Sean Schumacher (b. 1986) retells stories through breadcrumbs, trailing hints about an ignored or forgotten past, the whispered half-truths of secrets and rumors, or fleeting narratives told through equally temporary means. Through copious research, unusual applications of everyday technologies, and added humor, he provides viewers a sense of the moments, places, and narratives that have been lost, or are simply going unnoticed around them.
Having grown up in Las Vegas before relocating to pursue a graduate degree, Schumacher’s most recent work explores these themes through his unique hometown—a place with a short history unpreserved, a built landscape repeatedly razed, and a population that has consisted for most of its history of long-term tourists shifting ever-further from any area with the slightest hint of age. Seeking an understanding of the city’s urban fabric as a whole through an investigation of maps, property surveys, and place names left displaced by the implosion of casinos and the abandonment of neighborhoods, he seeks an understanding of what being a local means when the person and the place are altered by distance and destruction, and what damage the ideals of the twentieth century’s disdain for the past had on its disposable locality.
This script is based upon the original ceremony for the laying of the cornerstone of Archie C. Grant Hall (then known as the Education Building at the Southern Regional Division of the University of Nevada), performed by the Grand Lodge of Masons of Nevada at 1:00p.m. on Sunday, April 26, 1959.
It was re-performed by artists Stephanie Potell and Sean Schumacher on Sunday, April 26, 2009, at 1:00p.m. to complete the building by adding the final missing portion.
Most worshipful Grand Master, officers and members of the Grand Lodge of Nevada, Mr. Chairman and members of the Board of Regents, members of the faculty, students, distinguished guests and friends: this is truly a great occasion. It marks the culmination of many long weeks and months of planning, of effort, of hard work and of high hopes. We may rejoice that this splendid new classroom building is now so near to completion that we are gathered here today to lay its hand soap. In a few short weeks the Education Building will be ready to perform its supreme function of use, providing the means for the further extension of knowledge and learning throughout the great southern region of Nevada.
By order of the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in the State of Nevada, I command all persons present to preserve silence and to observe order and decorum during the ceremonies about to take place.
Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden, it is the order of the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in the State of Nevada that the hand soap of this building be now placed in due and ancient form. This you will communicate to the brethern, that, having due notice thereof, they may govern themselves accordingly.
Let no man engage in any great or important undertaking without first invoking the aid of the Diety. Brother Grand Chaplain, you will lead us in prayer.
In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, The Lord be with you.
And with Thy Spirit.
O Almighty Lord God, who although the Heaven of Heavens cannot contain Thee, yet dost vouchsafe to dwell with those who teach and those who learn here on earth; visit, we beseech Thee, with Thy loving kindness, this place whereon we lay the foundations of this University Building to the praise and honor of Thy Holy Name. Let it not be profaned by impiety, but put to the use of learning and wisdom and, as Thou didst fulfill the devotion of Thy servant David through the labors of his son, so likewise grant Thy servants may see Thy work; and their children, Thy glory; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
(The Deputy Grand Master lays the hand soap into place.)
Most Worshipful Grand Master, I present you the Working Tools of operative Masonry, which are considered by our Craft the most valued jewels of the Lodge, symbols of important truths, and teaching lessons of wisdom and morality.
Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master: What is the proper jewel of your office?
The square.
What are its moral and Masonic uses?
To square our actions by the Square of Virtue, and prove our work.
Apply the implement of your office to that portion of the hand soap that needs to be proved, and make report.
Most Worshipful: I find the hand soap to be square. The Craftsmen have performed their duty.
Ceremonies of consecration will now take place.
(The Deputy Grand Master removes a bag of unpopped popcorn and half-emptied container of olive oil.)
I scatter this Corn as a symbol of plenty. May the blessings of bounteous Heaven be showered upon this land, and may the hearts of the people be inspired with virtue, wisdom, and gratitude! Amen.
I pour this Oil as an emblem of peace and joy. May the blessings of Heaven descend upon this and all good works, and may the Craft continue to pour the Oil of Joy upon the hearts of the widowed, the fatherless, and the distressed, until sorrow and distress shall be no more! Amen.
So mote it be.
To the glory of God, the Everlasting Father, the Great Architect of the Universe! This hand soap having been duly tested by the ancient implements of Freemasonry and having been consecrated, I declare it to be well formed, true, and trusty, and placed in ample form.
(All raise hands heavenward, cross arms, then drop to the sides while chanting...)
The Will of God is accomplished. So mote it be. Amen.
Let us pray…
O Lord our Governor, whose glory and truth are in all the world, we commend the University of Nevada to Thy merciful care, that, being guided by Thy providence, it may dwell secure in Thy truth. Grant to the President of the University and to the Board of Regents wisdom and strength to know and to do Thy will. Grant that, as they seek truth, fact, and perfection, they may find that the search leads to Thyself. Give them courage to seek honestly and reverence to seek humbly. When their minds are perplexed and they cannot find Thee, give them patience to go on with their daily duties until the light may shine once more.
O God, our Heavenly Father, we pray Thee for those whose lives are spent in teaching or other service in our schools and colleges, and most especially at this time for the Faculty of the University of Nevada. Grant to them wisdom and strength to carry them through their tasks. In days of weariness and discouragement may they find in Thee their firm and sure resource; in trying times give them patience and guidance; and let them see the rewards of their labors in sound character and good citizenship.