Lewis

What is a Lewis? Who is a Lewis? What is the Lewis Jewel? What is the job of a Lewis Mason?

A Lewis, or Lewisson, is a lifting tool that has been used by stonemasons for centuries. It provides anchorage in a stone and enables the stone to be raised or lowered to the desired height so that a proper base can be set. A Lewis consist of 3 parts: 2 wedge shaped pieces and one straight center piece. A dovetail cut is made in the center of the top of the stone and the pieces are inserted tightly. The three parts are then bolted or linked together and attached to a hook, rope or pulley. By this process, the stonemason is allowed to work in safety and precision while the Lewis keeps the stone securely tightened.

In England, the word Lewis means strength. In speculative masonry it symbolizes the son of a mason who has been initiated and can take up his father’s duty to bear the heat and burden of the day. Historians agree that the term first came into use during the 18th century but was also greatly expounded upon in the 1780s through the early William-Preston Lectures. The Lewis Jewel has been adopted by many jurisdictions, and is still used in England to honor the father of a new mason. The jewel usually consists of two bars connected by chains. The upper bar is inscribed with the father’s name and initiation date, while the lower bar is inscribed with the son’s name and initiation date. It may be worn by both the father and the son as long as the father is living and in good standing during his son’s time of initiation.

As this jewel is not associated with any position of authority or responsibility within the Grand Lodge of Mississippi or its subordinate Lodges, it is highly recommended that members wishing to purchase the Lewis Jewel should receive express permission from the Most Worshipful Grand Master before adopting it as part of their Masonic regalia.