“Preston vs. Webb:
The Battle for Masonic Ritual Supremacy”

In the latest episode of the Craftsmen Online Podcast, Worshipful Brother Nathan St. Pierre returns to the show to discuss the legendary figures of William Preston and Thomas Smith Webb and their massive influence on Freemasonic ritual.

Who Were Preston and Webb?

Webb, born in Boston in 1771, was a well-educated, extroverted musician and printer. He is credited with creating the York Rite and what is known outside of the United States as the American Rite.

Preston’s Focus: Knowledge

Preston believed that Freemasonry was about the perpetual pursuit of knowledge and preserving it. He was constantly writing and rewriting his lectures, incorporating historical references and etymology.

Webb’s Goal: National Ritual Unity

Webb, on the other hand, focused on establishing a standardized system of Masonic ritual in the United States. He published “The Freemason’s Monitor” in 1797, which became the basis of all American ritual.

The Blending of Two Philosophies

The philosophies of Preston and Webb were very different. Preston’s lectures were aimed at educating and inspiring Masons, while Webb sought to codify the ritual. Their works were combined and have had a lasting impact on the Craft.

Key Points From the Episode

• Preston and Webb did not know each other.
• Webb took Preston’s work, removed references to the monarchy, and simplified it.
• There is no one Prestonian work, as he was constantly revising his lectures.
• Webb was an entrepreneur who sold his monitor and ciphered portions of the ritual.
• American lodges ended up doing ancients work because of Webb’s publications, regardless of their Grand Lodge affiliation.
• Differences in ritual between jurisdictions are often more recent than people think.
• Grand Lodges often claim their ritual is the most accurate.
• The plain text portions of ritual are called monitorial because they come from Webb’s monitor.
• The goal of memorizing the ritual is that the words become a part of the Mason.

Listen to the Episode

Follow the Craftsmen Online Podcast on Spotify, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, and listen everywhere you hear your favorite shows!