Cornerstone holds Canyon Lake time capsule

Mayor Frank Kessler and City Councilman Bill Trembly hold the plaque that covers the cornerstone at the base of the flag pole in front of City Hall. File photo

The City of Canyon Lake held a Masonic Cornerstone Laying Ceremony on Apr. 1, 2000. Laid in the cornerstone at the base of the flag pole in front of City Hall is a time capsule that will help future generations understand and learn about the community. The time capsule will be opened in the year 2100, 100 years from the time it was laid in the ground.

Included in the small 3-inch by 15-inch time capsule is a history of Canyon Lake written by Canyon Lake pioneer Chuck Bishop, a tape of “Canyon Lake Then and Now” by Don and Elinor Martin, a list of City Council members and city staff in the year 2000, photographs of the new City Hall facility, a penny, dime, nickel and new golden dollar minted in 2000, an advertisement for the original Canyon Lake sub-division and the front page of the first copy of The Friday Flyer printed in the new millennium.

The Cornerstone Laying Ceremony was conducted by the Perris Masonic Lodge and demonstrated a tradition that dates back to biblical days. Among the ancients, according to Masonic symbolism, the cornerstone of important edifices was laid in impressive ceremonies.

A grand opening was held for the Canyon Lake Library on the same day. Canyon Lake resident Ardis Underwood was honored during the ceremony. Ardis, a member of the Friends of the Library and supporter of the library since its inception, worked many years to bring attention to the needs of a library in the community.

A catered reception was held on the patio at City Hall following the ceremonies. Music was provided by Ronti, who welcomed visitors on the keyboard.