Church of Ireland, Methodist Church and Presbyterian Church Funerals. Introduction The death of a member or friend of Scouting is a sad occasion. It is important that we pay our respects to the deceased person, their family and relatives with due care and consideration. It is a great privilege to be permitted by a family to participate in a funeral, so remember at all times to be discrete – you are there to honour the memory of the deceased, not be the centre of attraction! If the Group wishes to attend the funeral and participate as representatives of Scouting, it is important that the family of deceased are consulted through the Clergy of the Parish/Congregation before any involvement, with regard to: Uniformed Presence, Pall Bearing, Guard of Honour, or the placing of the Scout Flag on Coffin, etc. is planned. If attending as members of Scouting everyone should do so, if possible, in full Scout uniform. If it has been agreed that members of the Group can act as Pall Bearers, detail six or eight ‘sturdy’ Leaders or Venture Scouts (ideally of the same height) to do this duty. This group will act as a Pall Bearers / Guard of Honour and if requested to do so, may carry the coffin either: from the hearse to the church or at the end of the service from the church to the hearse – ask the funeral directors staff for directions on how to lift and or carry the coffin.
The removal of the remains to the Church: Depending on the part of the country in which the funeral is taking place, the removal of the remains to the church may be either on the evening before, or the morning of the funeral. If the removals are on the ‘eve’ of the funeral, then the presence of Scouts in uniform as part of the congregation is usually sufficient – should the Group wish to sit together in the church they should check with the clergy re the appropriate place to sit. Depending on local custom, the hearse, accompanied by the family can arrive at the church directly from the funeral home to be met by the other mourners, or it can proceed from the funeral home at a slow pace, with the bulk of the mourners walking behind it. If the cortège is proceeding at walking pace, Pall Bearers should take their place on each side of hearse. Other uniformed members should precede the hearse or go directly to the church. On arrival at the church, uniformed members should divide into 2 rows, spaced out evenly between the entrance gates to the church grounds and the church doors. Sufficient space should be allowed between the each row, so as to permit mourners to pass between them. The distance between the rows should also be wide enough to allow the hearse or bier to pass through.
Pall Bearers / Guard of Honour: If Scouts are acting as Pall Bearers /Guard of Honour they should turn inwards towards the hearse and come to alert. If required to carry the coffin into church the Pall Bearers party should move to rear of hearse to receive coffin on their shoulders. Remember to follow the advice/directions of the undertakers.
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