Though we don’t see much of the Tyler in our ceremonies, as he is outside the door of the Lodge, his is an important Office that dates back to the early days of Freemasonry. In the 17th and 18th centuries, most Lodges met in rented rooms in pubs or hotels and did not have their own secure premises.
So, they needed someone to ensure that no intruders got into the Lodge during meetings. They would also secure and set-up the room where the Lodge met. The Tyler (a corruption of the French ‘tailleur’ meaning a stone cutter) became the Officer charged with this role.
Uniquely among the Lodge Officers, Tylers were often full-time professionals travelling from Lodge to Lodge to perform their duties in return for a fee and a meal. The custom of paying the Tyler continues to this day in many Lodges, and, since he is paid from Lodge funds, he is elected by the Brethren, rather than appointed by the Master.
The Ross on Wye Lodges have unpaid Tylers who are appointed by the Master ‘without emolument’.
