While researching some history of St. John the Baptist Catholic School, I came across an article marking the day the cornerstone of the historic school building was placed. Here is the article that appeared in the June 25, 1908, edition of the Jordan Independent:

Yesterday was Cornerstone Day

Ceremonies of Laying of Cornerstone of Catholic Parochial School

The Event a Local Holiday.

Picnic During Afternoon

Big Crowd.

Yesterday was a special holiday in Jordan, the occasion being the laying of the cornerstone of the new Catholic Parochial school building of St. John’s parish. It was also St. John the Baptist Day, the patron saint of the Jordan Catholic congregation. Combining as it did, ceremonies incident to both those occasions, June 24 of this year is the memorable day of 1908 in the annals of the local parish.

Solemn high mass began at 9 o’clock a.m., Rev. Father Henry Kuester being the celebrant. Father Louis of St. Joseph’s church was deacon and Father Germain of Belle Plaine sub deacon. The mass sung was Steble’s Priess Mass in D.

At the conclusion of the mass a solemn procession, with the U.S. flag in the lead, went to the site of the new school building. The procession included the school children, the Benevolent Societies, the clergy and the members of congregation and their guests. The cornerstone was blessed and laid and Father Henry delivered an eloquent address appropriate to the occasion.

The cornerstone weighs about 600 lbs. It is of St. Cloud granite and the gift of Rech & Yackly of New Prague. It is inscribed. "St. John’s School, A.D. 1908." In the stone were inclosed various records, mementos, coins etc.

After the ceremonies at the building site, the Jordan Cornet Band headed a procession to Schultz & Hilgers’ Park, where the Benevolent Societies, ladies and gentlemen, delightfully entertained. Refreshments were served on the grounds, Mr. Brode of St. Paul delivered an address and inspiring instrumental and vocal music, together with dancing in the broad pavilion, combined to make it a day of pleasure for young and old.

Perfect weather favored Cornerstone Day, and a good crowd was present, numbering not only the home people, but people from Belle Plaine, New Prague, Shakopee and even the twin cities."

For more information on the historic school, read the May 10 edition of the Jordan Independent.