The Ceremonial Laying of The Corner Stone of The Master Apt Building in NYC

What does a ceremonial cornerstone laying, a Vice President of the US, and a Russian esoteric mystic have in common with NYC? CeremonialSupplies.com, the best one-stop-shop on the net for all your corporate functions and ceremonial events brings you this refreshing tale of rituals performed for, and in the light! The Ceremonial Laying of The Corner Stone of The Master Apt Building in New York City has historical significance due to its connection with the renowned mystic, artist, and philosopher Nicholas Roerich. Roerich, along with his wife Helena Roerich, established their residence in the Master Building, which became the headquarters for their activities in the United States. Nicholas and Helena Roerich were Russian-born, and lived in Russia most of their lives before coming to the United States where they established an organization called the "Ag-Renewal Movement". This movement aimed to promote cultural renewal, spirituality, and a broader understanding of art, science, and human values. These teachings sought to inspire a renaissance in various aspects of human endeavor, emphasizing the unity of cultures and fostering a sense of global unity and peace. The thriving organization met regularly at The Master Apartment Building in NYC, where it was headquartered until 1937.

The Symbolism of Colors for Groundbreaking Ceremonies

Printed golden shovel blades

Roerich was a multifaceted individual known for his contributions to art, spirituality, and philosophy through his own interpretations of lofty ideals. He was involved in the Theosophical Society and was a proponent of Eastern philosophy and spiritual thought. Roerich was also an influential figure in the esoteric and mystic movements during the early 20th century. In other words, he was well known in the growing circles of students, discovering ancient, Eastern Philosophy. The vibration of colors such as lavender, lilac, and purples adorned some of his elegant Russian style garments. The color of consciousness is lavender, other spiritually significant colors are shades of blue, which have to do with the heart, and the soul.

purple shovel

That Which is Alike, Attracts

Henry Agard Wallace, the former 33rd Vice President of the United States from 1941 – 1945, under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Secretary of Agriculture from 1921 – 1924, and the nominee of the new Progressive Party in the 1948 presidential election, met Nicholas Roerich through common interests in spiritual and cultural matters. Wallace was an open-minded individual interested in philosophy, spirituality, and the arts, and he was particularly drawn to Roerich's philosophical and spiritual teachings, especially as it pertained to the supposed travels of Jesus in India.

The first meeting between Wallace and Roerich took place in Washington DC, in 1926 when Roerich was in the United States, and Wallace, who was then the Secretary of Agriculture, became aware of Roerich's work. Roerich's efforts in promoting cultural exchange, his artistic endeavors, and his spiritual teachings, especially related to the philosophy of Agni Yoga, aligned with Wallace's own interests. Wallace was intrigued by Roerich's vision of fostering global cultural understanding and the promotion of peace. Their connection led to a correspondence and friendship that continued over the years. Wallace admired Roerich's philosophical and spiritual views, and they shared correspondence discussing various ideas and concepts related to spirituality, culture, and global unity. This initial meeting led to Wallace's support and acknowledgment of Roerich's contributions to culture and spirituality, even incorporating some of Roerich's ideas into his own speeches and writings, and brought these tenets with him into the office of the VP, directly working with President Franklin Roosevelt.

shovel and hard hat display case

Groundbreaking Ceremony Essentials

desktop construction trophy

In architecture, the laying of the cornerstone and the first sod-cutting are part of the same groundbreaking ceremony. Items such as the ceremonial groundbreaking shovel, or shovels, depending on the number of people who will be cutting first ground in the ceremony, are essential in a Cornerstone Laying and a Groundbreaking Ceremony. Display cases holding the various items used, including the full size 42” groundbreaking ceremonial shovel, photos, etc., can be ordered and even placed inside a vault for a cornerstone. Ceremonial groundbreaking shovels can be customized at the stem, the blade, or the handle, or all three!

groundbreaking shovel and hard hat on shovel stand

Master Apartments held its groundbreaking ceremony and laying of the cornerstone on March 24, 1929 and the ceremony may have been attended by VP Henry Wallace and perhaps other dignitaries and personalities who promoted cultural and artistic endeavors. The contents of the vault within the cornerstone are of historical and symbolic significance, as they were placed there during a secret ceremony conducted by Nicholas Roerich and his associates. The vault in the cornerstone of The Master Apartment Building is known to contain several items that are associated with Roerich's philosophical and spiritual beliefs and may include Copies of Roerich's "Agni Yoga" teachings; a spiritual and philosophical doctrine developed by Nicholas and Helena Roerich. It includes a series of writings and teachings on various aspects of spirituality and the evolution of consciousness. The vault may contain various documents, manuscripts, and symbolic objects related to Roerich’s research, and work. One of Roerich’s beliefs include the travel of Jesus to India, where Roerich is said to have been shown evidence. The keepers of this knowledge refuse to provide outsiders with details to avoid onslaught of attention. It is often speculated that such a document or photo evidence may be in the vault. Roerich established the village of Naggar, in India in 1923 and in 1929 bought an estate that is still in the hands of the family. Whilst a fancy groundbreaking shovel, or a commemorative display plaque, or other ceremonial grand openings and groundbreaking items may not have been as easy to acquire as filling out an order form, CeremonialSupplies.com wants to make it just that easy for you! Click here for a quote.