The Lawshe Jewel
The Lawshe Jewel is an important piece of our Lodge's history, and commemorates one of the Past Masters of Atlanta Lodge, no. 59, Worshipful Brother Lewis Lawshe.
Brother Lewis Lawshe was born in West Buffalo Township, Union County, Pennsylvania. He came to Atlanta in the summer of 1848 with his brothers Er and William. Lewis was by profession a tailor, and he opened a tailor’s shop in Atlanta.
He first served Atlanta Lodge No.59 as Junior Warden in 1855, then as Worshipful Master in 1857 and 1858. He served as Treasurer of the Lodge in 1860. In 1861, he was again elected Worshipful Master and served in that station through 1865, propping up the Lodge during the American Civil War.
Some time after the Civil War, Atlanta Lodge commissioned this jewel to be made and presented to Brother Lawshe. This jewel was made of almost pure gold and was suitably inscribed. Brother Lawshe’s blood and Masonic Brother, Er Lawshe was a jeweler in Atlanta, so we presume he had the jewel made. Brother Lewis Lawshe’s son, Robert, inherited the Jewel upon Lawshe’s death. Robert Lawshe was a professional baseball player, a member of our Fraternity and later a train caller at the Atlanta Terminal Station. Years before his death, knowing the sentimental and emotional value which Atlanta Lodge placed on the jewel, Brother Robert Lawshe gave it to our Lodge. It has been the custom since that time to present this jewel to each retiring Master. In the year 1955, the Jewel was lost by Past Master Albert Ewing on the night it was presented to him. However, through a great deal of trouble and expense on the part of Brother Ewing and others, the jewel was found and returned to the Lodge.