During which service is the closing hymn traditionally sung?

The closing hymn is traditionally sung during the recessional service. This part of a funeral or memorial service occurs after the main service has concluded, as the casket or urn is processed out of the ceremony space. Choosing a hymn during this time serves as a final tribute to the deceased and provides an opportunity for the attendees to reflect upon the life celebrated during the service as they prepare to leave.

In contrast, the prelude typically consists of music played before the service starts, setting a tone for the attendees arriving. The processional is the segment where the casket or urn is brought into the service, often accompanied by music, marking the beginning rather than the end. The postlude follows the recessional and involves music played after the service has ended, but it does not typically include a closing hymn sung by the attendees. Thus, the significance and timing of the closing hymn align perfectly with the recessional service.