Luther Memorial - Mary Hardin-Baylor University, Belton, TX - Bell Towers on Waymarking.com

The bells peal, the bells toll
And here memorial is the goal
Sightly setting, more than set dressing
The University history it's expressing.
Come and see, perhaps you'll hear
History as it eddies so near.

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The Historical Marker says it all:
LUTHER MEMORIAL
This memorial, an important symbol for the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, has historic ties to the earliest days of the school in Belton. Founded in 1845 at Independence, Texas, as the female department of Baylor University, the school moved here in 1886 as Baylor Female College under the leadership of president John Hill Luther. The first building at this site was a large, multi-story limestone structure with ornate Victorian detailing, tall columns, squared towers and rounded arches. The structure provided space for classrooms, offices, a chapel and a dormitory. Named for president Luther in 1919, it became the centerpiece of the growing campus.

An early morning fire on Saturday, January 26, 1929, raced through the historic building and, despite the efforts of several fire fighting companies, it was soon a total loss. Although more than 200 female students lived at this site at the time, no one was injured. For two decades, the charred ruins of Luther Hall remained, serving as a backdrop for commencements, musical presentations, classes and, beginning in 1940, an annual Easter pageant.

Efforts to utilize the ruins as part of a memorial began in 1944, with Luther family members contributing funds. Work began in 1954 on a plan to incorporate the building's original limestone blocks and preserve the architectural lines of its prominent arches. Other elements include a bell tower and commemorative stone wall. Since its dedication in May 1955, Luther Memorial has served as an important reminder of the university's rich traditions and its historic commitment to quality Christian education.

Address of Tower: University of Mary Hardin-Baylor campus, Vann Circle Drive Belton, TX USA 76513 Still Operational: yes Number of bells in tower?: 2 Relevant website?: [Web Link] Rate tower: Tours or visits allowed in tower?: Yes

Visit Instructions:
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Date Logged Log   01/25/2014 WalksfarTX visited it 09/26/2012 Tygress visited it 09/26/2012 Waterweasel visited it

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