LITTLE CURRENT—On the evening of November 11, the Masons of Doric Lodge #455 gathered, along with invited guests, to honour Remembrance Day in a unique and moving way, with the Empty Chair Ceremony. This Empty or vacant Chair ceremony has been celebrated by the Masons for 150 years, but for this Doric Lodge, it was a first.
Ten years after the American Civil War, the Masons paid tribute to those who did not return home by honouring them with the Empty Chair service, and Masonic lodges have adapted this ceremony ever since, paying homage on Remembrance Day to Brother Masons who did not return from the World Wars and other wars. A similar form is also used at funerals honouring deceased Masters and Members.
The ceremony at the Doric Lodge began that night with the Worshipful Master, Rick Mauti, granting admittance to the deacons who carried the empty chair, the symbol of the fallen brother, into the inner chamber, setting it before the podium. During the ceremony, an apron was placed upon the chair, the first gift of masonry and an emblem of innocence. A sprig of evergreen was set upon the chair as a symbol of immortality, a white rose, a symbol of ‘that true light’ to which they have been called., was placed on the chair, and a poppy, too, in honour of Remembrance Day. “Everything is symbolic, because in Masonry everything is symbolic. There’s a lot of meaning behind all things and it’s all good,” Worshipful Master Mauti explained, following the service.
photos by Margery Frisch
As each symbol was placed, an explanation was given by a lodge member. The recitation of Psalm 23 followed, “The Lord is my Shepherd…” The Lord’s Prayer was recited by all; an explanation of the red poppy was given, followed by John McCrae’s poem ‘In Flanders Fields.’ The names of those Lodge members who have died in the past five years were then read aloud, 21 members in all. The public was invited to name those who have served and who have died. Lodge members who had also served in Legion #177 were named, six in all. Members of the Gore Bay Lodge #472 were named. A moment of silence followed, honouring all whose names had been spoken.
“Dear brothers and distinguished guests this concludes our Empty Chair Ceremony for Remembrance Day observance. On behalf of the brethren of the Doric Lodge I wish to sincerely and wholeheartedly thank you all for joining us here this evening. I now invite you all to join me in singing our national anthem.” And O Canada rang out in the crowded inner chamber.
“It was the first time the public has been in that room while we were in our regalia,” Worshipful Master Mauti said after the service, “kind of like a sneak peak of what we do.” He was pleased to have Masonic brothers from Elliot Lake, Chelmsford, Blind River and Sudbury in attendance. Mayor Al MacNevin, as well as council members, and a large contingency from Legion Branch #177 were also present.
Perhaps it was that sneak peak the public was given, or perhaps the very brief yet poignant Remembrance Day service, but the crowd was animated following the ceremony, and very moved. Former District Deputy John Miszczak, of Sudbury, put it simply and succinctly, “The solemnity and ritual of our services make good men better,” he said.
by Margery Frisch
