The Newtown bee., 1908-12-18
The NewtoWn Bee.
 Newtown, Friday, December isis0s.
Washington.
CORNER STONE LAYING AT THE
 NEW SCHOOLH0USE.


 NEW SCH00LH0USE.
 With impressive ceremonies the cor. ner stone nf the new school building, at Washington Depot, was laid, Friday afternoon, by Grand Master E. 2. Fuller of the Most Worshipful Grand lodge, F. & A. M., and associate grand officers. The grand lodge formed at the local Masonic lodge room and fol- lowed by Worshipful Master Wettereau and the members of Rising Sun lodge, marched to the site of the school build- ing. Following the ceremony, the hymn "America" was sung by a com pany of 100 school children led by Sherman Cogswell. The order of the ceremony was as follows:
 PRAYER BY THE GRAND CHAP
 LAIN, REV HARRIS STARR.
 Almighty, Eternal God, Creator and Upholder of the Universe, who in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the work of thy hands; as children of thy creation we, too, create and make, 'plan and mold; and we thy servants, by thy kind Providence, are assembled here to-day to lay this foundation stone, on which shall rest building to be closely identified with the highest interests of this city and county. Thou, o God, knowest our needs in this our present work. In Thee is our wisdom, in Thee is our strength. Vouchsafe to us, we implore Thee, grace, wisdom and un- derstanding, that we may discharge the solemn duties ot this hour to thy honor and glory.
 We fervently implore thy blessing on all who shall be engaged in the erection of this building. May all their bones be kept, that not one of them be brOk- en. Give thine angels charge over them, to keep them in all their ways. May the master, fellow-craft and apprenti- ces be directed by thy most gracious favor, and furthered by thy continual help. And may that more glorious building, of which this shall be typical. be cemented and adorned, completed and preserved by those goodly offices and kindly affections which He requires who will lay judgment to the line. and righteousness to the plummet. And from this corner stone, we'll tried, true and trusty, may the good work advance in peace and harmony, until all worthy brethren shall bring forth the headstone with shoutings, crying grace, grace unto 1t.
 Assist us mercifully, o Lord, in these our applications and prayers, and dispose the way of thy servants towards the attainment of everlasting salvation, that among all the changes and chances of this mortal life they may ever be defended by thy most gracious and ready help. And to thy name will we give all the praise, both now and forever. Amen.
 Grand Master Fuller-Right Wor- shipful Grand Senior Warden, it has been the custom among the fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons, from time immemorial, on invitation, to as- semble the craft and lay with appro- priate ceremonies the foundation stones of public edifces. In obedience to that custom, and having accepted the invitation of the building com mittee to lay, in due and ancient ma sonic form, the corner stone of this building now in process of erection, l am here to-day with the officers of the Grand Lodge to perform that duty. It is, therefore, my order. and you will proclaim it to the Right Worshipful Grand Junior Warden, and he to the craft, and others present, that they having dui and timely notice thereof, may govern themselves accordingly.
 Grand Senior Warden A. J. Hal lock Right Worshipful Grand Junior Warden, it is the order of the Most Worshlpful Grand Master of Masons of the State If Connecticut, that the corner stone of this building be now laid in due and ancient masonic form. This you will proclaim to the craft and all present, that the proceedings of this occasion may be observed with due and becoming solemnity.
 Grand Junior Warden Chapman Brethren of the masonic fraternity, and all present, take notice that the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Ma sons or the State of Connecticut will now cause to be tested and tired the corner stone of this building, that he may lay the same in due and ancient masonic form. You will therefore observe that order the decorum which become the dignity and solemnity of the occasion.
 Grand Master Fuller-Right Wor- shipful Grand Treasurer, it has ever been the custom of the craft. on occa- sions like the present, to deposit in the cavity of the stone placed at the north east corner of the building certain me- molials of the period in which 1t was erected, so that if in the lapse of ages, the fury of the elements, the violence of man, or the slow but certain ravages of time should lay bare it foundation, an enduring evidence may be found by succeeding generations to bear testi- mony to the untiring industry of Free and Accepted Masons. Has such de- posit been prepared?
 Grand Treasurer Cady-It has, Most Worshipful Grand Master, and the me morials are now in the casket before you.
 Grand Master Fuller-Right Wor- shipful Grand Secretary, you will read the list of memorials that all may be