Media Advisory - Close to 1000 people expected at the cornerstone laying ceremony of the new Shriners Hospitals for Children-Canada in Montreal!

MONTREAL, Sept. 18, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - At 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 22, 2013, the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Quebec, freemasons, officials from Shriners Hospitals for Children^®- Canada and Shriners from around North America will be joined by politicians, patients and supporters for the ceremonial laying of the cornerstone of the hospital's future premises at the Glen campus.

WHAT: Steeped in tradition, a cornerstone laying ceremony is overseen by the local Grand Master of the local Grand Lodge. Most of the ceremonies of the Masons are private. But this special masonic event is very public. Because of their heritage as builders, freemasons have historically performed a special ceremony at the laying of cornerstones for new buildings. The cornerstone concept is derived from the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation, important since all other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure.

A Little Bit of History
Historically, the laying of a cornerstone for a new building was a very big, festive celebration. The stone is checked, using ancient tools, to be certain it is straight and level because a building constructed on a poor foundation is not strong. Today, this ceremony is symbolic. Next, the cornerstone is consecrated with corn (or grain), wine and oil - all of which are masonic symbols of prosperity, health and peace.

WHEN: Sunday, September 22, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. (Media interviews possible at 1:00 p.m.)

WHERE: The Glen Campus (Décarie Boulevard between St-Jacques and Crowley)

SOURCE: Hôpital Shriners pour enfants (Canada)

Emmanuelle Rondeau
Communications & Marketing Manager
C: 514-207-1057 / 514-207-2267

Source
Charles Pitts
For Shriners Hospitals for Children® - Canada
C: 1-877-990-9044