William B. Schnider, R.W. Past Grand Tyler
As researched by Dr. Glenys Waldman, Librarian,
The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania

The first Masonic record of William B. Schnider appears as shown in Membership Book 2, p. 111 - as follows: Age: 21; Occupation: Bricklayer; Residence: Philadelphia; All Degrees in Lafayette Lodge No. 71 in 1838: Entered Apprentice March (no day), then there was no more written in that book. From other sources, it was determined that he obtained the Fellow Craft degree in April, then Master Mason May 7 at a Lodge of Instruction held by the Grand Lodge. Within his Lodge, apparently he was never Junior Warden, but was elected Senior Warden in December 1840, and Worshipful Master in 1841. He was also a member of Jerusalem Holy Royal Arch Chapter No. 3, of which he became High Priest in 1843. He is shown to have gained membership in Knights Templar, St. John's Commandery No. 4, as of June 1848, and Scottish Rite, July 11, 1857. He was appointed Grand Tyler on December 1844, in which post he remained until his death, December 19, 1867.

Proceedings of the Grand Lodge, Vol. 7 (for September 2, 1844 - p. 241), show that his father, Charles, was Grand Tyler before him for 20 years.

There is a huge 3/4 length portrait of our subject, William B. Schnider, outside the Library and Museum door, showing him appropriately regaled in a Lodge No. 71 Apron and a Grand Officer's Collar and Jewel.

See related story regarding Bro. Schnider's grave and a Masonic Memorial.