Page 9 - ASHLAR - Oct-Dec 2020

O N A L G R
G E I AND LODGE
The Ashlar R Vol. XVI Issue III

TYLER-THE OFFICER OUTSIDE
W.BRO. JOSE CHEMMASSERY.
In the formative years of my freemasonry I answers, “the assistant officers Three
used to wonder as to why freemasons besides the Tyler or Outer guard namely S
require a Tyler during the ceremonies. and J deacons and Inner Guard. It is
E i t h e r d u e t o t h e e r r o n e o u s therefore implied that Tyler is an assistant
pronounciation/diction or the mistaken Officer. After installation, the W. M.
perception , I had the word Tyler remained appoints his officers and invests them with
in confusion for a long time in my mind. The the regalia of the office. W M finally invests
confusion I experienced is only an the Tyler with the collar and jewel and also
indication as to how each word in the ritual places a sword in the hands of Tyler to
needs to be thoroughly understood to a enable him to keep off all intruders and
meaningful interpretation of the ceremony cowans to Freemasonry .
for its impressive impact on the candidate. The word “Cowan” took its origin from the
This brethren, is not an imagination going Greek word 'kuon' which means a dog. In
wild but my initial and innocent Scottish it means a contemptible person. In
involvement with the masonry. Swedish it has the origin in 'Kujon' which
It is only much later when I had the chance means a silly fellow. The French word is
of acting in the office of the Tyler that I “coyou' which means a coward. Stone
began to appreciate the meaning and masons used the word to describe a
distinguish the role of the Tyler. Till such person “Who builds walls, without cement”.
time the knocks of the Tyler and the last In modern speculative Freemasonry it
Tyler's toast was the echoing action means a person without the masonic word
remained in memory after the ceremony or an uninstructed mason. Accordingly a
and banquet. The simple meaning of the 'Cowan' is an unauthorized person and is
Tile-layer, in freemasonry is doorkeeper at not eligible to enter the Lodge to participate
lodge or meeting which I failed to discern. in its proceedings viz., rituals and
Stationed outside and at the entrance door ceremonies.
to the temple, Tyler is the guard and The 1723 Constitution of Grand Lodge of
screening the visitors for their identity England describes Tyler as “another
before seeking and authorizing admission brother who looks after the door, but shall
with the permission of the W M. not be a member of it”. From it stems the
The role of Tyler and his position in the fact that a Tyler is a non subscribing
Lodge is amplified in the proceedings of member of the Lodge. A Tyler is also
the ceremony. When we try to examine his described as “an officer who kept the door”.
status and role we always look forward to I do distinctly recollect the presence of an
the ceremonial instructions rendered by non-subscribing member guarding the
the W M and inner guard. After opening the door of the Lodge in the 80's at the F M Hall
Lodge, the W M while questioning, the S W Bombay. In the present scenario of

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