The Eternal Tyler

Now it says in the books

Of Ritual and Lore,

That a Mason shall tyle

without the Lodge door.

Such was a Brother,

Good Hiram Jones,

Peace to his soul;

Rest to his bones

To most elder Brothers,

It might sound absurd,

The Lodge made him Tyler

When he'd completed his Third!

Willing to work

Of "Free Will and Accord",

He donned his Badge of Office,

His Jewel and his Sword.

While Brothers of intellect,

In the Lodge room upstairs

Learned long lectures and such

While going through the Chairs.

Hiram Jones ambition

No less and no more,

Was faithfully to tyle

Without the Lodge door.

First at the Lodge Hall,

With numberless keys,

To set up the Lodge

For its different Degrees.

Work, then refreshments,

And so off to their homes,

Last one out the door

Was good Hiram Jones!

Now Tyler Jones had

One great obsession;

To sit in the Lodge room

Once.... while in session!

Each meeting night

His opinion was aired,

But no one relieved him,

Because nobody cared!

Each incoming Master

Played it quite foxy,

Re-elected each year,

They installed him by proxy!

It is common knowledge,

And this I but quote:

"He was never relieved....

Not even to vote!

Faithful to duty,

He'd often been praised....

Though never in Lodge....

Except when he was raised!

When Hiram finally arrived

At the years of "Four Score"

Still watching the work

Through a hole in the door!

Hiram looked in the mirror

And to his surprise,

One of his optics

Was twice normal size!

'Twas that hole in the door,

He gave a great sigh....

He'd finally developed

"The permanent Eye"

Finally, reaching the end

Offered him for life's span,

Hiram went out on the Level

A virtuous man!

They opened up the Lodge

And he took his last ride.

Right up to the end;

He'd never gotten inside!

After a life-time of service

That was faithfully spent.

To the Celestial Lodge

Hiram Jones went!

Here to meet the Grand Master,

To enter the door,

No longer to tyle!

But, to work on the floor!

King Solomon gave out

With a tremendous roar....

"Who knocks out there,

At the Grand Lodge door?"

"A Tyler," said Hiram

"Who has come to abide....

'Twas my life-time ambition

To Once sit inside!"

"Halt!" said the Master,

"Not one step more!

We are in need of a Tyler

Without this Lodge door!"

"You record, indeed,

Is well pleasing to me,

You shall tyle the Grand Lodge

Throughout all Eternity"

"I'll not have slack Tylers

To let strangers by....

And it's obvious to me....

That you have The Eye!"

While he tyles the Eternal Lodge

With justified pride....

There's no record yet

That he's gotten inside!

Though this bit of whimsy

may bring forth great smiles....

Forget Not the Brother

That faithful Tyler!

Back through ages

Of Ritual and Lore,

There Must be a Tyler

Without the Lodge Door

Lodge "The Gael" 125 Celebration

The Great day has now passed and congratulations must be given to Past Master Walter T. Rankin on his sterling efforts in the arrangements of the 125 celebrations. Walter has had a few sleepless nights in the run-up to the day, but everything went superbly well and once again thanks must go to Walter for all his hard work.

Many thanks from the Lodge also go to the deputation from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Glasgow, led by the Provincial Grand Master Brother Robert R. Best, for what was a very dignified and moving rededication ceremony, I'm sure all the Brethren who attended will agree with this.

We had Brethren from all parts of the Globe, including the District Grand Secretary of Transvaal in South Africa, and the Past Provincial Grand Master for Argyll and the Isles Bro. Geoff Spearman, a well kent face in Lodge "The Gael". We were particularly pleased to see brethren from Lodge Fortrose, No 108 and Lodge Clyde No. 408, in attendance, these Lodges were the Sponsor Lodges for "The Gael" in 1877.

The dinner and harmony afterwards in the Henry Wood was carried out in true "Gael" fashion and a most enjoyable night was has by everyone who attended. The webmaster can testify to this as a very sore head was the result from the previous night. Images of the day can be found in the Gallery section.

Henry Wood Hall

PGM Robert R Best and RWM Bannatyne W Shaw

Visit to Rosslyn Chapel

On the 21st June 2003 the Lodge visited Rosslyn Chapel. This trip had been arranged by the RWM of Clyde, Bro Ian Kidd jnr in aid of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Glasgow's Schiehallion Stem Cell Appeal. A most enjoyable day was had by all and thanks must go to Bro Ian for his excellent arrangements. Just short of £900 was raised on the day and we must thank every one who contributed to the fund, especially the Committee of the Edinburgh Masonic Centre who permitted Bro Ian to run a raffle at the centre. Congratulations to all.

Rosslyn Chapel is a fascinating place with an equally fascinating history. An article on the chapel will appear in the website at a later date meanwhile enjoy some of the images taken at the chapel on the day.

Later we were entertained at the Edinburgh Masonic Centre and a most enjoyable time was had by all.

The Angel carrying Robert The Bruce's heart

PMs Ray Darroch and John MacLennan

The Apprentice Pillar

The Initiate

The Gael members who visited Rosslyn Chapel