Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Performing Masonic Funerals
Performing Masonic Funerals is something that, ten years ago, I couldn’t have imagined myself doing. Yet, so far, I have done thirty and counting.It is always an honor when asked to say the last words over a fallen brother. The brethren in line are always nice and tell me what a great job I do. Their praise would certainly go to my head if the entire ordeal weren’t so humbling.
Recently, a brother who has only begun this taxing, but blessed service, asked me to give him some training. He’s very smart, capable and has an excellent delivery, so I don’t really know if he needs any “training” per se. Still, his request did cause me to give some thought to putting down a number of points I might give him or others on the subject at hand.
I’ve done a lot of public speaking in my day. Being a preacher’s kid pretty much made public speaking mandatory among my siblings and myself. Hence, methinks the following principles would be helpful while standing before any audience or congregation in a public forum.
So, without further ado and in no particular order:
1. Look ‘em in the eye. (Otherwise, they won’t believe a word you say.)
2. Pronounce the words correctly. (That doesn’t mean change your accent.)
3. If you don’t know what a word means, look it up in the dictionary.
4. If you don’t understand a term or reference, research it until you do.
5. Project your voice. (They need to hear you in the back too.)
6. Remember, it’s not about you; it’s about the family/listeners.
7. Practice the recitation ad nauseam. Once you feel extremely confident, don’t let a week pass without rehearsing it at least twice.
8. Listen to yourself. (Actually pay attention to what you are saying. Don’t just recite by rote.)
9. Don’t get in a hurry!
10. Get alone for just a few minutes, if possible. This will help you to clear your mind and calm your breathing and will also give you time to pray.
11. Empty your pockets; turn your cell off and leave it in another room; check your clothes and face for cleanliness.
12. Be expressive. Don’t be ashamed to let your face show what you are feeling.
Labels: funerals, Masonry, pastor, preacher, preacher's kid, speaking
