Taylor University - Ilium / Gem Yearbook (Upland, IN)

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...the four seasons of Helena ' s past? Just as the trees of the fall hold varied-colored leaves so did the Helena Memorial Building serve several purposes when she was completed in the fall of 1912. The man responsible for her completion was Merritt O. Abbey, who was then superintendent of maintenance at Taylor University. After her completion, she was the home not only of the music department but served as a gymnasium and auditorium as well. There musicians received instruction, enjoyed all forms of music and diligently practiced for hours, while downstairs athletes trained for sports. The Shreiner Auditorium on the upper level brought all of the students together as they praised and worshipped God in the chapel services. As fall comes to an end, the leaves wither away and the grass dies, leaving only remnants of what once was. On January 20, 1972, the Helena building met her winter when a faulty wiring between the second ceiling floor and roof caught fire and set the building in flames. She burned to the ground taking organs, grand pianos and an electronic control system with her. In the spring of 1973, the Helena building thawed from her winter state and became the Little Theatre Building where she housed the art department and hosted dramatic performances. Within her walls were heard the lines of actors 8 Helena P by Kathi Strong and actresses rehearsing day after day for each upcoming performance. When that night came, Helena resounded with applause as the young stars received their reward for their diligent work. Her role as the hub of artistic endeavors came to halt when she experienced her second ordeal. On August 19, 1986, the Helena building again burst into flames, this time in the hands of an arsonist. Only the Little Theatre which occupied the upper level of the building was destroyed; all the costumes, props and production equipment were lost. From music and sports to drama and art, Helena now serves Taylor University in a different capacity. After a year of reconstruction which began last summer, she is now the home of admissions, as well as the president ' s and provost ' s offices. Perhaps if Helena could speak she would share with us the experiences during those four seasons of her past. Today she stands strong and stately, emanating a sense of having persevered all weathers imaginable, easily becoming a symbol of permanence.

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Left -The 1971 cast of The Effects of Gamma-rays on l an-in-the-Moon IVIarigolds prepares for a performance In Little Theatre. Above - Helena in 1912: gymnasium, music building and chapel, all in one. Below - The Helena of today stands near the Taylor entrance and welcomes all arrivals.