Calvin College - Prism Yearbook (Grand Rapids, MI)

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BUILDING ON HERITAGE The pageantry and fanfare of the centennial celebration was clearly audible on the campus, but the students were not overwhelmingly im- pressed by the brick banks and promotional gimmicks. They were not ungrateful forthe doctri- nal bulwarks and ethical standards the centuries had left them, but for most of them, Van Raalte and Scholte were only honored names. The youth of 1957 were mainly third and fourth generation Americans desperately trying to shake off the last traces of Dutchiness, and increasing numbers of them were coming to college. The school, like the church, was suffering growing pains. It would have been a significant year for Calvin without a centennial, for facilities were crowded to the breaking point, and she faced the necessity of action. Back from the closets came the question of ecclesiastical support. The junior college movement gained momentum. A special synodical committee attempted to dis- cover a solution to the widely divergent views. No clearcut answer presented itself, but one thing was plain. Calvin could not stand still. The present campus was inadequate, and build we must. Prayerfully, cautiously, and perhaps reluctantly, the Synod of 1956 authorized the purchase of Knollcrest Farm. 19

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F' WHITE DOME AND YNEEPING INILLOINS No construction was permitted by the synodi- cal decision, but ii Knollcrest Farm was ever to become a campus, building opportunities there appeared unlimited. Formerly the estate oi in- dustrialist J. C. Miller, the gently rolling 'I66 acres were developed by him from an orchard, a golf course, and several farms into one of Michi- gan's most desirable residential properties. An acre and a half artificial lake mirrored a stately English-type manor house, and it was surrounded by nearly four thousand trees. Calvin and Mr. Miller soon became fast Friends. As a parting gift, the ailing gentleman presented the school withfurnishingsand eauipmentvalued atS30,000. The night before he left Knollcrest, the A Ca- pella Choir, holding its fall outing there, gathered at the vine-covered front door, and for the First time, the Calvin Alma Mater sounded across the gardens and woods. Nostalgically the retired industralist listened. This will be a wonderful place for a college. Students thought so, too. The Weeping willows were soon as Familiar as the white dome. 21