Hope College - Milestone Yearbook (Holland, MI)

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In 1917, the wind whistling woefully through the goal posts, sounded taps for the team that had carried the name of Hope into the realm of football. everything exists for the sake of that church, and this Institution exists chiefly for the sake of extending that church. It was under him that a small, but suitable chapel was built by the student body in order to meet its religious needs. All hail, old chapel, the 'old boys’ of Hope salute thee. The college was in the midst of financial crisis. In 1878, it finally reached its crucial point, which resulted in the adoption of a series of resolutions by the Reformed Church General Synod, which advocated a complete reor- ganization of Hope College. In addition, the college was also faced with administrative problems. Unless these problems were remedied immediately, the anchor of Hope would sink into a sea of oblivion. As a result of this reorganization, Professor Gerrit J. Kollen, who had graduated from Hope in 1868, was chosen to be the next president. He had a wide knowledge of the school’s situation and was fully aware of the many There little Freshmen, don’t you cry, You The Chapel's Firm Foundation—was laid in 1927. will be a Soph'more by and by.” 6

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Happiness is . . . bein$ May Queen of 1917. 1900 Basketball Team—Hope's first. significant because it marked the beginning of an ever-expanding endeavor culminating in the foundation of Hope College. It was this step by the Reformed Church that prepared the way for the development of Hope College as a denominational institution. However, the school was still plagued by the influx of numerous secular ideas. Because of this, the Pioneer School was separated from the District School in 1853 and placed under the management of the Reformed Church Board of Education. In 1855, the Rev. John Van Vleck arrived in Holland and assumed the position of principal. It was he who raised the academic standards of the Academy, as well as fortifying the school’s relationship with the church. Conse- quently, the church proposed the expansion of the program of the Academy and sent the Rev. Dr. Philip Phelps, Jr. to become the new principal of the Academy. When Dr. Phelps had secured sufficient endowment, he made arrangements for the permanent establishment of the college. At his inaugural address on July 12, 1866, he, as the first president of Hope College, stated that The heritage of Van Zocrcn. Hoods dominated the Chemistry Department. 5

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problems that confronted it. During the ad- ministration of this Great Financial Presi- dent.” the college was placed upon a firm and lasting foundation.” New buildings be- gan to adorn the campus: Winants Chapel (1894), Van Raalte Hall (1903). Carnegie Gymnasium (1906), and Voorhces Hall (1906). An active period of growth and expansion followed. For example, there was the erection of Dimncnt Memorial Chapel during the administration of Dr. Edward D. Dimncnt, who had become the president of the college in 1918. At the dedication services in 1927, Dr. William Brancroft Hill commented that this Chapel—the most beautiful and com- manding of (all the campus) buildings—is a witness to . . . the important belief, that education without religion is a failure and a menace.” The chapel symbolizes the religious heritage of our school. Dimncnt Memorial Chapel was dedicated to the aims and pur- poses of the Dutch Pilgrim Fathers of 1847 —our aims and purposes. The feeling of our true purpose lies within these walls—a feel- ing which penetrates the entire campus and Another homer for the sororities. Dormitories are meant to be lived in, not looked at.