Frederick Roth Webber (1887-1963) Collection

Born in Decatur, Illinois, on January 26, 1887, to Albert G. and Alice M. (Roth) Webber. Educated in the Decatur public schools. Attended Millikin University and graduated later from Thiel College at Greenville, Pennsylvania, and from the Lutheran School of Theology at Maywood, Illinois, in 1914. Was ordained as a Lutheran minister at Racine, Wisconsin, in June, l914, and in the same year accepted a call from the First Lutheran Church at Beloit, Wisconsin. While there married Myrtle G. Porter on August 25, 1915. In addition, between the years 1915-1917 was missionary to stations and congregations in Wisconsin and Chicago. In 1918 received a call from Faith Lutheran Church in Cleveland, Ohio. Remained there from March 1919-1937. Was secretary of the Architectural Committee of the English District 1921-1925, and of the Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and other States (later called Synodical Committee on Church Architecture). As secretary of Synod's Committee on Church Architecture wrote articles in periodicals like the Lutheran Witness, The American Mercury, The Church Builder, and The Diapason. Was editor of the Fine Arts Department of The American Lutheran from 1922 on; was editor of Lutheran Church Art from 1922 on also. In 1927 published his magnus opus Church Symbolism; in 1937 published The Small Church--How to Build and Furnish It in 2 volumes; and in the following year 1958 published his Studies in the Liturgy which made him the Father of the Liturgical Calendar for Lutheran Churches. Also wrote a monumental 3 volume, 2000 page History of Preaching in Britain and America considered to be the most authoritative and comprehensive works of its kind in the English language. Was engaged in archaeological and antiquarian work in England, on the Norman and Gothic periods during the summers of 1925, 1927, 1928, 1954, 1955. Also lectured in England and other countries on church buildings and the allied arts. Was retired in 1956. Connected with the Lutheran Parish Center, Yonkers, New York, from 1959-1965. Died in Mt. Vernon, New York, December 27, 1963, at the age of 76.