Monday afternoon at the Brownwood ISD Multi-purpose Athletic Center, The Grand Lodge of Texas A.F.&A.M. conducted a Masonic Cornerstone Laying Ceremony.
Chip Green Jr., Grand Junior Warden of the Grand Lodge of Texas, shared the history regarding the ceremony, stating, “Until the development of steel frame construction in the 20th century, most buildings were erected by stacking stone upon stone. Each part of the building was marked by ceremonies. The cornerstone was the first stone placed above ground at eye level. This is a massive stone marking the northeast corner of the building. This is the one ceremony that connects modern Freemasons directly to the craftsman or Stone Masons of the Middle Ages. It is essentially that same ceremony used to dedicate many of the great cathedrals and buildings in Europe. The earliest record for an official Masonic ceremony for a public building was the laying of the foundation stone at the New Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh, Scotland on Aug. 2, 1738.”
The Square, Level and Plumb were then applied to the stone by the proper officers, along with the Corn of Nourishment, the Wine of Refreshment, and the Oil of Joy.
“May the blessing of Almighty God be upon this undertaking, and may this structure be preserved to the latest ages in order that it may promote the useful purpose for which it is designed,” Green said.
An oration was then provided by Grand Orator Kevin Binder, who stated, “One of the ancient customs that Freemasons observe is the symbolic leveling of a cornerstone. The ceremony is as old as Freemasonry itself. The definition of a cornerstone is a cubicle, or rectangular or polished stone at a corner of the building, near the foundation, but not a part of the foundation, and high enough to be easily read. Carved upon it is the name of the owner or purpose of the structure, the date of erection, and sometimes other information. Such a stone is often hollow and at the time it is laid is filled with various items current at the time, which is believed, will be interesting to those who remove the building at some distant future date.”
Binder continued, “The cornerstone, which to Freemasons, is a symbol of morality, is placed between the north, which Freemasons consider a place of darkness, and the east, which Freemasons consider a place of light. It symbolizes man’s progress from darkness to light, from ignorance to knowledge. The cornerstone reminds us if we are to build any lasting structure, whether temporal or spiritual, it must rest upon a firm foundation. The cornerstone is the symbol and embodiment of all that is perfect in form, alignment and parity. May this building stand forever tall among the citizens of this state, and may the wisdom, strength, and justice of all who occupy it from time to time distinguish this building and this community with paramount integrity, impeccable reputation and outstanding service.”