FAITH OF THE FOUNDERS: First Cornerstone of U.S. Capitol Commemorates ‘Goodness of God’
(QUICK READ) — It was a Spring day on April 15, 1791, (but not yet Tax Day!) when the first cornerstone of the American Capital was laid and dedicated at Jones Point near Alexandria, Virginia, in a ceremony led by the Honorable Daniel Carroll and Dr. David Stewart.
The dedicatory remarks were delivered by Rev. James Muir, then Pastor of the Old Presbyterian Meeting House in Alexandria. Prominent in Muir’s remarks was this paragraph:
“Amiable it is for brethren to dwell together in unity; It is more fragrant than the perfumes on Aaron’s garment; it is more refreshing than the dews on Hermon’s hill! May this stone long commemorate the goodness of God in those uncommon events which have given America a name among nations. Under this stone may jealousy and selfishness be forever buried. From this stone may a superstructure arise whose glory, whose magnificence, stability, unequalled hitherto, shall astonish the world and invite even the savage of the wilderness to take shelter under its wings.” — Cited by Benjamin Morris.
Christian Life and Character of the Civil Institutions of the United States of America.
Many of the quotes reprinted in HillFaith’s “The Faith of The Founders” weekly series of posts are compiled from Benjamin F. Morris’ classic work, “The Christian Life and Character of the Civil Institutions of the United States.” Morris, an historian and pastor, published the first edition more than a century ago.
Quotations are also compiled from Mark Strand, author of the Daily Inspirations email he shares on request here and that HillFaith highly recommends to all congressional aides, be they working on Capitol Hill or in a state or district office back home.
Mark was for 16 years President of the Congressional Institute, and he is a former fellow of the Harvard Institute of Politics. He was also a 24-year veteran congressional staffer, including four years as Chief of Staff to Sen. James Talent (R-Missouri).