EXERCISES AT THE LAYING OF THE CORNER-STONE. 1T7 



After an appropriate song. Grand Master Z. C. Luse, of tbe Grand 

 Lodge of Iowa, delivered the following 



ADDRESS. 



My Brethren and Citizens : 



It has been our custom from time immemorial, with appropriate cere- 

 monies to lay the corner, or foundation-stones, of such edifices as it was 

 supposed would endure to after ages, and by this means transmit to pos- 

 terity a brief history of our people, the nature of our institutions, the 

 progress we have made in the arts and sciences, and the achievements 

 towards civil and religious liberty. Anterior to and all through the mid- 

 dle ages, our ancient brethren took almost sole direction of the science of 

 architecture, and it is to them that the world is indebted for those mag- 

 niticent specimens of grandeur, which lie scattered throughout Europe, 

 as beautiful relics of a refined and cultivated people. 



Those magnificent edifices were the result of the labors of associa- 

 tions of Freemasons of various nations who united by secret pledges and 

 governed in lodges, traveled from country to country, wherever their su- 

 perior skill was demanded. They transmitted the mysteries of the craft 

 from generation to generation. Countenanced by the wisest men and 

 the most powerful monarchs until their traditionary lore became dissem- 

 inated among the people, and finally resulted, through arbitrary power 

 and papal selfishness in the organization of that important fraternal 

 institution which we now humbly represent. 



In the hands of our ancient brethren the implements of architecture 

 were used for the construction of material temples, while in our hands 

 they have become expressive symbols, to prepare our hearts and minds 

 for the spiritual temple which cannot be completed until time shall be no 

 more. 



" Over two hundred years ago the corner stone of the fifth and present 

 St. Paul's Cathedral of London, was laid. The grand and majestic struc- 

 ture, which rears its noble proportions above the ashes of many temples 

 that previously had stood upon the sacred site, was designed by Sir 

 Christopher Wren, whose rare architectural skill was only matched by his 

 acquirements of natural philosophy and other sciences. One of the first 

 architects and scholars of his time— he was likewise the Grand Master 

 of Masons, and by his hand with the craft assembled about him, and by 

 the same ceremonies we observe to-day, the corner stone of that wonder- 

 ful building was placed." 



" On the 24th day of June, 1792, the cornerstone of our national capitol 

 was laid in accordance with ancient Masonic usage. President Wash- 

 ington, whose name is a household word throughout our land, acted as 

 Grand Master of Masons on the occasion — placed the corner stone, and 

 caused the corn, the wine and the oil to be poured thereon, employing 

 these emblems with the same significance that now attaches to their use." 

 On the 17th day of June, 1825, the noble, brave and patriotic LaFayette 

 assisted in laying the corner stone of Bunker Hill monument. He ap- 

 plied to the angles and sm-faces of that stone the square, the plumb and 



