THE TYLER
Also spelled "Tiler"
Introduction
​
In the Latin, “tegere” (from which came "thatch") means “to cover”. Typically, roof coverings are tiles, pieces, or slabs thereof and a tiler, therefore, is one who makes, or fastens on tiles.
The title is derived from the operative art; for as in operative masonry the tiler, when the edifice is erected, finishes and covers it with the roof of tiles, so in speculative Masonry, when the lodge is duly organized the Tyler closes the door and covers the sacred precincts from all intrusion.
Tyler (also spelled Tiler) is the name of the office of outer guard of the Lodge.
As Lodges may sometimes meet in rooms in pubs and taverns and other public meeting places, all Lodges appoint a Tyler to guard the door from the outside against ineligible Masons or malicious or curious people, to check the eligibility of latecomers and to ensure that candidates for ceremonies in the Lodge are properly prepared.
Although a junior Officer of the Lodge and often an experienced Past Master, but most certainly a Master Mason, he may often be considered akin to a sergeant in the military.
Sometimes, the Tyler is a Mason from another lodge employed for the purpose and paid for his services; in others cases he may be a member of the lodge and therefore unpaid.
In some Jurisdictions the Tyler is appointed by the Worshipful Master, while in others he is elected by the members of the Lodge.
Duties of the post
​
The Tyler is charged with examining the Masonic credentials of anyone wishing to enter the Lodge, keeping unqualified persons from infiltrating Masonic meetings and admitting only those qualified to attend the current business.
In most jurisdictions, the Tyler is required to be outside the Lodge door for large portions of the meeting, although usually in a position to overhear the proceedings. The position has often been given to a deserving Mason who has fallen on hard times or to a senior Lodge member who can help and advise those kept waiting outside.
Other duties, although unusual in English Constitution Lodges, often involve preparing the room for meetings, supplying regalia and equipment, serving as bar steward or acting as permanent, and sometimes resident, caretaker of the furniture and premises.
The Worshipful Master has the authority to permit or direct the Tyler to "tyle from within" during the non-ritualistic portions of a meeting. If “tyling from within”, the Tyler must first secure the outer doors of the Tyler's anteroom. He would then leave the inner door open between the lodge room and the Tyler's anteroom, and sit at the seat closest to the door, still holding his drawn sword. “Tyling from within” enables the Tyler to participate in the business portions of the meeting, voice his opinions, volunteer for committees, deliver reports, and receive instruction if any be given.
The Tyler is always expected to be outside the closed door of the lodge; on the rare occasions when the Tyler enters the lodge room, other than when “tyling from within”, another lodge member (typically the Inner Guard) goes outside to take temporary responsibility for guarding the door.
In some jurisdictions and lodges, the Tyler is the lodge process server; he can be tasked with serving the membership with Masonic summons, messages, or notices at their home or at work when directed by a vote of the lodge or the Worshipful Master.
Origins of the term
​
The origins of the term are uncertain and a number of hypotheses have been presented over time.
Masonic lodges originally met in inns or taverns and Tyler is an Old English word for “the keeper of an inn door”. Alternatively, the name may simply come from the occupation of tiler - a person who lays roof and floor tiles.
More fanciful suggestions have included:
​
-
· In operative Masonry, the Tyler would draw out the blueprints for the Temple/cathedral in chalk on the floor.
-
· Possibly related to the name of Wat Tyler, or Walter the Tyler, the leader of the Peasants' Revolt of 1381.
-
· Possibly a revision of the word tether, used to tie the door closed.
-
· Possibly owing to the tiles being those stones or bricks which seal the structural masonry, whether they be on floors, walls or roofs. Likewise, the Tyler seals the remainder of the activities of the lodge.