THE CORNERSTONE AT “JACKSON CITY”
The Cornerstone at “Jackson City” he precise locations of some of the cornerstones laid by Masons in Washington, D.C. are no longer known. Among those whose precise positions are now a mystery are those at the White House, The U.S. Capitol, and one which was laid at a location once identified as “Jackson City.”
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The records of the Grand Lodge indicate that on January 11, 1836, Grand Master William W. Billing convened the Grand Lodge, on the first degree, and to then formed a procession, according to ancient custom, to proceed to “Jackson City” for the purpose of laying a cornerstone at that development. According to the minutes of the communication of that date, the Masons proceeded to Pennsylvania Avenue, where they were joined by the committee of arrangements for “Jackson City” and “a large concourse of citizens and strangers.”
Todd Duehring ing to ancient usages, by the Grand Master , assisted by MW Andrew Jackson, Past Grand Master of Tennessee and President of the United States. Upon conclusion of the ceremony, the Grand Lodge was closed, according to the Grand Secretary, James Lawrenson, in ample form. Unfortunately the location of this cornerstone, or even of “Jackson City,” is no longer known. One source, Harper’s History of the Grand Lodge, indicates that the ceremony took place “across the river” (page 344). Unfortunately, however, the mentioned river (Potomac or Anacostia?) is not named. This leaves the Masons of today to wonder where in the District of Columbia was the “Jackson City” of 1836 located? If you know, please share that information with the “Voice”.
The whole body then proceeded, according to the record, to “Jackson City,” where the cornerstone was laid, accord-
The Grand Lodge & Almas Shriners present the
2006 GOLF TOURNAMENT Friday, April 21, 2006 Marlborough Golf and Country Club 4750 John Rogers Boulevard Upper Marlboro, Maryland Registration required through the Grand Lodge Phone: (202) 686-1811
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