Symbolism in freemasonry

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[edit on 24-2-2010 by ET_MAN]

Originally posted by Silver Shadow

Originally posted by loveguy
The- I forgot what it's called; the chisel-driver?

It is called a "Lewis".

It is used for lifting and placing stones into position.
The son of a mason is also called a Lewis.

Happy research loveguy.

Thanks!
So the lewis is also used as a hammer?
About the term "Double-crossed," I'm assuming it had something to do with the structure of two walls meeting in a corner. Or, the top portion of framing mounted to the bottom portion, to keep the walls the same distance from left-right. And in second-story and higher structures made of wood, crossing up the wall as high as the wall goes. Ofcourse, that's dealing with wood, so I doubt I'm onto anything in that respect. Damn interesting though.

Originally posted by loveguyAbout the term "Double-crossed," I'm assuming it had something to do with the structure of two walls meeting in a corner. Or, the top portion of framing mounted to the bottom portion, to keep the walls the same distance from left-right. And in second-story and higher structures made of wood, crossing up the wall as high as the wall goes. Ofcourse, that's dealing with wood, so I doubt I'm onto anything in that respect. Damn interesting though.

Nah, the term "double cross" has nothing to do with Masonry, operative or speculative.

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the term comes from a particular usage of the word "cross"...

1. [CROSS n. 29.] An act of treachery to both parties (orig. in gaming or sport) esp. by pretended collusion with each; more widely, betrayal of the other party in a (dishonest) transaction.
...
Hence double-cross v. trans., to give (a person or persons) the double-cross; loosely, to cheat; also absol.; double-crosser; double-crossing vbl. n. and ppl. a.

Earliest known usage was 1834.
Yes, definition 29 of "cross" does use terminology that a Mason might use, but it could also have been the venacular of the time...

29. slang. That which is not fair and ‘square’: dishonest or fraudulent practices.
a cross: a contest or match lost by collusory arrangement between the principals; a swindle. on the cross: in a dishonest, fraudulent manner; to be or go on the cross: to be a thief, live by stealing. to shake the cross: to give up thieving.

Originally posted by Masonic Light

Originally posted by Silver Shadow


Likewise the number of ex masons, and victims that have been hurt by masonry are also increasing in numbers.

When there are literally hoards of people all over the world that have abandoned freemasonry in total disgust, all telling very similar stories, the truth is not hard to fathom.

This, it should be noted, is incorrect. Freemasonry, like practically all organizations, has had people leave it for various reasons. Most of the so-called modern "anti-Masons" who are indeed ex-Masons have left because nobody elected them to become Grand Poohbahs, and they became jealous of others.

To claim that such folks constitute "hoards of people" is laughable. Very few people have left Freemasonry, and most of those that have apparently just crave attention.

Hello,
I guess this has little to do with intent of my OP.
On a side-note though while I was living in Arroyo Grande, Ca. I was joining the carpenters union which was directly across the street from a masonic lodge. I think the street name was "Plumb." This was just as the housing market started to eke me out of my original trade(s). Mostly concrete though. I feed animals on a farm, and clean-up after them. Maintenance too. Gotta do something to feed my family...