Cornerstone ceremony celebrates new courthouse

Source: The Journal

Freemason-hosted event in Berkeley Springs steeped in 300 years of history

By Christina Marnik / Journal staff writer

POSTED: January 25, 2009

BERKELEY SPRINGS - A ceremony steeped in nearly 300 years of tradition helped mark the placement of the cornerstone for the new Morgan County Courthouse Saturday.

Freemasons from the West Virginia Grand Lodge in Charleston along with members of Deford Lodge No. 88 in Berkeley Springs held a cornerstone ceremony, which is meant to celebrate the construction of the new building and to remind everyone that all things must be built on a strong foundation.

"It's just a public awareness to keep the public involved and a celebration of the community," said Charlie Montgomery, a member of Deford Lodge. "They are able to come together in a time of sharing and fellowship."

The cornerstone contained a time capsule with several items, including a program from the day's event, West Virginia University logos, a list of current elected officials and employees, Apple Butter Festival highlights and a letter from Gov. Joe Manchin.

Before the stone was laid in cement, a ceremony was conducted that included a prayer and a blessing of the cornerstone, in which Masons scattered corn as a blessing of plenty, poured wine as an emblem of joy and goodness, and poured oil as an emblem of peace.

"This is a way of celebrating the beginning of the building, of an important edifice for the community," said Stephen Swank, a member of Deford Lodge.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the new $10.45 million courthouse was held Sept. 7. Officials hope the building will be completed in May of 2010.

The new building will replace the previous courthouse, which was destroyed in a fire on Aug. 8, 2006.

The three-story structure will have 46,000 to 47,000 square feet of space for county offices. Part of the courthouse's exterior will feature stone work.

Freemasonry dates back to the Middle Ages when European stone masons met in temporary lodges established next to the castles and cathedrals they built. The masons used these buildings to receive their pay, plan their work, train apprentices and to socialize. Eventually, masonry spread to the American colonies. The Freemasons went on to become the world's largest fraternal organization.

The first recorded cornerstone ceremony took place in 1738 and its symbolism reflects that solid beginnings ensure solid results, lodge members said.

One Morgan County official summarized the ceremony in her own words.

"I think it commemorates and celebrates the building of the new courthouse," said Brenda Hutchinson, president of the Morgan County Commission. "It kind of puts a stamp on the beginning of the building of the new courthouse."

- Staff writer Christina Marnik can be reached at (304) 263-8931, ext. 182, or [email protected]