Most Worshipful Grand Master, Distinguished Guests, Brethren, Ladies and Gentlemen. On behalf of the Most Worshipful Grand Master, the Grand Lodge of Utah, and all the Masons of Utah, we thank you for the opportunity to be apart of your celebration today.

Today, we symbolically lay the cornerstone. The cornerstone has for ages been deemed as important as a keystone in an arch. The laying of a cornerstone is cause for celebration, as it signifies a new beginning, as well as a solid foundation. For hundreds of years, Freemasons have been proud to lay the cornerstone at schools, government buildings and houses of worship. Today, we are honored to carry on this long tradition.

The events of today have been in the making for nearly 140 years. First United Methodist Church of Ogden began it’s ministry on June 28, 1870. On that day, Reverend G.M. Pierce conducted church service in the passenger terminal of the old Union and Southern Pacific Railroad. The congregation moved around quite a bit for the first few years, meeting at the Ogden Theater, Cordon’s Hall, and Leavitt’s hall before being able to settle into their own building in 1876.

In April of 1929, the congregation was on the move again to their new building on 26th & Jefferson. While housed at this building the church experienced a lot of growth, to the point that additional parcels of land had to be purchased and additional buildings built to meet the needs of the more than four hundred families of this congregation.

The Congregation of today, seeing the need for a new building, set forth and made the dream, the vision of today come true. It didn’t happen overnight. Many years of planning and the hard work and dedication of the members made this all possible. In true form the congregation took up the acronym SLAPBOP – F. “Sound System, Landscaping, Appliances, Pews, Moving the Bell, Moving the Organ, and Playground”. The “F” is for the organ Façade. Look around today, much of what they set out to do, from fundraising to moving the historic bell has been accomplished. Some work still remains, but it’s clear that through the dedication of the members, all the dreams will be realized.

Today, we lay the cornerstone of this beautiful building. Historically, the cornerstone was the first stone laid above ground on the foundation. It was from this stone that the structure was built upon. Because of this, it was of the up most importance that the cornerstone be Square, Level, and Plumb. If it was off in the slightest degree, the overall structure would be compromised.

The Cornerstone ceremony that we conducted today has many symbolic meanings. As Masons we are taught before entering upon any great or important undertaking, first to invoke the blessing of Deity. We pray for guidance and wisdom to draw our designs on the trestle board. We pray that our hands, and the hands of the workmen be strong, and that the structure itself is strong.

The Most Worshipful Grand Master being the overseer of the work instructs the craft and inspects the work using the symbolic tools of Masonry. He directs the use of the Plumb to try the perpendicular of the stone, to ensure that it is upright and true. Then the stone is tried with the Square to ensure that is suitable for use. Finally the stone is tried with the Level. In doing this he ensures that the stone is as the design directs and that it is ready for the builders use.

The stone, and by virtue the building is consecrated using Corn, Wine, and Oil. The corn as in ancient times represents plenty; the wine represents refreshment, and the Oil of joy. Deposits are made into the stone, and it is ready for the builders to set it into place by use of the trowel, which will spread the cement uniting its several parts into one common mass.

We congratulate the members of First United Methodist. Your cornerstone has been found to be Plumb, Level, and Square, and it is right for use. May the blessings of God be upon you as you enjoy this beautiful new house of worship for many years to come.