BLOOMINGTON, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Construction of the new Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center will begin with an official Cornerstone Laying Ceremony and dedication under the auspices of the Grand Lodge of Masons of Minnesota on Saturday, August 23, 2014 at 11 a.m. Hosted by Minnesota Masonic Charities, the event will include a processional featuring the Pipes and Drums of the Zuhrah Shriners, and will be attended by dignitaries from Minnesota Masonry and the City of Bloomington, among other notable guests.
“The laying of the cornerstone, typically in the northeast corner of the building, is symbolic in Freemasonry, which grew from the practice of stonemasons,” said Eric J. Neetenbeek, president and CEO of Minnesota Masonic Charities. “As the first stone set in the construction of a building, the cornerstone is significant in that all other stones will be set in reference to it.”
The Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center replaces two obsolete buildings on the Masonic Campus site in Bloomington, Minn. The new Heritage Center will complement the majestic Masonic Campus in style and introduce the concepts of Freemasonry and its significance in history. Components of the Center include a 3,500 square-foot Masonic Museum and Library, a 425-seat auditorium, a Masonic Lodge, breakout rooms and dining facility.
“Minnesota Masonic Charities envisions the Center as a destination for all to enjoy, a place to come and learn some history, make use of the auditorium or simply find inspiration,” said Neetenbeek. “This campus is really a jewel of the community and has a great deal of historic significance. We hope to share that with all who visit the Center.”
About Minnesota Masonic Charities
Among the largest
grant-making organizations in the state, Minnesota Masonic Charities
(MMC) is the nonprofit organization of Minnesota Masonry. MMC promotes
greater levels of Masonic charity by uniting and combining contributions
to charitable causes. Through its grants and services, MMC supports
healthcare, medical research and education. The organization’s total
charitable grants average nearly $5.6 million a year, as part of yearly
services totaling nearly $70 million.
