Mt. Vernon Lodge #99 Mason members dedicate new city hall with ceremony

 Members of Mt. Vernon Lodge #99 of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons held a dedication ceremony of the new Mt. Vernon City Hall in the building on Saturday, July 27. The ceremony incorporated the elements of corn, wine and oil, representing nourishment, refreshment and joy, respectively. The ceremony dates back to at least the late 18th century, and was used by George Washington when he laid the cornerstone of the nation’s capitol building on Sept. 18, 1793. Following the dedication ceremony, Greg Yoder, grand tiler, Richard L. Smith, past grand master, Mayor David Eden, Charlie Wigert, junior grand deacon and future grand master and City Administrator Max Springer pose for a photo. (Photo by Steve Chapman)