Members of Annawon Lodge 115 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of West Haven, led by Worshipful Master Joseph F. McVety, Jr., joined with the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Connecticut, AF&AM, led by Most Worshipful Grand Master Edward Page at Washington Elementary School on Washington Avenue to formally lay the building’s cornerstone recently.
The ceremony began with remarks from Mayor Dorinda Borer, who praised the Building Committee for keeping the project on time and under budget. She also thanked building architect Antoniazzi Associates for designing the structure to reflect the architecture and spirit of the surrounding neighborhood and it’s aesthetics.
In addition to Borer, other dignitaries included Board of Education members Patricia Libero and Robert Guthrie, Washington School Principal Alicia Limosani and Town and City Clerk John Lewis.
The laying of the cornerstone to a new structure is an ancient ceremony performed by Freemasons. President George Washington, as Master of his Lodge laid the cornerstone of the United States Capitol Building in Washington, DC in September 1793. Mayor Dorinda Borer poses next to the newly dedicated cornerstone with Annawon Lodge Worshipful Master Joseph F. McVety, Jr. at her right and Connecticut State Most Worshipful Grand Master Edward Page to her left as Board of Education member Patricia Libero and Lodge members look on.
“It is most appropriate for this ceremony to take place at a school bearing Washington’s name,” said Annawon Past Master Steven R. Mullins.
Mullins and McVety worked with Washington School Building Committee Chairman Ken Carney and the staff of the Gilbane Building Company in designing the cornerstone, which encompasses the West Haven City Seal and the Masonic Square and Compass.
The cornerstone, which is located in the exterior northwest corner of the building was donated by Gilbane.
Washington Elementary School is scheduled to open in time for the 2025-2026 school year. Washington students are attending the former Anna V. Molloy Elementary School on Meloy Road during construction.