Park University - Narva Yearbook (Parkville, MO)

Page 12 text:

Administration Mackay HALL, the outstanding building on Park College campus, strikes all newcomers with its singular beauty. Its spires and gables reach imposing heights atop a steep and windy hill, and its bell tower, ivy covere d walls of yellow stone and long, narrow windows distinguish it further. Sixty-five years ago, this building was only a dream. While in Colorado recover¬ ing her health, Mrs. John A. McAfee heard Mr. Mackay saying his evening prayers in the next door hotel room. Recognizing him as a deeply religious and sympathetic man, she approached him with the idea of financing the construction of a desperately needed classroom building for Park College. A full investigation followed, and Mr. Mackay decided to give $25,000 if the students and Dr. McAfee would raise another $25,000. Thus, in 1887 the cornerstone was laid for the building bearing the donor’s name, and in 1893 the building was completed. Excavations had begun the preceding year when a terrace was cut in the hill slope for the building site. The work was done with a scraper and a team of a horse and a mule. Seven years of student labor, directed by Mr. C. P. Breen, an expert stone mason and contractor, were required to complete the building. Stone, which proved a more suitable building material than did the off-color brick that had been originally fired for the purpose, was quarried from a ledge on the hill where Waverly Hospital now stands. The outside stone walls were laid by professional, skilled masons, but the students were responsible for the interior. The inner walls were made with bricks. Until 1900 nearly all of the college classes were held in Mackay. Mackay base¬ ment was devoted to the science departments; the first floor included the Greek and psychology departments, the college library, and the president’s office (during Dr. Hawley’s administration); the second floor contained the office of the academic dean, (who also served as dean of men), and the president’s office (President Hawley excepted); the third floor was set aside for the literary clubs. The Lowell clubroom was in Dr. Manoil’s present office while the Parchevards met in the present office of Dr. Sanders. The Orions, when their club was formed in 1911, utilized the present French classroom where the O.A.C. emblem can still be seen blocked out in the floor pattern of the room. On Commencement Day in June, 1950, chimes were installed in the bell tower of Mackay. These chimes, were and continue to be, in the words of Dr. Griffith, a monument to Dr. McAfee’s ideals and to student labor.”

Page 14 text:

WBSBM fames X. Zwinfae T HE DIAMOND JUBILEE celebrations at Park College have been a great inspiration to me. Institutions and in¬ dividuals alike are tested by their ability to plan for the future while meeting the demands of the present. The seventy-five year life-span of Park College has covered the most turbulent period in world history. During these years our nation and indeed the whole world has moved from one mode of existence into something almost completely new. We must in part ad¬ just to new conditions and must in part hold fast to fundamental principles. Therefore, the administration of Park College has endeav¬ ored- to fulfill both obligations. While celebrating the Diamond Jubilee we have tried to visualize the Centennial; and our dreams of the future are not dreams alone but are commitments; commit¬ ments not only of money but also of effort and of conviction. The students here are an inseparable part of today’s work and tomorrow’s hopes. In that deeper sense the family of Park has sig¬ nificance. As future alumni you become the hallmarks of the college, by whom it will be judged, by whose quality of citizenship the in¬ stitution will impress the supporters of tomorrow. We wish you every good fortune, and give you our best wishes J. L. ZWINGLE President