Members of the Grand Lodge of Texas gathered at Littlefield High School on Saturday, Dec. 7 to host the Cornerstone Leveling Ceremony.
The ceremony commenced with a group prayer, led by the Grand Chaplain.
Honoring the traditions and significance of the cornerstone, Grand Master Steve Pepper expressed gratitude for religious, community and attendee support.
“May all that is said and done here today remind us of our duty not only to serve others but to remember that all great gifts come from You,” Pepper said. “May this building serve the people of this community for years to come.”
Although the ceremony pertains uniquely to Freemasons, district instructor at large D.L. Parker said the symbolism of a leveling ceremony predates these practices.
“In Isaiah chapter 28, verse 16, the Lord says, ‘Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, a costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed,’” Parker said.
Scriptures such as this signify stable architectural instruction as an explanation for spiritual truth, Parker said.
“This time capsule is not a new concept,” Parker said. “It dates back to the time of Mesopotamia where a plumb, square and level much like those symbolically used here today to level this cornerstone.”
Leveling the cornerstone symbolizes sound structures, therefore justifying the strength of humanity.
“A cornerstone reminds us that if we are to build any last structure, whether it be temporal or spiritual, it must be set upon a firm foundation,” Parker said. “Each one of us has the ability to influence the world around us.”
Concluding the event, Grand Lodge of Texas members placed the stone in the corner of Littlefield High School’s wall.