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What is the Tiler?

Bro. Kurt P.M.

2018 14G DCO
Premium Member
Historically the medieval operative craft guilds guarded their trade secrets by posting a sentry outside the meeting place. From a Masonic perspective the Tiler continued this "guarding" tradition. In the 1723 Constitution he was referred to as "another brother to look after the door, but shall not be a member of it." The English Grand Lodge in 1728 described him as an "officer who kept the door.

The early tilers wore very colorful clothing. The Grand Lodge Tiler of 1736 was described as wearing a red waist coat under a dark blue coat trimmed with gold lace, yellow trousers and a large triangular hat, which he wore in public, as when delivering summonses or in processions. The Tiler is a Master Mason, usually a Past Master, who is respected and well-informed in Masonic law and custom. He need not be a member of the Lodge, but if so, has the right to debate and vote. He is a one-man welcoming committee for visitors, giving them the first and most important impression of his Lodge. He assures that members and visitors sign the "Tiler's Register."

His classic duties included the preparation and service of notices and summonses. He had the key to the apron box and was in charge of the Lodge's possessions, arranging them properly for upcoming meetings and securing them afterwards. The special "Tilers knock" signals the Lodge already in session that a qualified Brother requests admission. He will refuse entry to anyone whom he does not personally recognize or who cannot be properly, vouched for by another Brother. Since we learn the value of proper preparation and the virtue of caution from the Tiler, then each of us should, in a way, be our own tiler. Let us not forget to tile our own selves when we are recommending and investigating candidates.

Let us tile our discussions about the ritual. Let us tile the business discussed in Lodge, especially that which relates to our members and candidates.

Let us tile our words and actions to foster harmony, as this will not only preserve our own integrities and reputations, but also that of our beloved.

Author Unknown
 
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