Willie N. Edwards is seen with his Tiler apron which has been retired and framed in honor of his service in Masonry.
April 11, 2025 - Joaquin Lodge 834 honored one member who has had 72 years within the order and welcomed another as he was presented with a bible as he begins his journey during a program held March 7, 2025.
Tommy Spurlock, Worshipful Master, opened the program and he stated, “I want to thank everybody that showed up tonight to support Brother Willie and Brother Rase.”
Willie Edwards, Tiler of the Lodge, was escorted to the middle of the meeting room where he was honored before all present.
Jimmy Wagstaff, Past-District-Deputy and Joaquin Lodge member, described the duties of a Tiler, “The Tiler is positioned outside the Lodge Room during meetings, symbolizing his role as the gatekeeper and protector of the Lodge. His place is both literal and symbolic, in a deeper sense it reflects the idea that a mason must protect and guard secrets in integrity of the craft as much as the Tiler guards the physical entrance to the lodge.
“Though the Tiler may not always participate in the lodge rituals, directly his work ensures that those within the lodge are free to focus on their duties knowing that their work is secure from outside interference. The Tiler's roll is one of quiet but essential service. Vigilance often unseen but never unappreciated.”
Jimmy Wagstaff (left) is seen honoring Willie Edwards (right) during the ceremony on March 7.
Wagstaff described the Tiler's apron as being an important symbol of the Tiler's office. While the Masonic apron in general represents the moral and spiritual word of a Mason, the Tiler's apron has a specific role in its significance. Simple in protection and diligence, the Tiler's apron features a specific design that sets it apart from other Masonic aprons. It symbolizes his role as the protector of the lodge. The Tiler's apron may be adorned with tools such as a sword indicating Tiler's role guarding the lodge's security. The Tyler's apron is also worn during Masonic ceremonies, particularly those involving initiations or other ritualistic events. It reflects the seriousness of the Tiler's duties and his role in ensuring the ritual is carried out with the highest level of confidentiality and integrity.
Wagstaff continued, “Horse and Master, Brother and Friends. Today we gather to honor a brother whose dedication and service have been an inspiration to each one of us. Brother Willie Edwards has been a member of Joaquin Lodge number #856 for 72 years, joining our fraternity in 1952. During that time he has exemplified the very essence of Masonry, brotherly love, relief, and truth. For 18 of those years brother Willie Edwards served as our Tiler, guarding the door of this Lodge ensuring the safety and security of our meetings, and preserving the integrity of our sacred rituals. His service is the role that has been marked by a deep commitment to the craft, unwavering loyalty and unyielding dedication to the well-being of this Lodge and its members.
“Today, we retire brother Willie's apron, a symbol of his responsibility, vigilance and service. This apron will be now displayed in our Lodge as a permanent tribute to the role he played in protecting the sanctity of our meetings and sharing the smooth function of our Lodge for 18 years. Brother Willie, as we retire your apron, we do so with the deepest gratitude. For your contributions, not only as our Tiler, but as a brother who has dedicated 72 years of his life to this fraternity. This service has been a beacon of loyalty and devotion. Your example will continue to inspire generations to come.”
Wagstaff then said a prayer over Edwards and finished with, “Brother Willie, we thank you for your years of faithful service, your work will never be forgotten.”
Many members spoke highly of Edwards and of the desire to become a Mason being driven in part by his great example.
Vance Jordan (holding bible) is seen presenting a Holy Bible to Rase Davis.
Mason Rase Edwards was escorted before the Lodge to the altar in the center of the meeting room and Vance Jordan, Lodge Chaplain, stated that new master Masons are given an option which is not a part of the degree, but which Davis has chosen to allow for family to be present as he is presented with a bible.
“It's an option of this new member, at a later date when his family can be around and witness this and that's really the way I love to do it, because it gives the public just a little tiny glimpse of what goes on behind closed doors and I really enjoy this,” said Jordan.
Jordan remarked that they would be presenting bibles to graduating seniors at his church, as they do each year and what an honor it was for him to be making the presentation with Davis on that evening.
Jordan then shared a short prayer over the event and went into the presentation.
At the end of the presentation Jordan stated, “My brother, on behalf of Joaquin Lodge number 856 and the brethren here assembled and the friends and family that you invited, it is my pleasure and my privilege and my honor to present to you your very own copy of the most beautiful book ever written.”
Davis addressed the Master of the Lodge and said, ”I just want to say a quick thank you to all of my family that came tonight. I want to say a special thanks to Brother Vance, who’s been, has spent a lot of time together. I've really enjoyed our studies, really enjoyed our visits. I've become quite close and quite fond of you. I feel like I owe a lot to you, and the brothers in this lodge, thank you for your encouragement, thank you for your support, and most of all your friendship. And I just want to say thank you to my wife for sharing me with y'all. Thank y'all.”
Pictured are (from left) Rangler Davis, Savannah Anding, Kim Davis, Ryder Davis, Rase Davis and Vance Jordan.
