Ceremony for
New DC Courthouse Annex
Cornerstone Cermony for New DC Courthouse
On Saturday, February 12, 2022, the citizens from this area witnessed a rare site in the Town of West Union with around 50 members of the WV Masonic Lodges marching from the Local Lodge (#56) on Main Street up Spring Hill to the Courthouse where they set the corner stone for the New Doddridge County Courthouse Annex. One of the members carried an open Bible as part of the ceremony.
Shawn Glaspell, President of the Doddridge County Commission introduced himself, and Commissioners, Ronnie Travis and Clinton Means and thanked the Masons for their interest in the endeavor to build the new Annex and for the laying of the cornerstone.
The Worshipful Grand Master of West Virginia stated that it was first the most important to ask for the aide of the Almighty God and the Chaplain then was called to invoke the blessing from God.
The Grand Master then asked the Grand Treasurer if a casket (time capsule) had been prepared and the Grand Secretary read and provided the list of items that had been placed inside of the casket which included historic items from the Masons, County, Town of West Union, businesses and other items. The casket was then placed inside of the cornerstone.
To a drum roll, the Grand Master then placed the cement on the blocks and the Stone was lowered into position.
The Grand Master then presented the Implements of Office, the. Square, Level and Plumb to each office holder who then measured to see if the stone was laid correctly.
The Brother Grand Master then presented the elements of corn, wine and oil which was placed on the stone.
The Brother Grand Master was asked to proclaim the stone had been laid true and trusty prior to the Grand Orator speaking.
The Grand Chaplain led a prayer which asked the blessings on the building and it’s workers.
The Worshipful Grand Master closed the ceremony by thanking the attendees for coming and for the approval to hold the ceremony at which time the Masonic Members lined up for the return march to Lodge # 56.
Those in attendance seemed grateful to be a part of and witness to this age-old ceremony.
