The Corner Stone

The Corner Stone! October 14th... as I described in an earlier post, the 1962 cornerstone was removed from the front exterior wall to the right of doors at the main entrance. The cornerstone (or foundation stone) concept is derived from the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation, important since all other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure.
Over time a cornerstone became a ceremonial masonry stone, or replica, set in a prominent location on the outside of a building, with an inscription on the stone indicating the construction dates of the building and perhaps the names of the architect, builder and other significant individuals. The rite of laying a cornerstone is an important cultural component of western architecture and metaphorically in sacred architecture generally. (Wikipedia) hhmm.
Some cornerstones include time capsules from the time a particular building was built. The origins of this tradition are vague but its presence in Judeo - Christian countries can be associated with one quotation from the Old Testament, in Psalm 118, verse 22, 23; The stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner. This is Yahweh’s doing.
It is marvelous in our eyes.
Behind our cornerstone was in fact a time capsule or archive with artifacts from the time of the original building in August 1962! I got a chance to review the contents and some of the photo's should appear in the slideshow. Inside was a letter, written in Latin, more as a prayer, signifying the Pope (John XXIII), Bishop (George G. Ahr S.T.D.), President of the United States (John F. Kennedy), Governor of NJ (Richard Hughes) and other notable persons. The date was August 19, 1962! (I was five, then) As I recall, (and as his signature attests) his middle initial was 'W', not 'G' as typewritten in the document. In any event, it was signed by a number of people we assume were parishioners and were involved in the early formation of the parish. Also in the archive vessel, a newspaper from the 'Newark Evening News' from August 18, 1962; a copy of 'The Monitor' from August 17, 1962 and a series of 1962 coins (Dollar to Penny) with several denominations still in silver! We'll have to give some thought to what to include in the capsule as we seal it up for 2010!
Thanks for following along. This is the day the Lord has made! Let us rejoice and be glad! Ps.118:24