almas shriners’ 125th anniversary
presided, the procession that followed was of historic proportion. Grand Lodge and University officials, along with over one hundred Freemasons, University students, faculty, staff, and alumni, fell into line and processed toward the granite monument donated by the five oldest operating Lodges in the District (Federal No. 1, Justice-Columbia No. 3, Naval No. 4, Potomac No. 5 and Wm. R. Singleton-Hope-Lebanon No. 7). As the Grand Lodge Officers approached, the procession split into two columns, flanking the pathway and revealing the ceremony’s site. The ceremony that followed involved the use of tools from operative masonry: the trowel, square, level, and plumb. All of which hold a special purpose as speculative Masonic tools, with each being used to ceremoniously “test” the stone in its emblematic allusions to the intended functions a cornerstone represents, not only providing a sense of strength and proportion to a building’s edifice, but also representing a building’s design, and attesting the power of time and the ephemeral nature of all human undertakings.
The additional components in this symbolic and dignified ceremony are the use of corn, wine, and oil to anoint the stone, thus consecrating a building for its intended use. Corn represents nourishment and plenty; wine is used as a symbol of joy and prosperity; and oil denotes harmony. Interestingly, the three vessels that held these elements are the same silver chalices used in the Washington Monument cornerstone laying. Adding to their significance was the presence of the Masonic gavel that George Washington used as he laid the United States Capitol building cornerstone. As the elements were introduced to the stone, remarks were given by Grand Master Villarreal, Dean Goodman, and Dr. Kerwin. Each conveyed their blessing and hope for the reaffirmed friendship between the Grand Lodge and The American University and their pledge to be leaders in the community, combining their efforts to pursue the search for truth, the central value of service and of the importance of education for all people dedicated to improving the hearts and minds of its population in pursuit of enlightenment. n
The Voice of Freemasonry
29
