On 21 October 2026, Solomon Lodge No. 822 in Ludwigsburg, Germany, had the honor of welcoming two Lewises for their Initiation into Freemasonry.
Their entrance into the Craft represents a particularly meaningful occasion, celebrating not only the beginning of their individual Masonic journeys but also the enduring bonds between family, tradition, and our ancient Fraternity.
In Freemasonry, a Lewis is the son of a Freemason, a designation rooted in the traditions of the ancient operative stonemasons.
The term originates from a remarkable piece of stoneworking equipment known as a lewis, a metal lifting device inserted into a specially prepared cavity in a large stone. Used since Roman times, this ingenious tool enabled craftsmen to raise heavy blocks of stone and position them precisely in the construction of great buildings.
As operative Masonry evolved into speculative Freemasonry, the Lewis acquired a deeper symbolic meaning. Just as the lifting device supports the weight of a heavy stone, the son of a Mason is traditionally expected to support his parents, particularly in their advancing years. Thus, the Lewis became a symbol of strength, responsibility, and filial devotion.
The designation has a documented place in Masonic history dating to at least the early eighteenth century. The Wilkinson Manuscript, a Masonic catechism dating from approximately 1730–1740, identifies the son of a Mason as a Lewis. The symbolism was further developed in eighteenth-century Masonic lectures, including those associated with William Preston.
Today, the Lewis represents more than a family connection. He symbolizes the continuation of Masonic principles across generations—the passing of moral teachings, Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth from father to son.
The precise origin of the word Lewis remains a subject of historical discussion. One interpretation, advanced by Masonic author John J. Robinson, connects the term to the French levées, understood figuratively as “sprouts” or “scions,” reflecting the relationship between a Mason and his son. Other historians have explored connections with the French lever, meaning “to lift,” and louve, the traditional French name for a stone-lifting device. The related French Masonic term louveteau, meaning “wolf cub,” has also historically designated the son of a Freemason. Although no single etymology has been conclusively established, these interpretations illuminate the Lewis’s enduring association with strength, heritage, and filial responsibility.
Eight Brethren from GGW810A joined in this memorable occasion with several of them performing as part of the Degree team.
May these new Brothers carry forward the strength, integrity, and timeless principles symbolized by the Lewis.