Cornerstone Laying

Tan background with dark blue border. An image of a building is in the center with three circular portraits of men below it. Black text curls around top edge of button above the building.

A cornerstone is traditionally the first stone laid for the building’s structure, and it reminds people of the geographical location of the building. Cornerstones became a symbol of a new era by indicating prosperity and opportunity. Their pieces became collected from the historical interest of marking previously standing buildings. The cornerstone laying is often known as a ceremonial event rather than the first step of the construction process. During the ceremony, the cornerstone is laid with a ceremonial trowel by a well-known member of the institution or a local celebrity.

This building appears to be the early architectural design of the Pontifical College Josephinum, with its cornerstone laid in Worthington, Ohio 1929, a week before stock markets crashed bringing the sign of the Great Depression. The Josephinum was originally a German school for priests focusing on serving Catholic immigrant families. But as the demand for German-speaking priests declined, the Josephinum shifted its attention to prepare men for Church services within the United States and around the world. The portrait in the middle appears to be a photo of Monsignor Joseph Jessing, who is the founder of the Josephinum. The other two portraits are unknown at this time.

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