By RYAN SKAITH

The City of St. Joseph will mark a historic milestone next week as it celebrates the 100th anniversary of the City Hall cornerstone placement and the opening of a century-old time capsule.

The public ceremony is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Friday, March 27, on the City Hall patio and in the lobby. The event falls exactly 100 years to the day after the time capsule was sealed within the building’s cornerstone on March 27, 1926.

The evening begins with a formal rededication ceremony conducted by the Grand Lodge of Missouri, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Led by Grand Master and St. Joseph resident Emmett J. Bryson, the rites will mirror the original 1926 proceedings.

The ceremony will feature the traditional Masonic elements of corn, wine, and oil, which symbolize nourishment, refreshment, and joy. These elements are used globally in cornerstone ceremonies to invoke prosperity and harmony for the community. The Masonic portion of the evening is expected to last roughly 30 minutes; in the event of inclement weather, it will be moved from the patio into the City Hall lobby.

Following the rededication, the focus will shift inside to the lobby. Mayor John Josendale will deliver remarks regarding the building’s legacy before presiding over the official opening of the 1926 time capsule.

This event serves as the official kickoff for a year of local heritage celebrations. The city is preparing for a “double centennial” next summer, marking 100 years for two of its most iconic landmarks: the Missouri Theater, which opened June 25, 1927, and St. Joseph City Hall, which opened shortly after on July 7, 1927.

City officials encourage all community members to attend this rare look into St. Joseph’s architectural and civic history.