What is a Tyler?

The office of Tyler derives its name by analogy from operative masonry, where the tiler completed an edifice with a roof of tiles, securing those within from intrusion 12. In the lodge, the Tyler guards the outer door to secure the meeting against eavesdroppers and cowans—unqualified craftsmen seeking entry without proper qualification 24. Early Scottish records from Aberdeen in 1670 indicate that this post was originally assigned to the youngest entered apprentice 3.

The primary duty of the modern Tyler is to control access to the lodge room by preventing unvouched visitors from entering until they are properly vouched for or examined by a committee 4. Traditional usage requires all communication between the exterior and interior to pass strictly through the door upon a regular alarm and by command of the Master, making small viewing apertures in the door a questionable modern innovation 1.

As an emblem of authority, the Tyler is entrusted with a sword 4. Historically, this sword was fashioned with a wavy blade to symbolize the flaming sword placed at the guard of Eden and was carried without a scabbard to denote constant readiness 1. Beyond securing the door, the Tyler maintains ritual propriety at the threshold; for example, requesting military brethren attending in uniform to remove their swords before entering, ensuring that no weapon or symbol of worldly rank disrupts the equality of the brethren within 4.