The White Pilgrim

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Disciples History Moment for June 22, 2025

He was born on March 7, 1791 in Orange county, North Carolina. At 17, he was called the “boy preacher” and attached himself to a religious group just called “Christians.” These “Christians” professed to take only the scriptures for their rule of faith and practice, and they held open and free communion with all Christians. He rejoiced to hear of such Christian liberty.

As a young boy preacher, he was very timid and suffered much because of it, but as he grew under the mentorship of other Christian elders his timidity began to wear off. In 1811, ten years after the great Cane Ridge camp meeting hosted by Barton W. Stone, our young preacher preached to hundreds during several large gatherings. Later in that year he was baptized by immersion and learned of Jesus’ washing of feet. By his 20th birthday he had traveled 7000 miles, preached 460 times and saw many profess their faith.

In 1814, he felt called to bear full witness, body and soul, to the gospel and against evil. So, he began to wear clothing that symbolized purity, truth, and goodness like those who surrounded the throne of God. He wore only WHITE! It is said he wore a white shirt, coat, pants, boots and rode a white horse. Consequently, he became known as the “White Pilgrim.” He continued to preach and published hymnbooks and an autobiography. At 44 years of age, the 6ft, light-complexioned, athletic man who had put in 28 years of hard labor for the gospel caught smallpox in New York and died in Johnsonburg, NJ where he is buried. The White Pilgrim’s name was Joseph Thomas.

But the White Pilgrim’s lives on!

In 1838 Elder John Ellis wrote a poem when he visited the White Pilgrim’s grave. This poem, called simply “The White Pilgrim” or sometimes “The Lone Pilgrim,” has been set to music by Bob Dylan, Hank Williams, Doc Watson, The Sons of the Pioneers and some 13 other recording artists!

“The White Pilgrim” (or “The Lone Pilgrim)

By Elder J. Ellis, 1838

 (composed while standing at the white pilgrim's grave)

I came to the place where the lone pilgrim lay,

And pensively stood by his tomb,

When in a low whisper I heard something say,

“How sweetly he sleeps here alone.”

The tempest may howl, and the loud thunders roar,

And gathering storms may arise,

Yet calm are his feelings, at rest is his soul,

The tears are all wiped from his eyes.

The cause of his Master propelled him from home;

He bade his companion farewell;

He blessed his dear children who for him now mourn,

In far distant regions they dwell.

He wandered an exile and stranger from home,

No kindred or relative nigh;

He met the contagion and sank to the tomb,

His soul flew to mansions on high.

O tell his companions and children most dear,

To weep not for him now he's gone;

The same Hand that led him thro' scenes most severe,

Has kindly assisted him home.

 Rev. Kevin K. Adams

Reference: The White Pilgrim: The Life, Travel, and Gospel Labors of Elder Joseph Thomas by Joseph Thomas.