The Grand Lodge of Texas held a cornerstone unveiling ceremony on Monday morning, Nov. 4, for Liberty’s new Fire Station 2. The ceremony was led by Michael L. Wiggins, past Grand Master of Masons in Texas, who guided attendees through the symbolic event.
Addressing the crowd, Kevin Binder, state cornerstone coordinator for the Grand Lodge of Texas, shared the importance of the Masonic cornerstone ritual, saying, “Most worshipful Grand Master, distinguished guests, and my brethren. One of the ancient customs that Freemasons observe is the symbolic leveling of a cornerstone. The ceremony is as old as Freemasonry itself and connects us directly to the craftsmen and stonemasons of the Middle Ages who erected the magnificent cathedrals across Europe.”
Binder noted that while the leveling ceremony is unique to Freemasonry, the tradition of laying cornerstones predates the organization and has biblical origins, with references found in both the Old and New Testaments.
He cited passages to illustrate the cornerstone’s historical significance, including Isaiah 28:16, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, a costly cornerstone for the foundation firmly placed,” and Mark 12:10, “The stone which the builders rejected, this became the chief cornerstone.” These verses, he explained, symbolize the cornerstone’s purpose as a foundation upon which structures, ideas, and even lives can be built.
Binder also highlighted notable instances of cornerstone ceremonies in American history. George Washington, while serving as President, acted as Grand Master Pro Tem of Masons in Maryland for the leveling of the U.S. Capitol’s cornerstone in 1793. Closer to home, the Grand Lodge of Texas presided over the cornerstone for the Texas State Capitol in 1885 and again for an extension in 1994.
“For centuries,” Binder said, “Masons have leveled the cornerstones of thousands of churches, public buildings, and lodges. The cornerstone reminds us that if we are to build any lasting structure, whether temporal or spiritual, it must rest upon a firm foundation and one that is truly set.”
Wiggins shared that Liberty’s Masonic Lodge dates back to 1848. He noted that Sam Houston himself likely attended lodge meetings here before an official charter was granted, and over the years, Liberty Masons have laid cornerstones on numerous public buildings in the area.
Fire Chief Brian Hurst expressed his excitement for the new station, which he sees as an essential addition to the city’s emergency response capabilities.
“I appreciate you guys coming. I do love the fact that we have this new grand building that we’re building for the city. It is going to be a wonderful addition to our force. I can’t wait to get it open, get people in it, and start doing business, conducting business. I want to thank the council and the mayor for doing everything that they could for us. We have a wonderful council and mayor, and our city manager Tom Warner. He’s been fantastic and a wonderful help in this process with the grant and getting all this stuff complete,” Hurst said.
The new station was made possible through a $5 million grant from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, along with $1 million from the City of Liberty. The project, totaling $6 million, represents a major investment in public safety infrastructure for the community. With Union Pacific’s rail line running through Liberty and often delaying traffic, Fire Station No. 2 will provide crucial access to areas south of the tracks, enabling faster response times in emergencies.
Scheduled to open in early spring 2025, the station will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, mirroring the capabilities of Fire Station No. 1 on Lakeland Drive. The facility will include three apparatus bays that will house a ladder truck, booster truck, medic unit, and rescue boat, enhancing the department’s readiness to handle diverse emergency situations. Inside, the station is outfitted with designated rooms for bunker gear, tool storage, hose racks, and a decontamination shower, ensuring that firefighters can maintain equipment and personal safety. Additional features include training rooms, a kitchen, dining area, lounge, exercise room, dormitories, offices, and a reception area.
In his remarks, Wiggins offered a blessing over the station’s future, saying, “May the corn of nourishment, the wine of refreshment, and the oil of joy, and all the necessities of life abound among men throughout the world. And may the blessings of the Almighty God be upon this undertaking, and may this structure, this building, here being erected, be preserved to the latest ages in order that it may promote the useful purpose for which it is designed.”
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