Page 10 - ASHLAR - Oct-Dec 2020

N A L G R
I O
G E AND LODGE
The Ashlar R Vol. XVI Issue III
functioning lodges, the Tyler is elected the candidate seeking entrance to
from the members demitting / relieving freemasonry. A candidate is never advised
their office upon installation of W.M.. or informed about the procedure being
Hence the elected Tyler continues to pay followed in the ceremonies as it may create
the subscription as mandatory to retain the a biased or prejudiced interpretation. The
lodge membership. candidate is solely responsible to imbibe
Lodge being the scheduled meeting place the contents of the ceremonies imparted in
of brethren where ceremonies and rituals the proceedings. But a preamble of the
are performed to impart knowledge and ceremonies in offing without revealing the
communicate light to the candidates fundamentals if disclosed can better
yearning for masonic secrets and enable the candidate to endure the
mysteries are to be well protected . At the ceremonies without stress and angst. By
door of entrance the Tyler is positioned virtue of his entrusted role, the Tyler
armed with a drawn sword ; it acts as an interacts with the candidate seeking
instrument of self defence or protection admittance to freemasonry on all three
and a menacing threat to those who try to degree ceremonies. Each occasion
forcefully enter the Lodge to disturb the demands separate attire and unique
proceedings and steal the secrets. The preparations. An experienced and skillful
intruders disturbing the harmony and master mason acting as Tyler can give
peace prevailing are described as cowans- explanations about various aspects like
assembly of witches. They are hoodwinking, wearing cable-toe, depriving
eavesdroppers and unauthorised persons metallic and monetary items, bare
clandestinely resorting to usurp the breasting, bare kneeing, and slip shodding
secrets of the art. Nowadays we find the etc to enhance the significance of each
Tyler guarding the entrance unarmed and action leading to the progress of the
without the drawn sword. Being symbolic candidate in acquiring the degrees of
threat – his collar depicts the insignia of Craft.
drawn swords-the absence of drawn Generally a senior master mason or a
sword only reveal its insignificance in the retiring I P M is appointed and entrusted
present scenario of non-operative or with the office of the Tyler as a tradition.
speculative masons holding the lodge Being experienced and sufficiently
meetings. acquainted with the principles of
The basic duty of the Tyler is to see that the freemasonry, the Tyler can instill
candidates are properly prepared. confidence and courage to the candidate
by being friendly and communicative about
Preparation involves physical in masonic
the procedure in the temple. Inquisitive
attire and mental involving psychological
change in attitude and approach to the queries, doubts and anxieties if any
emerging from the candidate can be
unfolding situation in the ceremonies. The
conveniently handled with conviction by
Tyler at this juncture can act as a mentor to
the experienced master mason playing

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