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Lodge Officers.
Lodge Officers .
THEIR QUALIFICATIONS , DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES .
SIJ ^0xxUv%\xavp.
" Tliey also serve who only stand and wait . " - Aln . Tox . IsTm ! HE Outer Guard , or Tyler , is " an Officer in a symbolic Lodge , MS If whose duty it is to guard the Lodge against the ; intrusion Hi H ° ^ ^ P ° t ' - - <^ ln operative masonry , the tyler . when PIJJII the edifice is erected , finishes and covers it with the roof , so . in speculative masonrywhen the Lodge is duly organizedthe
, , Tyler closes the door , and covers the sacred precincts from all intrusion . " Thus , briefly , does Bro . Dr . Mackey define , in liis Lexicon , the office and duty of one of the most important , because the most confidential , of the assistants of the Masters and AVardcns of our private Ledges : ar . d . to the foregoing remarks , he adds . " he should always lie a worthy Mason , and skilful in the Craft . " '
A considerable experience in the working of Freemasonry , during the past thirty years , has convinced us that , generally speaking , a more estimable body of men connected with our Order than the 'I ylers of our several lodges we should not easily find , as a class , within our ranks : and though there may be . we had almost said there certainly are . a few brethren who fail to reach our standard of
what an Outer Guard should be . these arc but a small minority m the aggregate of the more than two thousand under whose charge English Freemasons place so much responsibility in regard to protection and necessary service . It has often pained us to notice that , notwithstanding the care and zeal with which most of the brethren in charge of the outer porch serve us . as well individually when in
personal need of their assistance as collectively when at labour and refreshment , the oft-repeated assertion of Masonic equality amongst ' members of the same tribe and family " is so frequently ignored . We honour those Lodges , and there are many , in our own knowledge , who do not make prominent the subtle distinction between the inner and the outer chamber of the Temple : and remember that
those of our brethren who , besides being statutory officers m our Lodges , may have seen better days , are cheered and encouraged in their zealous labour by the genial smile and hearty grip of each and every member . To our great regret , and certainly to the disadvantage of the Craft as contradicting in practice the precepts of equality taught us by the " mosaic work" and the " level . "
we have witnessed many departures from masonic duty in this respect , and the amount of " side " put on by some brethren in the way of what they consider condescension—which is . however , but another name for pride and affectation—has often been the subject of depreciatory remarks from many of their associates . On the other hand , it is proper to state that very much as to the
manner of his treatment rests with the Outer Guard himself . The want of a cheerful compliance to reasonable requirements : the need of ability to understand and appreciate the value of the necessary work of reception and preparation ; the assumption of volunteering unasked-for instruction to other Officers of the Lodge ; and a general disregard of ordinary courtesA ;—all or any of these tend
towards a disruption of those good feelings which should be , in loyalty to our Craftmanship , entertained by brethren towards one another , whatever may be their social status outside the portals of Freemasonry . AVe are of opinion that it is not wise , at any rate it is not advisable , to select for the office of Outer Guard a brother who has
not passed the Chair of a Lodge . That as a rule : —exceptions there may be , arising from local circumstances ; but we fear , and at the same time regret for their sakes . that there are many Past Masters of Lodges who , " from circumstances of unforeseen calamity and misfortune . " would gladly avail themselves of the , in many respects , pleasant position which a competent Outer Guard enjoys .
When such can be obtained , the knowledge and experience of many years is applied with great advantage to a Lodge ; and the individual himself ensures increased appreciation of valuable services . Such an one will know the necessity of attention to even the smallest details of the inner preparation and working of the Lodge ; will see that all its emblems are properly cared for and placed , and not .
as in many instances we can call to mind , treated as though no symbolic meaning were attached to them . AVe have had very many opportunities , in connection with visits to both Metropolitan and Provincial Lodges , for inspecting the Lodge-room or Temple prior to the commencement of work , and can , as also can any brother who cares to give thought to the matter , form an opinion at once as
to the qualification of the Tyler for his office in relation to such preparation . The light-bearing columns of the Principal Officers misplaced in order of signification ; the column of the J . W . in perpendicular instead of horizontal position : —are amongst the evidences to good working Masons that the Outer Guard is deficient in Masonic acquirements : and these are noted bA visitors to his
personal disadvantage , as well as to that of the Lodge rulers . In our article on the Inner Guard , we referred to the oft-times -unnecessary disturbance of the Lodge work by applications for admission at unseasonable times . In this same respect the Outer Guard can prove his quality by a firm but courteous refusal to listen to any request for ' report " until he knows it may be made without interference with the ceremonial or discussion in progress within
the Lodge ; and he should never allow himself to be tempted by personal considerations of masonic rank or social position of any applicant into a breach of that most excellent provision for maintaining privacy and order , which it is his duty to carry out in its strictest integrity . There is one particular service which , although unwritten as forming part of the duty of the Outer Guard should , in our
Lodge Officers.
opinion , be required of and be willingly performed by that Officer : we allude to keeping the AV . M . and Secretary duly informed of all communications which may be forwarded in connection with the Lodge to which he is attached , during its vacation . In too many instances the official letters from Grand Lodge and the several Masonic Charitable Institutions ; printed matter of Masonic interest : and
other documents of more or less importance , are permitted to remain at the place of delivery for weeks and months together without the slightest attempt to place them in the hands of the proper recipients . Thereby , not infrequently , many inconveniences ^ and sometimes great disappointment , ensue , the avoidance of which ! by a frequent call by the Tyler at the place of meeting of the
Lodge would render a service to its officers and members , and considerably increase their sense of obligation for thoughtful consideration on his part . AVe could enlarge to much further extent on the duties and responsibilities of the Outer Guard , more particularly if it were permissible to make reference to matters of Ritual and ' Ceremonial
but ^ that , of course , cannot be done here . It may , therefore , be sufficient for our present purpose if we conclude ' this article by enforcing the ancient charge that the Tyler should be a man of good morals , steady habits , strict discipline , temperate , affable , and discreet : having a just regard for the honour and reputation of the Institution ; faithfully performing the trust reposed in him : and courteous to all who may present themselves at the outer porch .
whether as members of or visitors to the Lodge he guards . There are many hundreds of our brethren who are bright exemplars of these qualities , and who discharge their trying duties in the most admirable manner ; and wherever these are found , it is the duty of all good Craftsmen to show them as much honour and respect as they would to any other member of our Order , however dignified .
FREEMASON VOLUNTEERS . IXTEE-MASOXIC LODGE MATCH .
From the popular organ of the volunteer force , The Volunteer llrcord of the ( ith hist ., we extract the following particulars of the shooting match which we announced in our issue of the 13 th ult . would take place at the Caterham range on the 27 th Sept . The competing teams were selected from the members of the following Lodges , viz . : —The South Middlesex , Xo . 858 ; the Macdonald .
> o . 121 (> ( 1 st Surrey limes ) ; the London Rifle Brigade , Xo . 1 !)( J 2 : and the Queen ' s Westminster , No . 2021 ; ten men from each team to shoot , eight scores to count . Conditions as in first stage Queen ' s . 1888 , Eight men only fired for each of the First Surrey and London llifie Brigade teams . The light failed at ( 100 yards , rendering good shooting impossible . The following are the respective scores : —
Qi ; i : i : x \ s AVESTMIXSTKII . Tiro . Serif t Alellings .. .. 84 .. Sergt M niton .. .. 83 ,, Sergt Godfrey .. .. 82 ., Sergt Treadwell .. 8 . ) „ Sergt Mollis .. .. 79 „ Sergt Coop ., .. 78 Instr 7 /
„ Kergt- Philip .. ,. ' Col-Sergt Currie .. 7 . 1 636 AlA ( . 'i ) ox . u . i ) LOJHII :, 1 st Srmiuv . Urn . Pte Messenger .. .. 89 Sergt Aiarshail .. .. 87
„ ., Colonel Novill .. .. 87 ,, Sergt ( . 'ranch .. .. 87 „ Pie Turner .. .. 84 „ Hale , Hon . Mom . .. 01 „ Fitzcr 51 ) „ Sergt Koeley .. .. 46
LOX . RlFI . K UniOAUK . Bro . Sergt Tayton .. .. 88 „ Pte X . Green .. .. 86 „ Pte Gregory .. .. 71 ) „ Pte AIcDon ' gall . . .. 77 „ Sergt AYalker .. .. 76 ,, Lieut Brooks .. .. 7 , 5 i Pte Kilos 73
„ | ., Col-Sergt Rix .. .. 72 626 Soi . TH MIDDLESEX . Bro . Lieut 11 . Bird .. .. 92 „ Bgl-. MJr AHittliews .. 83 Colonel Itadeliffe 79
,, .. „ Col-Sergt Hobbiss .. 79 „ Qnir Stevenson .. .. 70 „ Cpl Graham .. .. 69 „ Aljr Held Todd .. .. 62 „ Sergt Burn .. .. 57
GOO 591 The competing teams afterwards dined together , Major Lambert , of the Queen ' s , presiding , when it was resolved to make the match an annual one , and , if possible , to include teams from all regimental lodges of Metropolitan Volunteer Corps . We shall be very pleased to assist this proposal by publishing a list of the several lodges , as well provincial as metropolitan , connected with the volunteer regiments throughout the kingdom .
PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER OF WEST LANCASHIRE . —At the Masonic Chambers , Southport . above AY as held and presided over by Bro . the Earl of Lathom . The P . G . S . E . drew attention to the fact that some of the Chapters in the province had no bye-laws , and hoped this would be rectified . The Earl of Lathom quite agreed with these sentiments , which he fulty endorsed , and stated that much good , he believed , would accrue to the various Chapters if carried into effect .
PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER OP CHESHIRE . —A meeting of the above was held at the Crewe Arms Hotel , Crewe , on the 27 th Sept . last , when Bro . the Picv . C . Spencer Stanhope , M . A ., was installed as Grand Supt . of It . A . Masons for Cheshire , succeeding Lord Do Tabley in that office . Col . J . II . Gierke , in his usual able manner , performed the csremony of installation . Manydistingiished members of Grand Chapter were present .
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WEST YORKSHIRE . —A happy gathering of brethren at above Provincial G . L . took place at Keighloy on the Kith inst . Bro . Wm . Watson , the Honorary Librarian , brought forward a proposition , which was approved , that a copy of the warrant of every West Yorkshire Lodge should I e obtained and placed amongst the records of Prov . G . L . This was agreed to . A procession to church followed , and after returning therefrom Prov . G . L . was closed in perfect peace and harmony .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Lodge Officers.
Lodge Officers .
THEIR QUALIFICATIONS , DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES .
SIJ ^0xxUv%\xavp.
" Tliey also serve who only stand and wait . " - Aln . Tox . IsTm ! HE Outer Guard , or Tyler , is " an Officer in a symbolic Lodge , MS If whose duty it is to guard the Lodge against the ; intrusion Hi H ° ^ ^ P ° t ' - - <^ ln operative masonry , the tyler . when PIJJII the edifice is erected , finishes and covers it with the roof , so . in speculative masonrywhen the Lodge is duly organizedthe
, , Tyler closes the door , and covers the sacred precincts from all intrusion . " Thus , briefly , does Bro . Dr . Mackey define , in liis Lexicon , the office and duty of one of the most important , because the most confidential , of the assistants of the Masters and AVardcns of our private Ledges : ar . d . to the foregoing remarks , he adds . " he should always lie a worthy Mason , and skilful in the Craft . " '
A considerable experience in the working of Freemasonry , during the past thirty years , has convinced us that , generally speaking , a more estimable body of men connected with our Order than the 'I ylers of our several lodges we should not easily find , as a class , within our ranks : and though there may be . we had almost said there certainly are . a few brethren who fail to reach our standard of
what an Outer Guard should be . these arc but a small minority m the aggregate of the more than two thousand under whose charge English Freemasons place so much responsibility in regard to protection and necessary service . It has often pained us to notice that , notwithstanding the care and zeal with which most of the brethren in charge of the outer porch serve us . as well individually when in
personal need of their assistance as collectively when at labour and refreshment , the oft-repeated assertion of Masonic equality amongst ' members of the same tribe and family " is so frequently ignored . We honour those Lodges , and there are many , in our own knowledge , who do not make prominent the subtle distinction between the inner and the outer chamber of the Temple : and remember that
those of our brethren who , besides being statutory officers m our Lodges , may have seen better days , are cheered and encouraged in their zealous labour by the genial smile and hearty grip of each and every member . To our great regret , and certainly to the disadvantage of the Craft as contradicting in practice the precepts of equality taught us by the " mosaic work" and the " level . "
we have witnessed many departures from masonic duty in this respect , and the amount of " side " put on by some brethren in the way of what they consider condescension—which is . however , but another name for pride and affectation—has often been the subject of depreciatory remarks from many of their associates . On the other hand , it is proper to state that very much as to the
manner of his treatment rests with the Outer Guard himself . The want of a cheerful compliance to reasonable requirements : the need of ability to understand and appreciate the value of the necessary work of reception and preparation ; the assumption of volunteering unasked-for instruction to other Officers of the Lodge ; and a general disregard of ordinary courtesA ;—all or any of these tend
towards a disruption of those good feelings which should be , in loyalty to our Craftmanship , entertained by brethren towards one another , whatever may be their social status outside the portals of Freemasonry . AVe are of opinion that it is not wise , at any rate it is not advisable , to select for the office of Outer Guard a brother who has
not passed the Chair of a Lodge . That as a rule : —exceptions there may be , arising from local circumstances ; but we fear , and at the same time regret for their sakes . that there are many Past Masters of Lodges who , " from circumstances of unforeseen calamity and misfortune . " would gladly avail themselves of the , in many respects , pleasant position which a competent Outer Guard enjoys .
When such can be obtained , the knowledge and experience of many years is applied with great advantage to a Lodge ; and the individual himself ensures increased appreciation of valuable services . Such an one will know the necessity of attention to even the smallest details of the inner preparation and working of the Lodge ; will see that all its emblems are properly cared for and placed , and not .
as in many instances we can call to mind , treated as though no symbolic meaning were attached to them . AVe have had very many opportunities , in connection with visits to both Metropolitan and Provincial Lodges , for inspecting the Lodge-room or Temple prior to the commencement of work , and can , as also can any brother who cares to give thought to the matter , form an opinion at once as
to the qualification of the Tyler for his office in relation to such preparation . The light-bearing columns of the Principal Officers misplaced in order of signification ; the column of the J . W . in perpendicular instead of horizontal position : —are amongst the evidences to good working Masons that the Outer Guard is deficient in Masonic acquirements : and these are noted bA visitors to his
personal disadvantage , as well as to that of the Lodge rulers . In our article on the Inner Guard , we referred to the oft-times -unnecessary disturbance of the Lodge work by applications for admission at unseasonable times . In this same respect the Outer Guard can prove his quality by a firm but courteous refusal to listen to any request for ' report " until he knows it may be made without interference with the ceremonial or discussion in progress within
the Lodge ; and he should never allow himself to be tempted by personal considerations of masonic rank or social position of any applicant into a breach of that most excellent provision for maintaining privacy and order , which it is his duty to carry out in its strictest integrity . There is one particular service which , although unwritten as forming part of the duty of the Outer Guard should , in our
Lodge Officers.
opinion , be required of and be willingly performed by that Officer : we allude to keeping the AV . M . and Secretary duly informed of all communications which may be forwarded in connection with the Lodge to which he is attached , during its vacation . In too many instances the official letters from Grand Lodge and the several Masonic Charitable Institutions ; printed matter of Masonic interest : and
other documents of more or less importance , are permitted to remain at the place of delivery for weeks and months together without the slightest attempt to place them in the hands of the proper recipients . Thereby , not infrequently , many inconveniences ^ and sometimes great disappointment , ensue , the avoidance of which ! by a frequent call by the Tyler at the place of meeting of the
Lodge would render a service to its officers and members , and considerably increase their sense of obligation for thoughtful consideration on his part . AVe could enlarge to much further extent on the duties and responsibilities of the Outer Guard , more particularly if it were permissible to make reference to matters of Ritual and ' Ceremonial
but ^ that , of course , cannot be done here . It may , therefore , be sufficient for our present purpose if we conclude ' this article by enforcing the ancient charge that the Tyler should be a man of good morals , steady habits , strict discipline , temperate , affable , and discreet : having a just regard for the honour and reputation of the Institution ; faithfully performing the trust reposed in him : and courteous to all who may present themselves at the outer porch .
whether as members of or visitors to the Lodge he guards . There are many hundreds of our brethren who are bright exemplars of these qualities , and who discharge their trying duties in the most admirable manner ; and wherever these are found , it is the duty of all good Craftsmen to show them as much honour and respect as they would to any other member of our Order , however dignified .
FREEMASON VOLUNTEERS . IXTEE-MASOXIC LODGE MATCH .
From the popular organ of the volunteer force , The Volunteer llrcord of the ( ith hist ., we extract the following particulars of the shooting match which we announced in our issue of the 13 th ult . would take place at the Caterham range on the 27 th Sept . The competing teams were selected from the members of the following Lodges , viz . : —The South Middlesex , Xo . 858 ; the Macdonald .
> o . 121 (> ( 1 st Surrey limes ) ; the London Rifle Brigade , Xo . 1 !)( J 2 : and the Queen ' s Westminster , No . 2021 ; ten men from each team to shoot , eight scores to count . Conditions as in first stage Queen ' s . 1888 , Eight men only fired for each of the First Surrey and London llifie Brigade teams . The light failed at ( 100 yards , rendering good shooting impossible . The following are the respective scores : —
Qi ; i : i : x \ s AVESTMIXSTKII . Tiro . Serif t Alellings .. .. 84 .. Sergt M niton .. .. 83 ,, Sergt Godfrey .. .. 82 ., Sergt Treadwell .. 8 . ) „ Sergt Mollis .. .. 79 „ Sergt Coop ., .. 78 Instr 7 /
„ Kergt- Philip .. ,. ' Col-Sergt Currie .. 7 . 1 636 AlA ( . 'i ) ox . u . i ) LOJHII :, 1 st Srmiuv . Urn . Pte Messenger .. .. 89 Sergt Aiarshail .. .. 87
„ ., Colonel Novill .. .. 87 ,, Sergt ( . 'ranch .. .. 87 „ Pie Turner .. .. 84 „ Hale , Hon . Mom . .. 01 „ Fitzcr 51 ) „ Sergt Koeley .. .. 46
LOX . RlFI . K UniOAUK . Bro . Sergt Tayton .. .. 88 „ Pte X . Green .. .. 86 „ Pte Gregory .. .. 71 ) „ Pte AIcDon ' gall . . .. 77 „ Sergt AYalker .. .. 76 ,, Lieut Brooks .. .. 7 , 5 i Pte Kilos 73
„ | ., Col-Sergt Rix .. .. 72 626 Soi . TH MIDDLESEX . Bro . Lieut 11 . Bird .. .. 92 „ Bgl-. MJr AHittliews .. 83 Colonel Itadeliffe 79
,, .. „ Col-Sergt Hobbiss .. 79 „ Qnir Stevenson .. .. 70 „ Cpl Graham .. .. 69 „ Aljr Held Todd .. .. 62 „ Sergt Burn .. .. 57
GOO 591 The competing teams afterwards dined together , Major Lambert , of the Queen ' s , presiding , when it was resolved to make the match an annual one , and , if possible , to include teams from all regimental lodges of Metropolitan Volunteer Corps . We shall be very pleased to assist this proposal by publishing a list of the several lodges , as well provincial as metropolitan , connected with the volunteer regiments throughout the kingdom .
PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER OF WEST LANCASHIRE . —At the Masonic Chambers , Southport . above AY as held and presided over by Bro . the Earl of Lathom . The P . G . S . E . drew attention to the fact that some of the Chapters in the province had no bye-laws , and hoped this would be rectified . The Earl of Lathom quite agreed with these sentiments , which he fulty endorsed , and stated that much good , he believed , would accrue to the various Chapters if carried into effect .
PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER OP CHESHIRE . —A meeting of the above was held at the Crewe Arms Hotel , Crewe , on the 27 th Sept . last , when Bro . the Picv . C . Spencer Stanhope , M . A ., was installed as Grand Supt . of It . A . Masons for Cheshire , succeeding Lord Do Tabley in that office . Col . J . II . Gierke , in his usual able manner , performed the csremony of installation . Manydistingiished members of Grand Chapter were present .
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WEST YORKSHIRE . —A happy gathering of brethren at above Provincial G . L . took place at Keighloy on the Kith inst . Bro . Wm . Watson , the Honorary Librarian , brought forward a proposition , which was approved , that a copy of the warrant of every West Yorkshire Lodge should I e obtained and placed amongst the records of Prov . G . L . This was agreed to . A procession to church followed , and after returning therefrom Prov . G . L . was closed in perfect peace and harmony .