Amber Siratt - Kern Valley Sun

On Monday and Tuesday, the Kern River Valley Masonic Lodge 827 hosted Masonic officers and members of the Grand Lodge of California, who performed symbolic cornerstone ceremonies at Kernville Elementary School and Kern Valley High School. The Most Worshipful Grand Master Richard Wakefield Hooper of the Grand Lodge of California presided over the ceremonies.

Kernville Elementary’s ceremony was held Monday. With the recent completion of the Kernville Elementary modernization project, the Masons wanted to re-dedicate the cornerstone and bronze plaque that was presented by the Masons when the school opened in 1973. The cornerstone, placed 35 years ago, also contains a time capsule which will be opened in 2073. At the re-dedication, a new time capsule was placed with a scheduled opening in 2108. Some items placed in the new time capsule include, a book of stamps, plastic bags, business cards from around the valley, the school’s yearbooks, a saddlebag and a newspaper.

The solemn ceremony of re-dedicating the cornerstone at Kernville Elementary School on Monday began with a grand entrance of Masons into the school’s auditorium.

In showing their continued support for public schools, the Masons presented Kernville Elementary Principal Aileen DeLapp with a check for $1,000 for the elementary school to use as they wish. 'I appreciate all the support the Masonic Lodge has given all the local schools,' said DeLapp.

The following day, Kern Valley High School’s ceremony was conducted in the school’s newly constructed Fine Arts building. Current principal Dr. Jeanie Brachear, retired principal Bob Dreiling, and Kernville Union School District Superintendent Mary Barlow were in attendance.

Brachear thanked the Masons for their support of public education and community work. ' The work you do within the community - supporting the elderly, veterans, and the scholarships given to Kern Valley - are much appreciated,' Brachear said.

The Fine Arts building was dedicated with the presenting of the cornerstone and time capsule, which contained a plethora of contemporary items. Kern Valley Library contributed a current library card and a Harry Potter book; Joe Ciriello gave an issue of Newsweek, dated March 10, 2008; Pizza Factory provided one of their menus; Kern Valley Sun gave a copy of its April 16, 2008 edition; and Kern Valley High School students included a pictorial history of their school as well as a 2008 yearbook. The capsule will be opened in 2108.

As they did on Monday, the Masons showed their continued support for public schools by presenting Kern Valley School Principal Dr. Jeanie Brachear with a check for $1,000 for the school to use as they wish.

The tradition of the Masons performing the laying of cornerstones at important buildings dates back hundreds of years as a tradition signifying the strength and harmony of the public and in particular the support of government and education.