Recently, the public missed a chance to see a beautiful and significant cornerstone laying ceremony in Washington State. Freemasons have been laying cornerstones for centuries, only by request and only for buildings erected for the worship of God or for charitable, educational, civic, or Masonic purposes. Brother and President George Washington, for instance, presided over the laying of the cornerstone of the Capitol in Washington, D.C., on September 18, 1793. During over two centuries of American history, American Masons have placed thousands of cornerstones.

Painting of Cornerstone Ceremony at the U.S. Capitol, September 18, 1793

In these days of “political correctness,” anyone may complain about anything, regardless of his knowledge or lack thereof. Too often, the authorities yield to avoid controversy. In the Washington State case, several people made phone calls to the local municipal administration prior to a Masonic cornerstone ceremony to dedicate a new school building. These critics said Masonry is a religion and should not receive preferential treatment from the state. Without further question, the ceremony was canceled.

First, Freemasonry is an ancient and respected fraternity, not a religion, though our members are religious in the finest sense of the word in that they advocate reverence for the Creator and His laws. Study of Masonic philosophy elevates the mind, and its message of toleration brings greater harmony between ourselves and all humankind. True, Masons help Masons, but Masonic Brothers also help non-Masons and rarely claim credit for simply doing what their Masonic obligations demand. The Craft is universal and found everywhere men believe in God. We do not tell a man what he must think, or in what form he must worship. When in Lodge, all men are equal; there are no social, religious or racial distinctions, and no contention save who can best work and best agree. Masonry in all its forms does an enormous amount of good throughout the world. Masons award scholarships, sponsor literacy campaigns, fund children’s learning centers (like the RiteCare Childhood Language Program of the Scottish Rite), support hospitals, advance thousands of other programs to promote various charities, and advocate adherence to the values of the Constitution.

Dedicate a cornerstone in your area and continue Masonic and American traditions? Of course! It would be un-American not to!

Stephen M. Osborn
was raised at Mill Valley Lodge No. 356, Mill Valley, California, on 5 May 1984. He is Junior Warden of Camanio Lodge No. 19, Stanwood, Washington, and a member of Walter F. Meier Lodge of Research No. 281, Grand Lodge of Washington. He joined the Scottish Rite, Valley of Everett, Orient of Washington, in April 2002 and is now a Life Member. He is also a member of the Scottish Rite Research Society and the Philalethes Society. A retired Fire Battalion Chief, Bro\ Osborn is a lifelong sailor, writer, poet, philosopher, historian, and former newspaper columnist.
E-mail: theplace@whidbey.net