Cornerstone celebration marks an important milestone in the development of new world-class care facility at the Masonic Homes of California’s Covina campus; fraternity also honors historic youth order’s centennial anniversary

Masons of California Grand Master Stuart A. Wright and officers of the Grand Lodge of California on Saturday dedicated a new skilled nursing and memory care facility at the Masonic Homes’ Covina campus with a special cornerstone ceremony. The event marked an exciting chapter in the Masonic Homes’ development as a world-class care center, with officers consecrating the new building with corn, wine, and oil—Masonic symbols of prosperity, health, and peace. 400+ Freemasons and guests from across California – including State Senator Susan Rubio and Covina City Council Member Walter Allen III – joined in the ceremony, which included a processional march through the campus grounds.

Bringing a new skilled nursing and memory care facility to the Covina area is an important service to the community.  The newest building on the 100 year old campus—and the newest facility of its kind in Covina—will include 32 new beds that will be split between memory care and skilled nursing services.   The facility will use a state-of-the-art neighborhood model for providing care in both settings.

The Masonic cornerstone ceremony is a time-honored tradition, which has taken place for hundreds of years in the United States and around the world. President George Washington, a Freemason, dedicated the U.S. Capitol Building during a cornerstone ceremony in 1793. In 1850, California Masons laid the cornerstone of the California State Capitol in Sacramento.

The following day, Grand Master Wright and Grand Lodge Officers returned to the Covina campus with members of the Southern California Jurisdiction of the Order of DeMolay to dedicate a time capsule and bench in recognition of the centennial anniversary of DeMolay International. The ceremony included a blessing with oil and featured speakers from both the Grand Lodge of California and DeMolay International.

From left to right: State Senator Susan Rubio, Covina City Council Member Walter Allen III, Executive Director of Covina Residential Services Judy Figueroa, and President and CEO Masonic Homes of California Gary Charland

About Freemasonry

Masonry is the world’s first and largest fraternal organization, based on the belief that each man has a responsibility to help make the world a better place. Through our culture of philanthropy, we make a profound difference for our brothers, our families, our communities, and our future. The mission of the Masons of California, to foster personal growth and improve the lives of others, is carried out through Masonic principles and tradition. Learn more at freemason.org/discoverMasonry. Follow us at Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

About the Masonic Homes of California

More than a century ago, the spirit of charity and relief for Masons and their families in times of need was the genesis of the Masonic Homes of California. Today, the Masonic Homes of California provides a variety of outreach services and operates continuing care retirement communities in Union City and Covina, California.  The professional staff at both campuses provides a vibrant lifestyle and excellent care based on Masonic values. For more information, visit masonichome.org or follow us on Facebook.

About DeMolay International

DeMolay International is one of the largest youth fraternities in the world. The organization is dedicated to promoting leadership skills, civic awareness, and fellowship in young men between the ages of 12 and 21. DeMolay members govern and direct their own activities under the advisorship of adults and are responsible for planning and managing their own programs and projects. For more information, visit www.demolay.org.

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