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VWB Ned Daniels Deputy of the Grand Master in District 4 of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington for 1999-2001 |
A Sentinel Over Our Actions (March 2001)
Not too long ago, during an installation of officers, just as the Installing Officer was about to install the Tyler into his respective station, another of the Installing Officers sitting in the East leaned over to me and whispered that he thought the carefully crafted words to the Tyler were among the most eloquent in the ceremony. And I have listened to them ever more closely since. "You have been appointed Tyler of this Lodge, and will now be invested with the jewel and implement of your office. "As the sword is placed in the hands of the Tyler to enable him effectually to guard against the approach of cowans and eavesdroppers, and see that none pass or repass but such as are duly qualified, so it should admonish us to set a guard over our thoughts, a watch at our lips, and post a sentinel over our actions; thereby preventing the approach of every unworthy thought, word, or deed, and preserving consciences void of offense toward God and man. "We trust your regard for good order will prompt you to the faithful discharge of your duties."In a somewhat more austere manner, the Washington Masonic Lodge Officers Handbook (1999) clearly identifies certain procedures for each Lodge officer, including that of the Tyler:
The Tyler should not sound an alarm during the opening and closing ceremonies, but should wait until he has been informed that the ceremonies are complete.
When the Lodge is at labor, the door should not be opened by the Tyler, but always by the Junior Deacon from the inside.
The Tyler should give the alarm and inform the Junior Deacon when a visitor for whom he cannot vouch seeks admission, giving his name, title, and Lodge.
The Tyler should inform late arrivals of the Degree in which the Lodge is working. The Brother should not be embarrassed when saluting the Worshipful Master because he mistakenly assumed the Lodge was at labor on the Master Mason Degree.
The Tyler must remain outside the door when giving permission to observe the Lodge proceedings by placing a chair in the doorway.
The importance of the Office of Tyler to the Lodge is quite apparent, whether his duties be found in the eloquence of the message at Installation, or from the somewhat pedantic procedures in the Lodge Officers Handbook.
However, since that installation one night not too long ago, I have found there to be an even deeper significance to this office. I have discovered that when the Charge to all Brethren at the closing of a Lodge of Master Masons is incorporated with the eloquent message to the Tyler at the Installation, the resulting admonishment carries a special meaning for each of us.
"These generous principles extend further, for every human being has a claim upon your kind offices... (and) so it should admonish us to set a guard over our thoughts, a watch at our lips, and post a sentinel over our actions."
Thanks to both the District Deputy of the Grand Master in District 4, and the Masonic Monitor which publishes his articles for allowing us to reprint them. The Masonic Monitor is published monthly (except August) under approval of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington. The Masonic Monitor can be contacted at: 6619 132nd Avenue NE, PMB 237, Kirkland, WA, 98033-8627, USA. Phone: (425) 822-4605 - FAX: (425) 822-2535 - Email: masonicmonitor@earthlink.net.