Page 11 - ASHLAR - Oct-Dec 2020

N A L G R
I O
G E AND LODGE
The Ashlar R Vol. XVI Issue III
the role of the Tyler Whenever a curious knocks given at each occasion to
candidate inquires about a particular appreciate the progress of the
narration, position or action of the ritual , proceedings in the temple.
the typical standard reply from a senior The three knocks are said to represent
Master mason will be, “it takes time; you divine spirit ,soul and body. In the first
will learn and understand it later as you degree they separate to show the
progress in the art.” This may partly reflect separation of soul from divine spirit and
the ignorance or inadequate knowledge of absence of union between soul and body.
the senior incapable of mentoring while In the second degree the separation of two
learning the art remains a life-long knocks, and combination of 2 and 3
endeavor. The role of Tyler manifests here indicate a complete union between soul
and now when he is preparing the and body to enable a man to be perfect by
candidate for the ceremony. The candidate the study of liberal arts of science and
seeking admission to freemasonry stepping him up the way for true
approaches the temple after the tyler knowledge of the G A O T U. (Madras
certifies to the IG that the candidate is Masonic Journal December-1991).
properly prepared. The importance of Tyler Defending by sword and alarming by
cannot be discounted in the scheme of gavel-knocks Tyler conveys the situation
evolving a candidate to a freemason. outside the temple and remains a
The Tyler stationed outside the protective force and informative source.
temple/lodge room is always provided with Reporting arrival of visitors, dignitaries and
a gavel to knock and answer the knocks other qualified persons remains the
emanating from inside during the progress important function of the Tyler. The
of the ceremonies. He has therefore to be importance and the effective role played by
alert to answer correctly and timely to the Tyler is finally recognized and
facilitate the progress of the ceremony emphatically echoed at the end of the
conducted inside. When the entrance of banquet when the toast is raised for the
the candidate duly prepared is sought, the poor masons not present at the meeting in
Tyler seeks admittance of the candidate by the name of Tyler's toast. Retiring masons
his knocks which is interpreted as alarm after the meeting bound to their homes
while reporting to the W M by the I G .It is carry the final Tyler's toast as the remnant
only on such occasions seeking of the banquet happily ended and
admittance of visitors the Tyler becomes conclude the meeting with a promise to
originator of the alarm by specified and meet again to share the happiness
structured knocks. On all other occasions imparted.
the Tyler answers the knocks emanating
from the inner guard to confirm his
presence and monitoring the outside
circumstances prevailing in the area
guarded by him. The Tyler needs to be
aware of the significance of the different

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