The Masons Lay Their Cornerstone

While The Great Depression was one of the most difficult times for Canadians in the 20th century, especially in the Prairies, there were still things to celebrate.

On Nov. 2, 1937, the people of Vermilion were celebrating the news that progress was being made on the new Masonic Temple in the community.

On that day, the cornerstone was laid down on the building. For the previous 21 years, the Masons had used a building in the Standard Block of Vermilion. This new temple was to be on Main Street and would be built at a cost of $3,000.

Expected to be 30 feet by 60 feet with a patent roof and stucco, the construction of the Mason building would employ several residents. At a time when employment was hard to come by, it was good news for the residents.

Many expected that the Vermilion Masonic Temple would be an asset to the community.

As part of the ceremony following the cornerstone laying at 4 p.m. on that day, the Mason members in the area went to the Elks Hall for a dinner.

Inside the cornerstone that was placed various items were placed including copies of the area newspapers. There were also coins, other data and a list of the members of that time within the cornerstone.

The entire ceremony was performed by Grandmaster Dr. C.C. Hartmann. One high ranking individuals with the Masons, R.S. Sheppard, was also going to be on hand for the ceremony.

It may have been a small building, and one that would not take long to build, but for the residents it was a sign that maybe things were slowly improving.

And just maybe, The Great Depression was finally coming to an end.

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