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About the Luther Memorial and Bell Tower: |
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Luther Hall was the first building on the campus
when UMHB moved from Independence, Texas, in 1886, and was named
in honor of former president Dr. J. H. Luther. It contained all
of the classrooms, offices, parlors, chapel, cafeteria, living
quarters for the president and family, and dormitory. The dorm
space was filled the first year it opened (1886) and was
expanded in 1888. Luther Hall was considered to be one of the
finest academic buildings in Texas, until it burned on January
26, 1929. In 1955, a memorial of the arches and a bell tower was
constructed from the stones of Luther Hall. The memorial
includes a bell tower with two historical bells. The Horton
Bell, the lower bell in the tower, is originally from the
University’s first location in Independence. The upper bell, the
sophomore bell, can only be rung by sophomores as a traditional
privilege reserved for them. They fervently ring the bell for
special occasions and with each academic year. It has become a
gathering place for students and a backdrop for various programs
on campus, including the annual Easter Pageant, freshmen dubbing
and graduation ceremonies. |
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