The Tyler's Oath

In the ancient times, a traveling stranger was viewed with suspicion and distrust as most people had to depend upon themselves for protection and safety. These concerns were especially true during the middle ages, when bands of thieves and raiders were roving the countryside. Most cities were walled and closely guarded for safety.

Likewise the Lodges of the Freemasons were closely guarded, for a stranger could pose a threat. The secrets of the building craft were closely guarded. Since these secrets were the key to the Mason's freedom of movement and security in employment, it was necessary and imperative that a stranger prove their right to enter and communicate with the Brethren. Thus we find the need for vouching, special tokens, words, and a test oath.

In the more recent times in the United States the "Tiler's Oath" was required to gain admission to most Lodges. As stated in Mackey's Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, the oath was "I, A.B., do hereby and hereon solemnly and sincerely swear that I have been regularly initiated, passed, and raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason in a just and legally constituted Lodge of such; that I do not now stand suspended or expelled; and know of no reason why I should not hold Masonic communication with my brethren".

While usually administered in the Tiler's room by the Tiler, the oath was extended to being used by a group of brethren who would the oath together, along with other proofs of their membership and identities. Thus the oath, aoong with other tests, would allow members to ascertain the qualifications of a visitor to attend a lodge meeting. Admission was not without expectation.

While this procedure was unknown in England, it was widely used in Texas, but has diminished in recent years. Changes in the avouchment and examination requirements found in "The Laws of the Grand Lodge of Texas, A. F. & A. M." have no mention of such a requirement, and now focus upon the use of a dues receipt and photo identification, along with limitations outlined for special visitors.

With the recent changes affecting E.A.'s and Lodge business, the use of a "Tiler's Oath", with necessary changes, may reappear an expectation of proof, or willingness to offer proof, of a qualification to attend a Lodge meeting. At the heart of the Fraternity lies the value of an oath, and its truth in the presence of the Great Architect and the Brothers. The value of a Mason's oath is found in his commitment to its content and charge.