white gloves
and aprons. There is no necessity for any attempt at secrecy in the
ceremonies of Sorrow Lodges. They may be held in churches or public
halls, or in the presence of friends at the Lodge room, with benefit to
all concerned.

Preparation of the Hall.

I. The Lodge room should be appropriately draped in black, and the
several stations covered with the same emblem of mourning.

II. On the Master's pedestal is a skull and lighted taper.

III. In the center of the room is placed the catafalque, which consists
of a rectangular platform, about six feet long by four feet wide, on
which are two smaller platforms, so that three steps are represented. On
the third one should be an elevation of convenient height, on which is
placed an urn. The platform should be draped in black, and a canopy of
black drapery may be raised over the urn and platform.

IV. At each corner of the platform will be placed a candlestick, bearing
a lighted taper, and near it, facing the East, will be seated a brother,
provided with an extinguisher, to be used at the proper time.

V. During the first part of the ceremonies the lights in the room should
burn dimly.

VI. Arrangements should be made to enable the light to be increased to
brilliancy at the appropriate point in the ceremony.

VII. On the catafalque will be laid a pair of white gloves, a lambskin
apron, and if the deceased brother had been an officer, the appropriate
insignia of his office.

VIII. Where the Lodge is held in memory of several brethren, shields
bearing their names are placed around the catafalque.

Opening the Lodge.

The several officers being in their places, and the brethren seated, the
Worshipful Master will call up the Lodge and say:

W. M.: Brother Senior Warden, for what purpose are we assembled?

S. W.: To honor the memory of those brethren whom death hath taken from
us; to contemplate our own approaching dissolution; and, by the
remembrance of immortality, to raise our souls above the considerations
of this transitory existence.

W. M.: Brother Junior Warden, what sentiments should inspire the souls
of Masons on occasions like the present?

J. W.: Calm sorrow for the absence of our brethren who have gone before
us; earnest solicitude for our own eternal welfare, and a firm faith and
reliance upon the wisdom and goodness of the Great Architect of the
Universe.

W. M.: Brethren, commending these sentiments to your earnest
consideration, a