Lee University Dedicates New School of Religion
By Cameron Fisher
CLEVELAND, TN–A new building dedicated exclusively to the School of Religion at Lee University was formally dedicated on November 7, 2008. The ceremony recognized key individuals and organizations which made the $5 million facility possible.
When Lee University began 90 years ago, the Bible was the central textbook of reference at what was then known as Bible Training School. While the tiny school has blossomed from 12 students and one teacher into a comprehensive university, today’s event solidified Lee University’s commitment to their roots. The new classroom building to serve the needs of religion majors is less than one mile from the original site of BTS in 1918.
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In this tranposed image, Darlia Conn assists John Nichols (center) and Lee President Dr. Paul Conn in cutting the ribbon (photo courtesy of Andrew Millar) |
Within the walls of the 35,000 square feet of space at the School of Religion are seven “technology-enhanced” classrooms, a 204-seat lecture hall, 32 faculty offices, computer center and preaching lab.
A highlight of the second level is the Jerry Dixon Reading Room which houses a unique collection of 3,000 books. The Lee University Board of Directors has named this special set of books the Charles W. Conn Collection in memory of the former Lee president. The collection includes approximately 2,000 books from the personal libraries of such individuals as Cecil B. Knight, Ray H. Hughes Sr., R. Leonard Carroll, Elmer and Bea Odom, Robert E. Fisher, M. G. McLuhan, and Cliff Schimmels. (others are to be added in the future.) The core of the collection is the 1,000 books owned by the late Charles W. Conn. In addition, the collection includes 1,000 newly purchased volumes which were chosen by the Lee University faculty. The books emphasize scholarly and academic works, and were funded by gifts from Lee professor Donald N. Bowdle and the Central Church of God of Charlotte, North Carolina.
The lobby is a unique space, defined as a “dodecagon”, a twelve-sided figure. The area includes a student lounge, computer station, entryway, and a snack bar. According to Lee University president Dr. Paul Conn, “the lobby has already become a favorite place for Lee students to cross paths and spend casual time.” In recognition and gratitude for the extraordinary support Lee University has received from the Central Church of God, the board of directors designated the space as the “Charlotte Commons.”
The Jones Lecture Hall has been named for long-time Lee board member Kenneth “Deacon” Jones and his wife, Faye. The Jones’ have generously supported Lee in many capital projects and special needs. The Deacon Jones Dining Hall, dedicated in 1996, honors one of their earlier commitments to the campus. Conn stated, “The Jones family is an outstanding example of leadership in business and support of Lee University.”
The November 7 dedication ceremony took place following a luncheon attended by more than 200 friends, Lee staff and supporters. Music was provided by the Voices of Lee and comments were offered by Lee University President Dr. Paul Conn. Due to inclement weather the actual ribbon-cutting took place indoors with Dr. John D. Nichols, a former board liaison and champion of Lee University, President and Mrs. Conn slicing the ribbon. The ceremony was followed by a tour of the facility.
The new School of Religion at Lee University is part of the $30 million Press Toward the Mark capital campaign which, in addition to the new building, has realized a renovated Walker Arena, new health clinic, land acquisitions, a new set of student townhomes, campus-wide computer and infrastructure upgrades and new scholarships. The final portion of the campaign is construction of a new science and math complex currently under construction of the opposite side of campus.
