By Armen Mardirousi, PM
Have you ever wondered why our ritual feels distinctly “American” compared to our English or Scottish counterparts? Or perhaps you’ve heard the term “Preston-Webb Work” tossed around and wondered what it means? Well, grab your favorite beverage and settle in for a fascinating journey through the uniquely American tradition that shapes our Masonic experience every time we enter the lodge room.
What Exactly IS the American Rite?
The American Rite (also known as the Preston-Webb Rite) is the ritual system used by virtually every mainstream Grand Lodge in the United States, including our own Grand Lodge of California. It’s not just “English Freemasonry with an American accent”—it’s a distinct evolution that reflects our nation’s values, history, and character.
Think of it this way: if Freemasonry were a recipe, the English gave us the basic ingredients, but Americans created their own unique dish that tastes unmistakably like home.
The Tale of Two Williams (And One Thomas)
William Preston: The English Foundation
Our story begins in 18th-century England with William Preston (1742-1818), a man who believed Freemasonry should be more than just a social club. Preston had a revolutionary idea: what if Masonic ritual could actually teach philosophy? Specifically, he wanted to guide initiates through the ethical teachings of Aristotle.
Preston was quite the character—he started as an “Ancient” Mason, convinced his lodge to switch to the “Moderns,” and eventually created such influential work that it shaped the United Grand Lodge of England’s ritual when the two factions reunited in 1813. Not bad for a guy who once got expelled from his lodge for wearing regalia while walking across the street to church! (Don’t worry, they let him back in.)
Thomas Smith Webb: The American Innovator
Enter Thomas Smith Webb (1771-1819), the man who earned the title “Founding Father of the American Rite.” Webb was a Boston-born printer who moved around quite a bit—from New Hampshire to Albany to Providence—spreading Masonic light wherever he went.
In 1797, Webb published “The Freemason’s Monitor, or Illustrations of Masonry,” which became the definitive guide for American Masonic ritual. But Webb didn’t just copy Preston’s work—he adapted it for American sensibilities, adding his own innovations and creating something uniquely suited to the New World.
Webb was also instrumental in establishing the York Rite in America, serving as a founding father of what we now know as the Royal Arch, Knights Templar, and related degrees.
What Makes the American Rite Special?
- Educational Focus
Unlike some European traditions that emphasize mystery and esotericism, the American Rite places heavy emphasis on moral education and practical philosophy. It’s designed to make better men through clear teachings rather than obscure symbolism.
- Democratic Spirit
The American Rite reflects our nation’s democratic ideals. The concept of “meeting on the level”—that all men are equal in the lodge regardless of their station in life—resonates deeply with American values.
- Standardization with Flexibility
While providing a consistent framework, the American Rite allows for regional variations. This is why our California work might feel slightly different from what our traveling brethren experience in other states, yet remains fundamentally familiar.
- Integration with American History
The American Rite developed alongside our nation, with prominent American Masons like George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and countless others helping to shape its character.
The California Connection
Here in California, we’re part of a grand tradition that stretches back to the Gold Rush. When Forty-Niners flooded into California in 1849, they brought their Masonic traditions with them. By 1850—the same year California became a state—the Grand Lodge of California was established in Sacramento, working the Preston-Webb ritual that connected us to Masons across America.
Our ritual reflects the pioneering spirit of California itself: innovative yet traditional, welcoming to all good men regardless of background, and always looking toward the future while honoring the past.
Fun Facts About Our Ritual
Did You Know?
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- The famous phrase “So mote it be” that concludes our prayers comes directly from the Preston-Webb tradition
- Many of our degree lectures contain philosophical concepts that can be traced directly back to Aristotle, thanks to Preston’s influence
- The structure of our officer positions and their duties follows Webb’s standardization from over 200 years ago
- Some of our “table lodge” traditions actually originated in French Masonic practices before being adapted by American lodges
Why Should We Care?
Understanding our ritual’s heritage enriches our Masonic experience. When we participate in degree work, we’re not just following ancient customs—we’re continuing a specifically American tradition of moral education that has shaped countless men for over two centuries.
Every time we open lodge, confer a degree, or close with our traditional benediction, we’re participating in a living tradition that connects us to Brothers across the continent and throughout American history.
The Takeaway
The American Rite isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are as American Masons. It represents the marriage of ancient wisdom with New World values, creating something both timeless and uniquely American.
So the next time someone asks you about our “Preston-Webb Work,” you can smile knowingly and share the story of how two Williams and one Thomas helped create the distinctly American flavor of Freemasonry that we practice today in North Hollywood Lodge.
Brother Armen Mardirousi is a member of North Hollywood Lodge, where he served as Master in 2011. He enjoys exploring the rich history and traditions of our Craft. For more Masonic musings and historical deep-dives, visit mardirousi.com.
Want to learn more? Ask your lodge education officer about scheduling a presentation on Masonic ritual development, or consider joining one of our informal discussion groups where we explore these fascinating historical connections.
“In the American Rite, we find not just the echoes of ancient wisdom, but the voice of a nation dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal—and that through education, fellowship, and moral development, we can build a more perfect union, one Brother at a time.”