Encyclopedia Masonica

Grand Master, Massachusetts, 1803 and 1805 at the same time that Right Worshipful Henry Fowle served the same Grand Lodge as Junior Grand Deacon; an American printer and publisher of several patriotic magazines just previous to the American Revolution. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, January 19, 1749, apprenticed to Zechariah Fowle, a printer, 1755, he owned the Massachusetts Spy advocating the Whig policies and the Government endeavored to suppress the publication. Three days before the Battle of Concord, April 16, 1775, he moved his printing presses to Worcester. He was postmaster for a time and here also he published books, built a paper-mill and bindery, and distributed the Spy until 1802. The paper was discontinued, however, during the stormy interval between 1776 and 1778 and again between 1786 and 1788. This publication was an ardent supporter of Washington and the Federalists. Brother Thomas published the Royal American Magazine in 1774 which contained from time to time numerous engravings by the famous Paul Revere, afterwards Grand Master. Between 1775 and 1803 Thomas brought out the New England Almanac, which his son continued until 1819. In Boston he published monthly from 1789 to 1793 the Massachusetts Magazine. At Walpole, New Hampshire, he edited the Farmer's Museum. Among the noteworthy deeds of Brother Thomas was the founding of the American Antiquarian Society in 1812. His death occurred in 1831, April 4, at Worcester.

The Encyclopedia Masonica exists to preserve the wealth of information that has been generated over the centuries by numerous Masonic authors. As Freemasonry is now Speculative and not Operative, the work of a Mason is now conducted in the quarries of symbolism, literature, history and scholasticism. Freemasonry encourages intellectual exploration and academic achievement in its members and many Masons over the years have taken up this calling. The result has been that an incredible amount of philosophy, symbolic speculation and academic insights have been created. However, as Freemasonry teaches, human knowledge is frail and fragile. It is easily lost in the turnings of the ages and unforeseen catastrophes can result in great setbacks to human knowledge.

For too long these great works have sat on forgotten shelves, gathering dust and concealing the light that could be shed on the darkness of our ignorance. The Encyclopedia Masonica has been created to act as an ark, sailing through time, to ensure that future generations of Freemasons have access to the same knowledge that inspired the Brethren that came before them. It will contain the works of such Masonic Luminaries as Albert G. Mackey, Manly Palmer Hall, G.S.M. Ward, Albert Pike and many others. The Encyclopedia Masonica is a living work and the volunteers of Universal Co-Masonry will continue to labor until the most comprehensive Masonic reference work the world has ever seen has been created. The Encyclopedia Masonica is open to any who wish to use it and will remain open so that the treasures contained within may increase the wealth of all those who seek its wisdom.