The unsung hero of the Masonic Lodge - The Tiler

The position of Tiler is actually and symbolically one of the most important positions in the Masonic Lodge. In actuality, he ensures the security of the Lodge when it is in session. Symbolically, using the lodge as a representation of our life and the most precious aspects of it, we are all Tilers with a duty to guard the West Gate against the approach of cowans, eavesdroppers, or even ourselves when we may harm or in any way diminish the Light.

What is the meaning of the word TYLE?

The word TYLE is present in Masonic ritual and writings in its archaic form merely because it thus represents another connective link with the earlier days of Freemasonry. The modern spelling is TILE.

The lodge is said to be “tiled” when necessary precautions have been taken to prevent the approach of cowans and eavesdroppers, intruders or persons not properly qualified to enter a Masonic Lodge.

What are the duties of the Tiler?

The chief duty of the Tiler is to guard the West Gate, or outer door, that none may enter the lodge who is not properly qualified. He also informs the Junior Deacon when a qualified Brother wishes to enter while the lodge is in session and should, at the same time, advise the Brother concerning the degree in which the lodge is then working. He also ascertains that all who enter the lodge are properly clothed in the Masonic Apron.

What does it mean to be "duly tiled?"

In the installation charge to the Tiler we learn that, "As the sword is placed in the hands of the Tiler to enable him effectually to guard against the approach of cowans and eavesdroppers, and suffer none to 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 or deed, and preserving consciences void of offense towards God and towards man."

Until next we meet, be amazing.

Fraternally yours,

Tim Couch

Now, on with the news........................

Tuesday, May 15, 2012: Friend Lodge No. 352 will meet in Special Communication for work in the 3rd Degree of Freemasonry. Brother Ed Rooker will be presented for advancement to the sublime degree of Master Mason. Dinner will be served at 6:30 and Lodge will be duly Opened at 7:00 PM. All Master Masons are invited in.

Thursday, May 17, 2012: Gate of the Temple Lodge No. 422 welcomes the Widow's Sons to their regular communication. If you have an interest in motorcycles or just want to see what this fun and energetic band of Brothers is up to come to supper at 5:30 and the Lodge will be duly Opened at 6:30 PM.

Thursday, May 17, 2012: Henderson Lodge No. 477 invite all Freemasons to a celebration of Past Masters. Dinner will be ready at 6:30 and Lodge will be duly Opened at 7:30 PM.

Saturday, May 19, 2012: A C2A (Chance to Advance) one day class to confer the Fellow Craft and Master Mason degrees will be hosted by Solomon Lodge No. 271 and held at the Masonic/York Rite Temple located at 1930 West Catalpa Street in Springfield, MO. Registration and breakfast at 6:00 and Lodge will be duly Opened at 7:00 AM. Lunch will be provided following the degree work.

Saturday, May 19, 2012: Lamar Lodge No. 292 will host a Regional School of Ritual Instruction. RWB Tim Couch, Region 'F' Grand Lecturer, will instruct. Lunch will be ready at Noon and the school will begin at 1:00 PM. All Master Masons are invited in.
The Lamar Lodge building is located at 200 East 11th Street in Lamar, MO.

Saturday, May 19, 2012: Celebrating the Craft Webathon from 6:00 PM to Midnight. This event will be similar to a telethon but broadcast via the Internet and will pay tribute to Freemasonry with entertainment, celebrities, humor, and educational programming. Programming will focus on several areas of interest to both brethren and non-members including:

• Philanthropic – House of the Temple, RiteCare, scholarships, disaster relief.
• Fraternal – history of the Scottish Rite, archive and museum items from the House of the Temple.
• Membership – features and interviews with members on why they joined the Rite.

Special appearances by:

• Ernest Borgnine (actor)
• Brad Paisley (musician)
• Dan Brown (author)
• Pete Williams (newscaster)
• S. Brent Morris (Masonic lecturer & author)
• Arturo de Hoyos (Masonic lecturer & author)

For more information about this exciting event visit ScottishRite.org

Wednesday, May 30, 2012: The Region 'F' Ritual Round Robin Competition and School of Instruction will be held this evening at Henderson Lodge No. 477 in Rogersville, MO. Dinner will be ready at 6:00 and instruction will begin at 7:00 PM.
Henderson Lodge is located at 127 East Center in Rogersville, MO.
If you have any questions please contact me by clicking here, or feel free to call.

Thanks and I hope to see you there.

Friday & Saturday, June 1 & 2, 2012: The Spring Ceremonial of Abou Ben Adhem Shrine will take place this weekend. All Nobles are encouraged to attend. All Master Masons are eligible to join. For more information on being a Shriner visit BeAShrinerNow.com. For more information on Abou Ben Adhem Shrine in Springfield, MO visit ABAShrine.com.

Saturday, June 9, 2012: The Brethren of O'Sullivan Lodge No. 7 proudly present the 9th Annual Pickin in the Park Bluegrass and Country Music Festival. This event will be held in the City Park in Walnut Grove, Missouri. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy fourteen Country and Bluegrass Bands playing from 11am to 10pm. Come out for a great day and night of music. Adults $6.00; Family $15.00. All proceeds go to charities in the area. For more information call WB Steve Gilkey or contact any member of O'Sullivan Lodge No. 7.

Saturday, June 9, 2012: It's time for the annual Good Times BBQ & Music event on the grounds of Sparta Lodge No. 296, 7702 State Hwy 14 East, Sparta, MO. Music will be provided by:

• Uncle Fudd
• Alta and Bob Courtney
• The Lucky Boys
• The music will begin at 2:30 PM so come early and bring lawn chairs.

As you can see there's lots of Masonry going on in Missouri. See the links below to keep up with the latest or to submit information for your upcoming meeting or event.

For more news of upcoming events and special communications visit the Upcoming Masonic Events page on Masonsmart.com

For a calendar of Stated meetings for many of the Lodges and Masonic bodies visit the Masonic Calendar page on Masonsmart.com

For help locating a lodge building visit the Missouri Masonic Lodge Map page on Masonsmart.com

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