THE BUILDER, OCTOBER 1915

THOMAS SMITH WEBB -- MASONIC RITUALIST

BY BRO. R. M. C. CONDON, MICHIGAN

IN many cases the life story of our Masonic forefathers is buried
in a fog of tradition, not always trustworthy, but not so in the
case of Thomas Smith Webb. Fortunately he was one of those rare men
who kept a diary--it is still in possession his descendants--and
from this we can learn not only the events of his own private
career but many facts of wide interest concerning the Masonic
Fraternity at large, which is indebted to Webb as to few others.
Brother Webb, who was born in the time-hallowed city of Boston on
October 30th, 1771, was the son of Samuel and Margaret Webb who had
migrated from Northern England some few years previously, hoping to
make their fortune in New England. As a child Webb was unusually
precocious, morally and temperamentally as well as mentally; even
while only three years of age his family and friends predicted
great things for him, he was so winning in spirit, so bright, so
talented.

At an early age he entered a public school, after which he made his
way to a Latin school, from which he graduated with highest honors.
From boyhood he found his chief pleasure in books, and, like many
another boy book-lover, aspired to publish something of his own,
and, again like most young literary enthusiasts, he first attempted
poetry. Poetry is the most difficult of all literary forms but
young Webb became so proficient in it that his effusions attracted
the attention of a Boston editor who afterwards took the young man
into a partnership which enabled him to learn the printing
business. Despite the drudgery of this work he loved it, and
persevered the while with his poetry, one of his songs, "Companions
Assemble on this Joyful Day," coming to have a wide popularity.

From Boston he moved to Keene, New Hampshire, where he was
initiated into Masonry, becoming a member of Rising Sun Lodge.
Later on he moved to Albany, New York, at that time one of the
principal centers of American Masonry. Here he opened a book store,
one of the most regular customers of which was himself, for he had
grown in his fondness for books. It was at this time, and while
studying the old Preston lectures, that he saw the need for a
revision of the ritual for American use. Thus it was that he came
to publish in 1797, the now famous "Webb Freemason Monitor," in
which he re-systematized, and often re-wrote, the entire Blue Lodge
Ritual, adding some new material to it.

Needless to say, Brother Webb became one of the most influential
Masons in Albany; he was elected Worshipful Master of Temple Lodge
and took a prominent part in organizing a Royal Arch Chapter and an
encampment of Knights Templar.

From Albany Brother Webb moved to Providence, Rhode Island, where
he became a member of St. John's Lodge in 1801. So zealous in the
work of Masonry, so earnest to have it grow and flourish, and so
efficient in all its various forms of activities, he was soon
prominent throughout the jurisdiction, so prominent that in 1813 he
was elected Grand Master, and then re-elected in the following
year. During this time he was successful in business, as might have
been expected in one whose talents were so various and yet so
symmetrical.

It is believed by some that the plan of organizing the first Grand
Encampment of the United States was originated by his brain;
however that may be, it is certain that he played a conspicuous
part in the project. A measure of his popularity is indicated by
the fact that he was elected the first Grand Commander.

From Providence Brother Webb moved to Walpole, Massachusetts, where
he established a cotton factory which was one of the first in the
country to employ safety devices to protect the life and limbs of
employees.. In 1817 he moved this factory to Worthington, Ohio, a
suburb of Columbus, and put his associate Brother John Snow, in
charge.

During February of the following year Brother Webb granted a
dispensation to Brother Snow to form an encampment in Worthington;
at first the plan was to hold meetings for six months in Columbus,
but this plan was later changed, and all the meetings were held in
Columbus: thus was begun the famous Mt. Vernon Commandery which
recently celebrated its one hundredth anniversary with fitting
ceremonies.

In 1819 Brother Webb started on a business trip to Columbus, but
while in Cleveland, Ohio, making preparations to continue his
journey, he was stricken down with apoplexy. This was on June 6th.
He died during the evening of the same day. The body was interred
in Cleveland but was later removed to Providence in November, at
which time the Masonic Bodies of the nation paid a solemn tribute
to his memory.

Before Philosophy can teach by Experience, the Philosophy has to be
in readiness, the Experience must be gathered and intelligibly
recorded.
--Carlyle

Philosophy is nothing but Discretion.
--John Seldon.

The greatest trust between man and man is the trust of giving
counsel.--Bacon.

