A vintage bible, photos, newspaper clippings, and other historic items were recovered from a 100-year-old Aurora Masonic lodge time capsule, which was unsealed Saturday, Aug. 22.
Approximately 50 people attended the two-hour evening event on the lawn at the Grand Army of the Republic Hall and Military Museum, 23 E. Downer Place in downtown Aurora. Hosts were the GAR Hall, Aurora Historical Society, and Lincoln Jerusalem Temple No. 90 Aurora Masonic Lodge.
The capsule was discovered before the emergency demolition of the historic Lincoln Masonic Temple in 2019, following a devastating three-alarm fire. The capsule is believed to date from 1921 to 1924, coinciding with the laying of the building’s cornerstone in 1921.
After welcoming attendees, Historical Society Director John Jaros opened the event by chronicling Masonic societies in Aurora and insights into each item in the capsule.
Teaming up to pry open the capsule with a hammer and chisel were Jaros, Eric Pry, director, GAR Hall; Anthony Garcia, Lodge No. 90 grand master; and Kevin Huber, lodge member.
Arriving late due to another community meeting, Aurora mayor John Laesch provided background on the capsule. He said, “When the old Masonic Lodge on the Near East side was demolished, a time capsule was discovered. When I moved into the Mayor’s Office, I discovered the copper time capsule in a utility closet. We removed it and contacted the Historical Society.
“The items discovered in the time capsule were remarkably well-preserved and included a Beacon Newspaper dated Sept. 8, 1922. Additional items included Masonic aprons, books and bylaws, a stone from King Solomon’s Quarry and original drawings of the Aurora Masonic Temple.
“Stay tuned for updates on when these items might be made available for public viewing,” Laesch said.
The event concluded with refreshments in the GAR Hall.
—Al Benson