CEREMONY FOR

DRAPING OF CHARTER
I. O. O. F.

6ft'

Adopted at the 1973 Session

of

THE SOVEREIGN GRAND LODGE

r. o. o. F.

Made in U.S.A.
 CEREMONY FOR
DRAPING OF CHARTER

(Noble Grand or Chief Patriarch calls up the lodge or en-

campment.)

Noble Grand or Chief Patriarch. Brethren (or

Patriarchs) it becomes my duty to remind you of
the passing of Brother (Patriarcli)
who, o[ the ...... day of ......... o last, &fl-
swered the roll call of our Great Father.
,*:lfrf,:Xl3 or chief Patriarch seats the lodge or en-

It is only fitting that we cause ourselves to reflect

on the service that our deceased Brother (Patriarcli)
has rendered to this universal Order. The princi-
ples of our beloved Order, derived from some of
the most beautiful lessons drawn from Holy Writ,
assures us, that in death, we will find eternal rest.
His labors are ended, his earthly course is finished,
It seems only fitting that we express our bereave-
ment in a dignified mann€r, consistent with the
teachings and our faith. I suggest therefore, that
we cause our charter to be draped with a simple
black cloth for a period of thirty days in loving
memory of our Brother (Patriarch) ............ .,
 DRAPING OF CHARTER

and may we as members of our fraternal family be

reminded that we should always keep the vision of
our great Master before uS, and be ever prepared
for His final summons. I, therefore, direct that the
Warden and Conductor (Junior Warden and
Guide) will see to it that the necessary drape is
provided forthwith, and that the charter is placed
beside the altar. You will then conduct the Chap-
lain (HiSh Priest) to the center of the floor where
he will drape the charter after which, ]ou will
escort him to the rear of the altar, there he will
offer a Divine prayer supporting our actions.
(Noble Grand or Chief Patriarch calls up the lodge or en-
camprnent.)
(Warden and Conductor (or Junior Warden and Guide)
comply and accompany the Chaplain to the center of
the floor.)

Chaplain (High Priesi: Let us pray. Gracious

God, &S we pause in the midst of life's busy w&],
may we be reminded of the solemn obligation that
we owe to those called to their eternal rest. AI-
mighty God, :lS we now close the last chapter of
our Brother's (Patriarch's) earthly life, in our sor-
row, we rcalize that he has been returned to the
care of the Great Creator of this Universe. We ask
Thee, most Gracious God to give strength, courage
and guidance to those bereaved ones, and may they
continue to place their hands and faith in Thee
for protection.
 DRAPING OF CHARTER

Lord, be with us in life, &S Thou art with our

Brother (Patriarch) whom we have committed to
Thy throne. Strengthen us in our undertakings, So
that our humble efforts may yet bear fruit, in the
brotherhood of mankind.
May the Grace of God be upon us, and may the
work of our hands continue to receive Thy Bless-
ings, &S we carry out our earthly tasks. Amen.

(The Noble Grand (Chief Pqtriarch) will seat the lodge or

encampment.)
Any eulogy fitting may be delivered.
The Chaplain (HiSh Priest) may read suitable passage of
Scripture.