Masonic Lodge to lay cornerstone for new McCook Aquatic Park

McCOOK, Neb. — In keeping with a centuries-old tradition, the Masons of Nebraska will lay the cornerstone of the McCook Aquatic Park in a ceremony 1 p.m. Saturday May 18 at 500 East M Street in McCook.

The head of Nebraska’s Masons, Grand Master John Ferguson of Kimball, Ne., and officers from around the state will take part in the ceremony, which dates to several hundred years ago. George Washington, a Mason, laid the cornerstone of the nation’s capitol in 1793 while dressed in Masonic regalia and serving as President.

Masons lay cornerstones only on public buildings and buildings dedicated to religion, education, civic service or philanthropy. On average, about 10 cornerstones are laid in buildings by the Masons in the state each year.

McCook Lodge No. 135 of McCook coordinated the event with the City of McCook Parks and Recreation.

Items are being assembled to include in the cornerstone that reflect today’s culture and the events surrounding the ceremony.