Bethany College - Bethanian Yearbook (Bethany, WV)

Page 8 text:

TfM i ' l ' I ' - ll I L Alexander Campbell described his ideal college as one located in a country setting, detached from all external society, and amidst the forest, fields, and gardens. The college proper, as pictured above, was the answer to his dream. This original Old Main structure served Bethany from 1842 to 1857. A tragic fire broke loose in Old Main on Dec. 10, 1857 and destroyed Old Main, despite the efforts of students and town people to extinguish it. Plans for reconstruction and the acquisition of funds began immediately. By February 1858, architectural plans for a new Old Main were developed. With tribute 4 to Mr. Campbell, James L. Wilson, and William K. Pendleton, Old Main was and still is recognized as the most impressive accomplishment in the country during that era. Throughout its long life. Old Main has been through many changes. In 1879 part of Old Main, Society Hall, burned down while another. Commencement Hall, was under construction. In 1911 with the funds of Earl W. Oglebay, Oglebay Hall was built at the site of the Old Society Hall. Through time, however. Old Main began to severely depreciate; the building needed to be repaired, moisture-proofed and updated both mechanically and electrically. It was decided in the early I970 ' s that Old Main should be restored, and that phasing would be necessary to complete such a task. The first phase contained the initial plans including fund raising and the selection of a contractor. Phase II began the major labor, and Phase III was used for planning, preparing and exploring Old Main in order to achieve a practical restoration. Construction was on a medium level and the College prepared for the closing of Old Main in Phase IV. The fifth and final phase is the perfecting of Old Main which is now in process.

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Vi ■ i HUH I II It iki liiiH ill I I I I li r -- - A- r..: Renaissance ... a new birth, a great revival of art, literature and learning. These past years have been a renaissance for Bethany with the past one being the height of our revival. It was a time when our leaders looked back in order to set goals for the future of Bethany. The physical appearance changed, academic programs were restructured, and students and administration began compiling a doctrine of principles for the school. A new Bethany? No, not really. It ' s more like a rebirth of the old Bethany that began with Alexander Campbell and continued through men like William K. Pendleton and Perry E. Gresham. Things change at Bethany as they do everywhere else, but somehow in Bethany, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Renovations have occurred, but nothing has touched the history, traditions or atmosphere of Bethany. It is a college and a community which exist together as one apart from the rest of the world. 1984-85 was our rebirth, the year Bethany saw a revival of not only structures but also foundations. This year ' s Bethanian will take you through some of this renaissance, because sometimes you have to look back into the past to understand the present and forsee the future.

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Reconstruction is not a new word when referring to Commencement Hall. Since its construction in 1872 it has taken on three different forms. In 1890 it became a gymnasium-, then a male dorm, and in 1923, it was converted into a hall and classroom. In 1984 the Hall has been returned to its original splendor. The reconstruction of Commencement Hall is part of Phase IV of the Restoration of Old Main, along with the renovation of the parlor room on the second floor, and classrooms along the corridor — including new offices for the President and Vice President.