Article published April 30, 1961

3 Cornerstones Laid By Masons

Three cornerstones containing "time capsules" were placed by South Carolina Grand Lodge Masons here Saturday.

The ceremony commemorated a special state-wide communication of Masons in Spartanburg.

Stones were laid at County Courthouse, County Library and City Hall and all-morning ceremony Saturday. Former Spartan Hugh N. Layne laid all three corner stones as Grand Master of the South Carolina Grand Lodge of Ancient Free Masons.

The cornerstones contain various documents, papers, maps and other material.

South Carolina Supreme Court Justice Claude A. Taylor of Spartanburg spoke at the laying of the stone at the Courthouse. Commenting about the time package, he said: "It is our earnest hope and prayer that when this one is opened by our successors, what they will find here will merit their approval."

County Court Judge Charles M. Pace, Spartanburg Bar President Thomas W. Whiteside and Sen. Charles C. Moore spoke briefly at the courthouse ceremony. The Rev. Capers Satterlee, rector of Episcopal Church of the Advent, gave the benediction.

Judge Pace, County Board Clerk R.H. Ashmore and J. Wade Hughston, veteran mason and retired postmaster, formed the courthouse ceremonial committee.

Mayor Neville Holcombe presided at the City Hall cornerstone laying. The Rev. Voigt O. Taylor, minister of the Bethel Methodist Church, gave the benediction.

County Library Board Chairman Carlisle Bean presided at the library ceremonial. The benediction was given by Dr. James S. Day, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church.

All cornerstones were placed at the northeast corners of the buildings in keeping with Masonic tradition.

Each of the metal containers enclosed in the stones bear a silver plate engraved with the names of Spartan Masonic Lodge 70, St. John's Masonic Lodge 333, Montgomery Masonic Lodge 362 and Beaumont Masonic Lodge 376; and the names of the Grand Master, the 21st Masonic District Deputy and the 1961 warrant officers of the four local lodges.