On June 24, 1915, the cornerstone of the Missouri State Capitol was laid. In that cornerstone was sealed a time capsule that was opened last month. Today, Missouri marked that anniversary with a ceremony honoring the importance of the Capitol, and announcing what would go in a new time capsule to be opened in 2115.

(from left) Former Missourinet news director and master of ceremonies Bob Priddy, Governor Jay Nixon, Senator Mike Kehoe, Missouri Supreme Court Judge George W. Draper III, and Jefferson City Mayor Carrie Tergin on the stage at the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the laying of the Missouri State Capitol cornerstone.

(from left) Former Missourinet news director and master of ceremonies Bob Priddy, Governor Jay Nixon, Senator Mike Kehoe, Missouri Supreme Court Judge George W. Draper III, and Jefferson City Mayor Carrie Tergin on the stage at the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the laying of the Missouri State Capitol cornerstone.

Former Missourinet News Director Bob Priddy emceed the ceremony. He asked people in the crowd to remember that even as the previous Capitol building burned in 1911, an effort began to make some town other than Jefferson City the State Capitol.

Several power senators and other officials met that night to begin a campaign to counter that effort.

“On August 1, 1911, the bond issue went to a vote. It needed two-thirds approval. It got 75-percent for the bonds to pay for the construction of a building here in Jefferson City, the permanent state capitol city,” said Priddy. “That building, that vote, this cornerstone signifies that the seat of government would be secure to Jefferson City for as long as there is a Missouri.”

Governor Jay Nixon (D) recalled that the legislature passed, and he signed, a bill that will see the state invest $40-million in work on the Capitol. He called on present and future state leaders, including himself in his own challenge, to build on that investment and to work to preserve and protect the Capitol.

The plaque that will be placed to mark the re-dedication of the cornerstone.

The plaque that will be placed to mark the re-dedication of the cornerstone.

“A century ago those who designed and constructed this Capitol building – the third one in Jefferson City … envisioned it serving the people of Missouri for many generations, and so it has,” said Nixon. “Let’s stay true to our responsibility for both this generation of Missourians and for those generations to come after us.”

The original cornerstone was re-commemorated in a ceremony by Freemasons from the Grand Lodge of Missouri and the M.W. Prince Hall Grand Lodge. A new plaque was also unveiled, marking today’s ceremony.

Governor Nixon had invited Missourians to nominate items to be put into the new time capsule, and today he announced what those items will be.

Those will include a copy of Priddy’s book, The Art of the Capitol, baseballs autographed by the St. Louis Cardinals and the Kansas City Royals, an I-Phone, emblems from Ford, Chevrolet, and GMC, and a photo of the aftermath of the May, 2011, Joplin tornado.

AUDIO:  Hear Bob Priddy’s remarks at the rededication ceremony

AUDIO:  Hear Governor Jay Nixon’s remarks at the rededication ceremony

Check back with this story for a complete list of the items that will go in the new cornerstone time capsule.