…presented at St. George Lodge No. 243, St. George, November 4, 2008.

Brethren - many of us have our own reasons for joining the Masonic lodge. Is it because a good friend has become a member recently or possibly someone from work or you were looking for something different in your life to belong to. Maybe your parent or that special uncle was a great influence in you're up bringing; only you can dig deep inside to know for sure, in my case it was my father. I could see the joy he was receiving in his life from this organization, from meeting other brethren to events within his lodge and even traveling abroad. I respected his knowledge and experiences from this, so that's why I took the interest to get involved. This was not just brethren and his lodge; it was the lodges that got involved in their families that impressed me. Myself I haven't had the opportunity to wear one of the Lewis Jewels but I see many of the members wear them with great pride and admiration. I read an article recently in the Ontario Mason which explained this jewel and sparked my interest to know more so I thought I would like to share some of this information with you tonight.

If you examine the ornamental engraving on your Master mason's Certificate issued by Grand Lodge, you will find the Perfect Ashlar fitted with the Lewis resting at the foot of the Doric Column, which is the symbol of strength. It is also one of the symbols depicted on the Junior Warden's Tracing Board of the first degree, probably an indication that it was once included in the lecture. A Lewis is a simple but ingenious device employed by operative Masons to raise heavy blocks of dressed stone into place. It consists of three metal parts, two wedge-shaped side pieces and a straight center piece that fit together.

A dovetail recess is cut into the top of the stone block. The two outer pieces are inserted first and then spread by the insertion of the centerpiece. The three parts are then bolted together a metal ring or shackle is attached and set into place in the structure. By this means, the block is gripped securely. Once set in its place in the structure, the Lewis is

removed leaving the upper surface smooth with no clamp or chains on the outside to interfere with the laying of the next course.

In the days of operative Masons, it was a great source of pride when a son followed in the father's footsteps and was Entered as an Apprentice, his name entered' on the roll and thereby admitted to the lodge. To study his father's skill and learn to use his father's tools were manifest expressions of the greatest honour and esteem a son could pay. It was common to carry on the tradition through several generations in the same family.

On the day that King Solomon laid the foundation stone of the temple, beginning the construction of the great building project conceived by his father David, but given to his son to complete, the last words of King David may have come to mind. When the time of David's death drew near, he gave his last charge to his son Solomon. I am going the way of all the earth. Be strong and show yourself a man a quote from 1 Kings 2 verse. 1

When a son of a mason proudly wears the Lewis Jewel, it ought impress upon all this same moral. It personifies the final words of the General Charge- From generation to generation. So brethren in closing when you think your children and your children's children are not watching remind yourself that your setting the example that is impressed upon their mind; you are the one to mold the next generation.