Consul master of ceremonies ceremony during funeral service and at graveside
Order of De Molay (Jr. Branch of Free Masons)
Founded in 1919 Provides leadership skills for boys 12-21 May offer services at home, funeral home, church, or cemetery
Knights of Columbus
Roman Catholic Fraternity Leader: grand Knight service conducted evening before Funeral, Mass and often immediately before or after the rosary or Christian prayer service
Benevolent and protective order of the elks
began in 1867; 'Jolly Corks" reorganized in 1868 as a civic organization Leader: "Exalted Ruler" Chaplain: "Worthy Chaplain" Provides services suitable for funerals or graveside services
Masonic Funeral Rite
founded in 1717
Rebekahs
ladies arm of the 'odd fellows" contact person noble grand
Knights of Pythias
organized in 1864 non-sectarian fraternal organization to promote universal peace has both funeral and graveside service, at gravesite Chancellor Commander at head of casket; Vice Chancellor and prelate on each side of foot end of casket (form a triangle)
royal neighbors of america
organized in 1888 by women and for women contact person: oracle developed out of modern woodmen of america service led by oracle; oracle at head of casket during committal service.
