Fall 1992 Volume IX. Number 3
GRAND MASTER VISITS WHITE HOUSE FOR CORNERSTONE BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION The Grand Lodges of the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia joined forces on October 13 to commemorate a Masonic event that took place 200 years ago to the day. The reenactment of the cornerstone-laying ceremony of the White House attracted a sizable crowd as the Grand Lodge Officers from the District of Columbia recreated the original 1792 ceremony with 18th-century pomp and circumstance. The program, which was planned in conjunction with the National Park Service, was held on the Ellipse, south of the White House. National Park Service ranger Joseph Geary served as Master of Ceremonies. Three actors from the American Historical Theater portrayed George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and architect James Hoban in a scene describing the
selection of an architect for the President's home. As the Masonic procession approached the open replica of a lodge room, Virginia Past ~ r a &Master Donald Robey described the procedures used during the ceremony. District of Columbia Grand Master Jerold J. Samet (left) led the officers to a new stone, where they tested it with the square, level, and plumb, and rededicated it with corn, wine, and oil. Several historic items were placed on the altar. The St. John's Lodge bible on which George Washington took his oath as President had been hand carried from New York City by three members of that lodge. The trowel used at
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the cornerstone-laying ceremony of the U.S. Capitol in 1793 is now the property of Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22, Alexandria, Virginia. The gavel used at the same event is under the watchful eye of Potomac Lodge No. 5, Washington, D.C. Also participating in the morning events were members of the South Knox Spartan Band of Vincennes, Indiana, and the choir from the Franklin P. Nash United Methodist Church of Washington, D.C. The day's program began at 7:30 a.m. when Masons and guests gathered for a prayer service at St. John's Church, also known as the "Church of the Presidents," on LaFayette Square on the north side of the White House. "Masons gathered on this morning 200 years ago to offer prayer before the cornerstone was laid," said Brother Samet. "It is fitting that we meet for prayer before the reenactment." Biblical passages selected for the service referred to the importance of the founda- continued on page 2