3-052-677 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Royal Visit to Truro: the Prince of Wales laying the corner-stone of Truro Cathedral, [Cornwall], 1880. "May the good seed of His Word, sown here in the hearts of men, take root, and bring forth fruit a hundredfold, to their benefit and His glory. So mote it be."...the Prince made the following proclamation: "Be it known unto you that we, being lawful Masons, true and faithful to the laws of our country, although not ourselves operative masons, have from, time immemorial been associated with the erection of buildings to be raised for the benefit of mankind, the adornment of the world, and the glory of the great Architect of the Universe...We are assembled here to day in the presence of God to erect a house for the worship and praise of the Most High...". The laying of the stone was proceeded with, and in performing the ceremony the Prince used a mallet of some antiquity...The trowel was of silver...The Prince having smoothed the mortar, the stone was lowered into its place. His Royal Highness was assisted by the Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Sir Francis Truscott, as junior Grand Warden of the Freemasons...The service was full choral throughout, and rendered by a combined choir, accompanied by the Royal Marine band'. From "Illustrated London News", 1880.