About Us
Lewis Masonic is a long established firm, founded in 1886, specializing in the publication of Masonic texts. Then called A Lewis, the focus of the company was exclusively on ritual books from Masonic Craft degrees through to the Masonic side orders.In 1973, A Lewis became part of Ian Allan Publishing and the name was changed from 'A Lewis' to 'Lewis Masonic'. Nowadays, ritual books are still kept a priority at Lewis Masonic but the company's focus has expanded to cover all areas of Masonic publishing.
What is a Lewis
Lewis Masonic was named after theMasonic Symbol of a Lewis.
A Lewis is 'a three-pronged iron cramp that is inserted in a prepared cavity in stone by which it may be lowered and lifted with precision'.
The name comes from the Latin word Leuis, meaning to levitate or lift.
In speculative Freemasonry a Lewis can be found in every lodge on the Senior Warden's pedestal, attached to a Perfect Ashlar - a finished stone - that in turn is suspended from a tripod or derrick.
In Freemasonry a Lewis represents strength.
The grip of the Lewis that lifts the stone is likened to the grip given to raise the candidate in the third degree.
Lewis represents one's own ability to improve oneself and rise above one's vices and faults.
A Lewis has also come to be the term used to describes the son of a Freemason.
The reason for this is quite simple as is explained in the explanation of the first degree tracing board.
A son of a Mason's duty is to support his parents in the same way a Lewis supports and lifts a rock.
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