The Ceremony

The cornerstone laying ceremony was scheduled for August 16, 1910, the Honorable R. McBride, Premier of British Columbia having accepted the invitation to lay the official stone. The stone was a carefully selected granite block that was lettered on two sides, the side facing View Street bore the inscription, “Jesus Christ Himself Being the Chief Corner Stone,” and other side bearing, “Erected, 1910.” The ceremony was much anticipated, not only due to the presence of the Premier, but because of the central role that the YMCA played in the community. Invitations were sent to the City Ministers, Members of Parliament, representatives of the City Council, school trustees, military authorities, board of trade, Canadian Club, Development League, United States Consul, and the press. A platform was erected for the purpose, with seating arranged for the invited dignitaries. R.B. McMickering, the president of the YMCA, guided the ceremony, opening the celebration by leading the crowd in singing, “Rock of Ages.” Various guest speakers led the gathering in prayers, dedications and through the history of the YMCA in Victoria, before calling upon Premier McBride to “perform the brief but impressive ceremony of laying the corner stone,” to the tune of “How Firm a Foundation.” One of the most important elements in the laying of the cornerstone is the placing of the time capsule, a small copper box, containing important elements of the YMCA and Victorian life.

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