Scottish Rite Journal of the Southern Jurisdiction

HOUSE OF THE TEMPLE MUSEUM HIGHLIGHT: The Grand Tyler’s Sword

by Arturo de Hoyos, 33°, GC, Grand Archivist and Grand Historian

Officers of Masonic lodges have distinctive emblems of office. The Tyler, posted outside the door to ensure that no one enters who is not qualified and has the permission of the presiding officer, holds a suitable implement of his office—a sword. As the title of his office implies, he “tiles,” or covers, the lodge to ensure its privacy, and his sword is an apt symbol signifying the importance of his duty.

Yet the Supreme Council of the Southern Jurisdiction long has not had an official Grand Tyler’s sword—until now. Under the direction of Sovereign Grand Commander James D. Cole, 33°, the Supreme Council commissioned an official Grand Tyler’s sword, sponsored by the Orient of Florida.

Manufactured by New London Regalia (with more than one-hundred years of Masonic sword-making experience), the majestic sword includes a straight, double-sided blade. On one side is etched “Grand Tyler’s Sword A.A.S.R., S.J. U.S.A.” The other side notes this was a gift of the Orient of Florida. The faux ivory grip bears the double-headed eagle of the Thirty-third Degree on one side and a cross potent on the other. The gilded pommel and cross guard (connected by a chain) depict emblems of mortality—a skull and crossbones, the latter displaying a red-enameled triangle with the numerals 33. The scabbard’s upper suspension rings are attached to a locket bearing the double-headed eagle, beneath which is a red-enameled cross potent. The mid locket has a rayed triangle and 33. Finally, the scabbard’s decorative shoe and chape bear a Calvary cross and triangle.

Grand Tyler’s Sword Elizabeth A.W. McCarthy

Elizabeth A.W. McCarthy

Since such a magnificent symbol of protection should be stored and safeguarded properly in its own right, the Orient of Missouri sponsored a beautiful display case befitting the new sword.

These beautiful gifts from the Orients of Florida and Missouri will serve the Supreme Council for generations, and they will be on display in the House of the Temple for visitors to enjoy in the near future.

CHIPS FROM THE QUARRY The Wizard of Oz

by Mark Dreisonstok, 32º, KCCH

Judy Garl;and

Portrait by Travis Simpkins, 33°

We’re off to see the Wizard! Many of those associated with the classic 1939 film The Wizard of Oz had intriguing Masonic connections. Chips from the Quarry, the Scottish Rite Journal’s illustrated feature, recently learned Judy Garland (Dorothy) was a Job’s Daughter, Bert Lahr (Cowardly Lion) was a Mason, Ray Bolger (Scarecrow) sang a song on Broadway about being a Mason for roughly 200 performances, and Buddy Ebsen (the original Tin Man) was a DeMolay. The Wizard of Oz tribute included a beautiful portrait of Judy Garland and a pastiche of an early Emerald City of Oz book cover illustration, both created lovingly by Chips artist Travis Simpkins, 33º. -Mark Dreisonstok, 32º, KCCH

by Travis Simpkins, 33°