…presented at St. John’s No. 82, Paris, November 11, 2003.

The Empty Chair Ceremony

Brethren-the following ceremony was originally presented by the Victorian Naval & Military Lodge No. 49 in Australia. We present it this evening, with slight alterations to reflect Brant District, in tribute to the brethren who fought and paid the supreme sacrifice on our behalf. It is called the Empty Chair Ceremony.

The ceremony is begun by placing an empty chair in the West.

V.W. Bro. Lawrence Shoup places a wreath in the empty chair, and resumes place.

V.W. Bro. Gerald Money-“We lay this wreath, in honor of those now dead, our fallen comrades, those who have passed on to rest-we share the grief of those they loved-the wife, the mother, and the child, and with them, would wish to say-‘turn back the clock and restore them to us once again, for then they were alive.’ Yes indeed, these our fallen comrades and honored dead.”

The brethren are called up.

V.W. Bro. Michael McEachren reads the roll call of departed brethren from Brant Masonic District.

District Chaplain-“It is appropriate that the brethren stand in silence, heads bowed, in memory of our fallen comrades. Thus, shall we be reminded to uphold those great principles of Liberty and Freedom in whose defence, they laid down their lives. Brethren, a moments silence, please.”

The LAST POST is sounded.

R.W. Bro. Dan Dawson-“Now, brethren, let us once again lift up our heads, remembering them with a quiet and humble pride. May the spirit of sacrifice which inspired them in the cause of our nation, also inspire us, so that, reminded of their devotion to duty, we too, shall devote ourselves to the pursuit of every Masonic ideal. Thus, may the time of peace on Earth and goodwill to all peoples be promoted and sustained. It is clear they failed not, but played their part. May we not fail in ours. They shall not grow old…we shall remember them.”

The REVEILLE is sounded.

V.W. Bro. Lawrence Shoup-“The victory of our arms in war, and the blessed memory of fallen comrades calls forth, from us, a response of gratitude from the G.A.O.T.U. who always inspires people to lay down their lives for the sake of the needy and distressed, whoever and wherever they may be.”

R.W. Bro. Dan Dawson-“I add to these messages, by observing that a faithful remembrance will invoke in us who are true men, an earnest desire to promote, sustain at all costs, and on every occasion, the expressed will of the G.A.O.T.U. and the Grand Lodge above. Let there be peace on Earth and goodwill to all.”

SO MOTE IT BE.