Workers find original cornerstone of nation's first basilica

Published: 2006-07-12

BALTIMORE (CNS) -- It was at half past eight in the morning July 7, 1806, when a small group led by Bishop John Carroll participated in the solemn dedication of the cornerstone of the Baltimore church now called the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Two hundred years later, with $32 million in renovations on the historic landmark coming to a close, that cornerstone, a piece of Aquia Creek sandstone, has again become a focal point. As members of the Basilica Historic Trust, religious leaders and other guests gathered July 7 to re-enact the dedication ceremony of 200 years ago, it was announced that after an exhaustive search workers for construction contractor Henry H. Lewis had discovered the white stone about 20 inches below the brick-paved surfaces at the southwest corner of the basilica. "The laying of this foundation stone was a bold move by a bold, visionary man," said Mark Potter, executive director of the Basilica Historic Trust, the private, nonprofit organization entrusted with the care of the cathedral.

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