I read the article "LDS temple cornerstones preserve artifacts for the ages" (Aug 20). The piece failed to note that the custom of placing mementos inside cornerstones was chiefly done by stonemasons and later by Freemasons to be tangible "remembrances of commitment" by a people to the principles of which they held dear. Hence, cornerstone boxes often contained newspapers, coins, pieces of scripture, lists of prominent citizens of the day and even some of the working tools used by the craftsmen. The object wasn't so much to be a "time capsule" but rather to be a succinct summation of worthy endeavors meant to be emulated by future generations. As a Freemason myself, I often have to remind people to not look upon such objects as a curiosity of the past but as a pointer to the future.
Cornerstone boxes are comparable to a compass to show "from whence we came" and prompt us to be mindful of where we are heading. Capturing time in a box is meaningless unless we have the commitment to continue what was started. "Continuance and Remembrance" is truly what a cornerstone box holds.
James A. Marples
Provo