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Tyler's Oath

Raymond Walters

Premium Member
Yes, there is a Tyler's oath and yes it is taught to newly raised MM's (or should be).

In some PHA jurisdictions (or individual PHA lodges) brothers are taught the Tyler's Oath and taught to "walk the sword". It was something I was taught in the Prince Hall jurisdiction of North Carolina so many years ago...lol

Though I have traveled and visited many lodges I have only seen and/or walked the sword myself in PHA lodges (others may do it, I just haven't seen it).
 

Blake Bowden

Administrator
Staff Member
Thanks for enlightening me Brother! Unfortunately, we don't teach it enough so I wasn't sure if PHA did. A couple of years ago, I visited a Lodge in New Mexico and they required the Oath. I had no clue as I was never taught it. I called up a fellow Master Mason who did and we recited it over the phone. Ironically, when I arrived at the Lodge, they had me place my hand on the Holy Book and READ the Oath. Oddly enough, it was slightly different than the "Texas" version.
 

Raymond Walters

Premium Member
In my many visits I once was examined by a Tyler, who for some strange reason placed his sword on the floor (so that I could walk the sword while reciting the Tyler's Oath).

I recited the Tyler's Oath while walking the sword, and when finished reached down and picked the sword up in the manner I was taught. The Tyler must have been puzzled or had never gotten that far or just didn't realize that there was more that he (as Tyler) was to do in order to receive the sword back from me.

Since the Tyler was unable to prove to me he deserved to have me return the sword, I entered the lodge with his sword, which I could clearly see had the members of that lodge stumped, and the WM was perplexed.

The WM proceeded to question me about the sword and why I had it in my possession, and I explained to him what had transpired at his outer door. At this point he was visibly distressed and I asked if I could return it to him (the WM).

He asked me to return it to the Tyler once the Tyler was relieved by another brother to come into the lodge. Once inside the lodge, I asked the Tyler his duties, he repeated them to me in front of the lodge and I returned that implement to him so that he could perform his duties in a proper manner.

It is the only time in 22 years that I have had this happen and I do say that I hope that it never happens again...lol
 

Brent Heilman

Premium Member
I entered the lodge with his sword, which I could clearly see had the members of that lodge stumped, and the WM was perplexed.

I can only imagine the look on his face when you walked in with that. I bet it was a great learning experience for several people that night.
 
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Mac

Moderator
Premium Member
Interesting. I've never heard of "walking the sword" or of a proper way to pick up or receive the sword.
 

Bill Lins

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
In my Lodge, we teach the Tiler's Oath as part of the MM work and require the candidate to recite it as part of his proficiency. I, also, have never heard of "walking the sword"
 

Blake Bowden

Administrator
Staff Member
Walking the Sword, Defending the Light, addressing another Mason as "Square" seem to be unique to PHA. That being said, I can cross our State Border and visit a Lodge and things are different as well..lol. From my experiences, things may be different, but I for one, have never felt out of place in a Lodge.
 

Bro. Stewart P.M.

Lead Moderator Emeritus
Staff Member
Thanks for enlightening me Brother! Unfortunately, we don't teach it enough so I wasn't sure if PHA did. A couple of years ago, I visited a Lodge in New Mexico and they required the Oath. I had no clue as I was never taught it. I called up a fellow Master Mason who did and we recited it over the phone. Ironically, when I arrived at the Lodge, they had me place my hand on the Holy Book and READ the Oath. Oddly enough, it was slightly different than the "Texas" version.

This was very much the same for me the first few times that I visited Lodges in LA. Although the Tyler's Oath is very similar to that version taught us in TX, it still seemed odd placing my hand on the "good book" while doing it.

I think that it is important to point out that not only was I asked to recite the TO, I was also asked for the grip and word of a Master Mason... After I was fully vouched for, I learned that the Brother who examined me directly was the current GM of LA. I was pretty impressed!!!
 

Bro. Stewart P.M.

Lead Moderator Emeritus
Staff Member
Can the TO be posted here? I see it printed everywhere and was just wondering.......

As far as the GLoTX is concerned, No. That is consdered to be a mode of recognition, and if posted in plain english... well let's just say that it would defeat the purpose.
 

calee

Registered User
It is printed in the "blue book" and is titled test oath, although I believe it is in code.
 
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Star Mztyk

Registered User
....There is a grey area as to what is right or wrong. I will say, that is not the way I was taught to give it by the ConW....and our RW requires you to say it before you can take an exam.
 

seniorwardenjackson

Registered User
Scottish Rite Tyler

We practice no such examination at our lodge. However, all visitors are duly tried before gaining entry. I've never heard of walking the sword. I'm sure it's a genuine practice, just new to me.
 
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