The son of an English Mason is known as Lewis, a term that symbolizes strength and support for his father's weak forces. This is because, with the help of a bricklayer's trowel, the operating Mason can lift the heaviest stones with minimal effort. In English ritual, Lewis is among the emblems placed on the tracing board of the incoming apprentice. In this country, Lewis has not been adopted as a symbol in Freemasonry, but in French ritual, the son of a Mason is referred to as Louveteau.
Both terms have an equivalent meaning in Masonry: to designate the son of a Mason. The Grand Lodge of England has made use of its dispensing power to confer the right to an earlier initiation on the children of Masons. This means that any Lodge of this Grand Jurisdiction can legally receive and vote on a request to obtain the title of son or nephew of an affiliated Mason within the last six months of that petitioner's twenty-first year. However, if elected, he will not be initiated as an admitted apprentice until he is twenty-one years of age.
In American Masonic law, Lewises have few or no legally established privileges. The meanings of some of the apron symbols are open to different interpretations in different Masonic jurisdictions (states or countries) at different times. During the Great War, many large jurisdictions renounced not only “adequate competition” between degrees, but also often the question of the “legal age” for the children of Masons in the nation's armed forces. Spiritually, were it not for Masonic law, the children of a Masonic master are treated as Pike would have treated Louveteaus and Louvetines.
Go through the ages and discover inspirational sayings, reflecting on their profound influence on Masonic principles. The second step corresponds to the fellow bricklayer, who is tasked with using his knowledge in the performance of his duty to God, his neighbor and to himself. In conclusion, Lewis is a term used in English ritual to symbolize strength and support for his father's weak forces. In French ritual, Louveteau is used to designate the son of a Mason.
The Grand Lodge of England has made use of its dispensing power to confer earlier initiation on children of Masons. In American Masonic law, Lewises have few or no legally established privileges.
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