Seeking Solace
I'm in a reflective mood, so I thought I'd share one of my little rituals that I've developed in my time at Furman.
One of the defining hallmarks of our campus is the Bell Tower. Constructed in 1854 after the university moved to Greenville, the Furman Bell Tower has a long, rich history. Its bells once rang to celebrate Confederate victories. It summoned generations of students to their classes. It chimed in glory with Furman triumphs over their arch nemesis, Clemson, in sports. Makes me wonder why the Tigers made South Carolina their in-state rival. At least Furman earned the label. :)
The original tower was destroyed, along with Richard Furman Hall, to pave the way for a new shopping center. But as Furman took the first steps toward its modern-day look back in 1964 (the Bell Tower would have been 110 years old), plans were put into motion to build a 55-foot replica of the old 88-foot tower. Miniature, yes, but give them credit for taking pride in their past. Instead of building it alongside the modern Furman Hall, a peninsula overlooking the Furman Lake was chosen. No doubt the construction crew envisioned the sight that we students have come to take for granted. A majestic beacon illuminated by spotlights. Brilliant bells resounding over a crystal clear lake (we've certainly messed that one up, haven't we?). A shining symbol of the finest the university had to offer. And so the peninsula was expanded to make room for the Tower that we know today (with the original bell installed on the 5th level).
Whew. Hope I didn't scare you away with the history lesson.
Anyway, I like to walk around the campus on my nightly "patrols." And on most nights, I have to walk up to the Bell Tower or view it from the edge of the lake in front of the Dining Hall. Glorious sight with the mountains as a backdrop. Many times, I'll pace around the brick surface foundation, run my hand over its sand-colored, grainy exterior, look out at the lake beside the spotlight, or climb the interior spiral stairwell and just sit there for awhile. It's so peaceful. I like to go there whenever I need some space or to clear my thoughts. Sometimes, I'll be silent. Sometimes, I'll talk to God because He feels so close to me when I'm out there. Sometimes, I'll just listen to the ducks flapping and splashing around in the lake. To me, the Bell Tower is more than an engagement setting or a structure that looks good on a postcard. It's like an old and trusted friend. Yeah, I know, I'm associating with a tourist attraction. So sue me.
So that's one of my rituals. What's yours?
Song of the Day: Jars of Clay - "Be Thou My Vision"
Verse of the Day: "Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written." - John 21:25
One of the defining hallmarks of our campus is the Bell Tower. Constructed in 1854 after the university moved to Greenville, the Furman Bell Tower has a long, rich history. Its bells once rang to celebrate Confederate victories. It summoned generations of students to their classes. It chimed in glory with Furman triumphs over their arch nemesis, Clemson, in sports. Makes me wonder why the Tigers made South Carolina their in-state rival. At least Furman earned the label. :)
The original tower was destroyed, along with Richard Furman Hall, to pave the way for a new shopping center. But as Furman took the first steps toward its modern-day look back in 1964 (the Bell Tower would have been 110 years old), plans were put into motion to build a 55-foot replica of the old 88-foot tower. Miniature, yes, but give them credit for taking pride in their past. Instead of building it alongside the modern Furman Hall, a peninsula overlooking the Furman Lake was chosen. No doubt the construction crew envisioned the sight that we students have come to take for granted. A majestic beacon illuminated by spotlights. Brilliant bells resounding over a crystal clear lake (we've certainly messed that one up, haven't we?). A shining symbol of the finest the university had to offer. And so the peninsula was expanded to make room for the Tower that we know today (with the original bell installed on the 5th level).
Whew. Hope I didn't scare you away with the history lesson.
Anyway, I like to walk around the campus on my nightly "patrols." And on most nights, I have to walk up to the Bell Tower or view it from the edge of the lake in front of the Dining Hall. Glorious sight with the mountains as a backdrop. Many times, I'll pace around the brick surface foundation, run my hand over its sand-colored, grainy exterior, look out at the lake beside the spotlight, or climb the interior spiral stairwell and just sit there for awhile. It's so peaceful. I like to go there whenever I need some space or to clear my thoughts. Sometimes, I'll be silent. Sometimes, I'll talk to God because He feels so close to me when I'm out there. Sometimes, I'll just listen to the ducks flapping and splashing around in the lake. To me, the Bell Tower is more than an engagement setting or a structure that looks good on a postcard. It's like an old and trusted friend. Yeah, I know, I'm associating with a tourist attraction. So sue me.
So that's one of my rituals. What's yours?
Song of the Day: Jars of Clay - "Be Thou My Vision"
Verse of the Day: "Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written." - John 21:25
posted by david @ 7:04 PM
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