Celebrate the Centennial Anniversay of the Laying of the Cornerstone

On October 16–18, 2011, the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia and the Supreme Council will commemorate the centennial of laying the cornerstone of the House of the Temple with guided tours, a symposium, and a reenactment of the cornerstone ceremony. The special guided tours will begin at 2:00 pm on Sunday, October 16, and will focus on two subjects: Masonic Symbolism in the House of the Temple and Pope’s Legacy: His Vision for the “Men’s House.” The tours will run twice so everyone can attend both if desired.

The symposium will be held on Monday, October 17. Thomas Luebke, Secretary of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts will be the keynote speaker. The architects from Hartman Cox, who are spearheading the restoration and preservation of the House of the Temple, will give a presentation on John Russell Pope, architect of the Temple, and the historical significance of the role of the House of the Temple on the 16th Street corridor. Ill. Sean Graystone, 33°, G.C., Superintendant of the House of the Temple, will speak on the renovations and the future of the building. Finally, Ill. Arturo de Hoyos, 33°, G.C., Grand Archivist and Grand Historian, will give a presentation on the Masonic symbolism of the House of the Temple.

You must register for the special tours and the symposium by telephone only, toll-free, at 866-448-3773. Tickets are $100 for Scottish Rite members and $200 for non-members, with only 200 tickets available, so register today! Registrants will receive a medal commemorating the event.

On Tuesday, October 18, the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia and the Supreme Council will reenact the Cornerstone Ceremony. This event starts at 11:00 am and is open to the public. There will be a reception following the reenactment ceremony in the Temple Garden at 11:45 am. To register and for more information contact the Development Office at 866-448-3773.

Photo:

The Laying of the Cornerstone, October 18, 1911. Archives of the Supreme Council, 33°.