John Sebastian Marlowe Ward's Biography(Books)(Photos)

John Sebastian Marlowe Ward was born on 22nd December 1885
in what is now known as Belize City, British Honduras and

but it was merely a passing phase in the journey of his
life. He had always been interested in many other subjects,

died on July 2nd, 1949 near Limassol Cyprus.

particularly history, religion and science, but a completely
new dimension was added to his researches early in 1914. On

His father, the Reverend Herbert M. Ward was an Anglican
priest serving the English community in British Honduras,

5th January 1914 his uncle and grand father-in-law, Herbert
J. Lanchester died unexpectedly and a week later John had a

when his first son, John, was born, but was recalled to
England late in 1888, after which he took up a new post as

dream that was to introduce him to the then "way-out" world
of spiritualism.

curate of St Mary’s Church, London. John and his younger
brother Reginald, grew up in London where the boys attended

In 1918, John Ward obtained employment with the Federation

the Merchant Taylor’s School. The brothers were close and
within the family John was always known as "Jack" and

of British Industry and remained with them until 1930, by
which time he had become head of the Intelligence Department

Reginald as "Rex". In this article, however, we will
continue to call John Ward, "John", the name by which he was

- that is to say that he was responsible for assessing
business opportunities around the world and making

known to the world.

recommendations to British Investors. As the Great
Depression, was then wracking the land, no one could

John had extremely poor eyesight and wore thick glasses from
a very young age, but he was bright and went on to Trinity

understand why he resigned in 1930, but to him there was a
very good reason.

College Cambridge. There at the age of nineteen, he married
his second cousin Caroline Lanchester who was several years

They married soon after and still in 1927, John gave a

older than he and by whom he had a daughter, Blanche. He
graduated with honours from Cambridge in 1908, majoring in

series of lectures, in which he explained his discoveries
and his new calling. From those who came to listen he gained

History, and his first book, a short history of "Brasses"
was published at about the same time. He commenced work as a

a few followers and the whole group pooled its resources.
They purchased a large house in Barnet on the outskirts of

teacher and also began to write about History and
Freemasonry, in which he had always been interested.

London and then built a church on the property, which was
also adorned with many antiques and works of art. In 1930,

Over the next twenty years he was to produce a large number

John Ward resigned from his job at the Federation of British
Industry and with the help of his community established the

of books on the history and spiritual meanings of
Freemasonry. He also wrote for various journals and became a

country’s first Folk Park.

contributor to the Encyclopaedia Britannica on several
subjects, and remained listed as such till long after his

Ward died peacefully in his sleep on July 2nd 1949. Feeling
a little unwell, he had taken a nap after lunch and could

death.

not be awakened at about 2. 30 p.m. The closest doctor, Dr.
Frangos, summoned from Limassol, determined that he had died

His Masonic books discuss not only the Western forms of
Freemasonry, but various other similar secret societies both

of a heart attack brought on by high blood pressure. Jessie
Ward was later told that death and been caused by the

past and present in different parts of the world. Most of
these books are still in print and many are still regarded

rupture of a large blood vessel in the head (a stroke).

as authoritative by modern Freemasons almost a century after
they were first written. There are literally hundreds of

Since that time he has continued to watch over and guide his
successors, and through his writings even those who have no

references to J.S.M. Ward and his Masonic books on the
internet.

real interest in him as a person, have been able to draw
closer to the Goal of all our striving. This website is just

John Ward’s career as a Freemason was an illustrious one,

one more stage in bringing his message to the world. May he
himself continue to watch over it and all who read it.