Laying of a Cornerstone

Vocabulary · 7

Cornerstone

The first stone laid at the corner of a building's foundation, traditionally at the northeast corner. The Grand Lodge of the jurisdiction lays cornerstones of public buildings and Masonic temples by published ceremony.

Northeast corner

The published place at which the cornerstone is set. The lecture traces this to ancient operative practice: the northeast is where the brightest morning sun first warms the building's foundations.

Corn, wine, and oil

The three consecratory elements poured over the cornerstone in the published ceremony. Corn is emblematic of plenty, wine of refreshment and joy, oil of peace.

Trying the stone

Before being consecrated, the cornerstone is publicly tested with the Square (for true corners), the Level (for horizontal), and the Plumb (for vertical). The published lecture connects this to the moral trial of the Mason himself.

Grand Master's prerogative

Cornerstone-laying is reserved to the Grand Master or his designated deputy, since the ceremony represents the Grand Lodge of the jurisdiction acting publicly. A constituent Lodge does not lay cornerstones on its own authority.

Deposit

A sealed container (often a copper or lead box) placed within the cornerstone before it is set. The deposit contains documents, coins, and newspapers of the day. Its contents are published openly.

Public ceremony

Cornerstone laying is fully public. Civic officials, family, and the press are invited. The Grand Lodge wears its regalia openly; speeches are made. This is one of Masonry's most visible community acts.

Practice questions · 5

1. At which corner is the cornerstone traditionally laid?

   • a. Northwest
   • b. Northeast ✓
   • c. Southwest
   • d. Southeast

2. What three elements are poured over the cornerstone in the published ceremony?

   • a. Bread, salt, and water
   • b. Wheat, milk, and honey
   • c. Corn, wine, and oil ✓
   • d. Olive, myrrh, and frankincense

3. What three tools are used to publicly test the cornerstone before consecration?

   • a. Gauge, gavel, and compasses
   • b. Square, Level, and Plumb ✓
   • c. Trowel, mallet, and chisel
   • d. Compass, sextant, and rule

4. Whose prerogative is the laying of a cornerstone?

   • a. Any installed Master of a regular Lodge
   • b. The Grand Master or his designated deputy ✓
   • c. The mayor of the host city
   • d. The senior Past Master of the nearest Lodge

5. Of what is corn an emblem in the cornerstone ceremony?

   • a. Hospitality
   • b. Plenty ✓
   • c. Wisdom
   • d. Strength