Capstone
cap·stone [ káp st-n ] cap·stones- Plural (NOUN)
1. Top stone: a stone used at the top of a wall or another structure
2. High point: something considered the highest achievement or most important action in a series of actions
– Encarta World English Dictionary
The Cornerstone (or foundation stone) concept is derived from the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation, important since all other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure. Over time a Cornerstone became a ceremonial masonry stone, or replica, set in a prominent location on the outside of a building, with an inscription on the stone indicating the construction dates of the building and the names of architect, builder and other significant individuals. The rite of laying a Cornerstone is an important cultural component of eastern architecture and metaphorically in sacred architecture generally.
– Cornerstone, Wikipedia
A Keystone is the wedge-shaped stone piece at the apex of a masonry vault or arch, which is the final piece placed during construction and locks all the stones into position, allowing the arch to bear weight. Although a masonry arch or vault cannot be self-supporting until the Keystone is placed, the Keystone experiences the least stress of any of the [other stones], due to its position at the apex….The term is used figuratively to refer to the central supporting element of a larger structure, such as a theory or an organization, without which the whole structure would collapse. Example: Trade is the Keystone of modern civilization.
– Keystone, Wikipedia
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This is just a fairly short post meant to sort out any lingering confusion as to the proper location of what the Bible repeatedly calls the ‘Cornerstone’. That particular location, of course, has been considered to always be Below, rather than Above. Keep in mind that it is the ‘Capstone’, not the ‘Cornerstone’, which happens to be placed in the same general direction as that of the infamous ‘all-seeing eye ball’ floating merrily on top of the American Pharaoh’s slave-built Pyramid.
With that said, it now seems an appropriate time to introduce the concept of a third type of specialized building stone known as a ‘Keystone’, which is, needless to say, very different from either the Capstone or the Cornerstone. A perfect visual example of a ‘Keystone’ can be seen just below, although in the picture it has mistakenly been labeled a ‘Cornerstone’ rather than a ‘Keystone’. In reality, this unfortunate, but understandable, error should rightfully be blamed on the scores of English-speaking Bible scholars and theologians who for years have been misleading their flocks by claiming that a ‘Capstone’, a ‘Cornerstone’, and ‘Keystone’ basically mean the same thing even though they never have and never will.
THE ABOVE IMAGE IS INCORRECT- The Red Arrow is pointing to a ‘Keystone’ NOT a ‘Cornerstone’. As an online authority notes patiently: ‘The Cornerstone refers to the first stone laid in a brick construction, and all other stones or bricks will be laid in reference to this stone. A Keystone, on the other hand, refers to the the usually triangular shaped stone at the top of an arch. They are two very different things.’ (Thread: Cornerstone, Keystone, Forum.Wordreference.com)
This is a Cornerstone, and a fitting representation of the Cross of Christ also fitting in perfectly with the surrounding bricks of stone, yet remaining a unique, distinctly different portion of a building’s foundation. One could rightfully claim that, even though Rabbi Jesus specialized in woodcraft as a carpenter, rather than stone like a Mason, history has proven beyond the shadow of any doubt, that when it comes to the beauty of architecture, nothing beats an old Church or Cathedral- which is of course a monument dedicated to HIM in particular- the ONLY Son of God. As they say, they don’t build them like they used to.
See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious Cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it need never be afraid anymore. (Isaiah 28:16)
That’s sad when one stops to think about it, it really is. Yet, don’t blame the men who still get their hands dirty every day building what the boss tells them to to using either wood (Carpentry) or stone (Masonry). Blame the one with ‘pens’ mightier than ‘swords’ who did nothing but spread lies about the Jewish Carpenter from Nazareth and his good Father from atop Mt. Sinai.
It’s fairly easy to see how modern history slowly unfolded. They called themselves ‘Masons’ simply so that they could call themselves ‘Free’ with ever attempting to work a hard day’s worth of work even once. What they really wanted was ‘Free’ thinking, ‘Free’ to mock and ridicule the long-haired nobody Jew from Galilee. Why did they ever bother naming after ‘builders’ when they were clearly intent on putting a wrecking ball through all that was good and beautiful, like the Master-Craftsmanship it took to build those ancient Cathedrals and the incredible, celestial music that used to echo throughout their halls and archways.
Thus. at least some of the ‘powers-that-be’ will continue to call themselves ‘Free’ Masons, while not having a clue how to put one brick on top of another. Sure they’re ‘Free’ all right. Yet, even with all of their ‘Freedom’ they have ‘gained’ for themselves and for ‘others’, they still don’t seem to have the true ‘Freedom’ it takes to actually build them just like they used to.
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The Cornerstone 