Masons Oppose Cremation.

Cromwell Argus, Volume XXVII, Issue 1375, 3 September 1895, Page 3

Masons Oppose Cremation.

■ Cremation services have been officially declared by Masonic authority in the United States not to be Christian bnrial. The question that has brought about this decision is over making arrangements for the funeral of the late Charles H. Reisser, a restaurantkeeper at Philadelphia, It had always been Mr Reisser’s wish to be cremated, and after his death his family decided to follow his wishes. Mr Reisser was also a Mason and was a member of the Rising Star Lodge, Oriental Chapter, and of Kodosh Commandery. These organisations were invited to tales part in the funeral, but before accepting; it was learned that it was the intention to have the services at the tithe jihe body was cremated. The question was at once raised whether under Masonic law this would be a Christian burial. The matter was referred to the Grand Master of Pennsylvania, who is Judge Arnold, and he promptly rendered a decision 'that services at a cremation were not Christian burial under Masonic law. The family therefore decided to abandon their original intention. The funeral then took place, and the Masonic organisation attended in a body and performed Masonic rites.