Shriners Children’s Texas Hosts Masonic Cornerstone Ceremony

On May 20, 2024, Shriners Children’s Texas hosted the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Texas, who conducted a Masonic Cornerstone Ceremony amidst the construction of the hospital’s new patient housing facility and parking garage. In attendance at the ceremony were a number of local masons and Shrine nobles, as well as past and present hospital board members. Also present were Imperial Potentate Ed Stolze, Jr., Imperial Sir Jerry Gantt and Imperial Sir Mark Hartz.

This 40-unit housing facility will provide a much-needed sanctuary for patients and their families who travel from all over the United States and the world, to receive Shriners Children’s Texas' amazing specialty pediatric care. The garage addition will provide improved parking and accessibility for outpatient and surgical visits, as well as additional spaces for hospital employees and guests.

According to Imperial Sir Mark Hartz, “Today's ceremony marks a very important milestone in the ability of Shriners Children's to take care of the kids from all over the world. When completed, this facility will give us a resource to make sure those children and their parents who come for our care have a place to comfortably rest their heads, knowing we are here to not only treat their child, but to care for our patient’s family during what might be a difficult time.”

“The Masons have gathered as operative workers to construct the great cathedrals and buildings of stone throughout the world. Today’s ceremony gives us the opportunity to recognize that Masonic heritage that we have in building this great cathedral, and making sure that children are taken care of.” says Hartz.

The new additions, located on the south side of the hospital building along Postoffice Street, will be completed in the fall of 2024.