‘Grand Lodge to salute our Tilers’

    

The clothing of The ALR’s Tiler.

Our Grand Master just revealed his latest initiative—yeah, I’ve lost count too—for celebrating the meaning of Masonry. Our veteran, steadfast Tilers across the Grand Lodge of New York—meaning those who’ve served more than twenty years on the job—are to be recognized in a special tribute when Grand Lodge meets in May. From MW Steven A. Rubin’s letter to the Craft:

Brethren,

The role of the Lodge Tiler is vital to the safety, integrity, and dignity of Masonic work. A vigilant Tiler ensures that every Brother may labor in trust, security, and harmony.

In recognition of this important office, the Grand Lodge of New York will be honoring those Brothers who have served faithfully as Lodge Tiler for more than twenty years. These distinguished Brothers have given exemplary service to their Lodges and to the Craft, and their dedication merits special acknowledgment.

I ask each Worshipful Master to review their Lodge membership and identify any Brother who meets this criterion. Please submit their names to RW Lorenzo Cesare here by April 1, so that I may extend formal invitations.

Once identified, I will invite these special Brothers to join RW Don Gorham, Grand Tiler, on May 4, as he carries out his duties at the Grand Lodge Session, as well as properly recognize their contributions.

Your assistance in identifying these dedicated Brethren is greatly appreciated. Together, we can ensure that their long and faithful service is celebrated, and that the importance of the Tiler’s office continues to be honored throughout New York.

Having been Tiler of my Craft lodge for a number of years and current Tiler of The ALR, I am happy to see “The Master Mason Without” distinguished appropriately. His work is the first care of Masons, yet, by being outside the sacred retreat, he often goes undervalued.

Click here for a thoughtful explanation of this higher calling.

     

‘The Tiler as guardian of our moral compass’

     

Writing in The Square magazine, W. Bro. Stephen J. Goulding treats us to his personal and mightily insightful reflections on the importance of the lodge Tiler (our New York spelling), in the first of six essays the independent English magazine will publish to define six officer roles.

Goulding has been a Freemason for 42 years and is a 30-year veteran of The Met. When you read his essay, you’ll discern how his operative career work informs his speculative labors in the lodge. And vice versa. After retiring from the police, he became a college lecturer, and he now is retired professionally and teaches Tai Chi and Qigong.

Goulding sees a fourfold existence for the lodge Tiler. In part:

• “To protect our moral selves.”
• To ensure the candidates are prepared properly.
• “To give the proper reports on the door of the lodge.”
• To wield the implement of his office as it is the embodiment of the tng of gd rpt.

I bring this to your attention because Goulding’s elucidations are brilliant. (I’ve been Tiler of my lodge for several years; suddenly I’m feeling very inadequate and uncertain.) Please do take the few minutes needed to read his essay. There is a 15-minute video as well.