On Wednesday, October 21, 1883, the people of Valparaiso gathered in the center of town to witness the cornerstone laying ceremony for the new courthouse. It was a moment of great historical significance, and our Lodge proudly took part in the occasion. One of the stones bears the date and commemorates the presence of Valparaiso’s Masonic Brotherhood, who helped lay the cornerstone and place the time capsule. Presented here is the original program from that memorable event.

I’ve been fortunate to have many brothers that have been guides and have inspired my journey in Freemasonry; however, the story of my first introduction to Masonry, I think, is the most compelling.

I had visited my grandfather’s grave, and I noticed he had a square and compass on his gravestone. He had passed when I was young, so I had never had an opportunity to discuss his involvement, but finding the symbols on his gravestone piqued my curiosity.