Special EditionatCHRISTIAN SYMBOLS ETBU
3
E
stablished as the College of Marshall in 1912, East Texas Baptist University began as the God-given vision of Rev. W.T. Tardy, pastor of First Baptist Church Marshall – to found an institution of higher learning that would properly prepare students to follow their calling, expand the Kingdom of God, and enhance the city of Marshall. By the grace and sovereignty of God, that vision continues to expand over 110 years later here on the Hill. The dedication to Christcentered education is known by all who study in these classrooms, walk these halls, and invest in our beloved East Texas community. Whether attending Hymn Sing in Baker Chapel, a Tiger Tailgate at The Grove, or an academic presentation in Marshall Hall, all who visit ETBU will see that the campus has been intentionally designed to glorify God and remind students of the power of God’s Word.
This special edition of the Hilltop Magazine highlights sacred symbols and spaces on the campus of East Texas Baptist University. The images found within, while ornately designed, are not merely decorations. Following God’s revelation in Deuteronomy 6 to impress His Word on our hearts by making them an integral part of our daily lives, these Christian symbols have each been thoughtfully placed to remind the campus community and visitors of our Divine calling here on the Hill – to be the light of the world.
Greeting all who come to the Hill is the monument to ETBU’s motto – May the Light on the Hill Never Die. Day and night the Light on the Hill illuminates our campus and serves as a reminder to all ETBU Tigers to be Christ-like servant leaders, who shine the light of Jesus throughout their lives.
CHRISTIAN SYMBOLS EAST TEXAS BAPTIST UNIVERSITYat Hilltop
“HEAR, O ISRAEL: THE LORD OUR GOD, THE LORD IS ONE. LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH. THESE COMMANDMENTS THAT I GIVE YOU TODAY ARE TO BE ON YOUR HEARTS. IMPRESS THEM ON YOUR CHILDREN. TALK ABOUT THEM WHEN YOU SIT AT HOME AND WHEN YOU WALK ALONG THE ROAD, WHEN YOU LIE DOWN AND WHEN YOU GET UP. TIE THEM AS SYMBOLS ON YOUR HANDS AND BIND THEM ON YOUR FOREHEADS. WRITE THEM ON THE DOORFRAMES OF YOUR HOUSES AND ON YOUR DEUTERONOMYGATES.”6:4-9 IMAGERYBIBLICAL 4 Hilltop | Special Edition
SERVANTDIVINESTATUE
In fulfilling ETBU’s mission and vision to instill Christian servant leadership qualities in its students, Kerrville, Texas, artist Max Greiner, Jr.’s “Divine Servant” statue rests outside the Rogers Spiritual Life Center. Donated by ETBU President Emeritus Dr. Bob Riley and his wife, Gayle, this sculpture depicts the moment found in John 13 where Jesus washes His disciple’s feet. The statue serves as a reminder that just as Jesus humbled Himself to serve others, so should we also strive to serve others in all that we do.
FISHER OF MEN STATUE 6 Hilltop | Special Edition
Max Greiner, Jr.’s “Fisher of Men” statue immortalizes the moment Jesus called brothers Andrew and Simon Peter to become fishers of men in Matthew 4:18-20. The sculpture, donated by Joe and Marilyn Hogue, bears the inscription “Dedicated to all who pass this way and become fishers of men.” The image of our Savior and Lord stands in the Quad as a reminder of God’s calling for everyone who chooses to follow Him to share the hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Hilltop 7
The Ten Commandments, sculpted in Texas Granite, is prominently placed at the forefront of the ETBU campus outside of Marshall Hall and is a historic reminder of God’s provision for His people and the University’s commitment to teaching His truths.
The Ten Commandments handed down by God to Moses and the Israelites are a pillar of God’s revelation to man.
COMMANDMENTSTENSCULPTURE
PRAYER AT CROSS PARK
8 Hilltop | Special Edition
Located at the ETBU campus entrance, the Prayer Garden at Cross Park offers a sacred space for students, faculty, and staff to pray and reflect upon the saving work of Christ, as shown so powerfully through the three white crosses. This quiet garden, a short walk from the busyness of offices and classrooms, allows the campus community to retreat from their daily routines and spend time in prayer with their Heavenly Father. The Prayer Garden at Cross Park reminds all who pass by of the power and necessity of prayer in our relationship with God.
GARDEN
GOODGALLERYSAMARITAN
Hilltop 9
Thanks to the generosity of ETBU alumna Dr. Rita Storie Turner (‘48), ETBU commissioned artist Melinda Marlowe of Cimarron, New Mexico to create replicas of famous artists’ renditions of Jesus’ biblical parable of the Good Samaritan found in Luke 10:25-37. The art collection displayed in the Marshall Grand, ETBU’s downtown campus, features replicas of work by Vincent Van Gogh, Eugene Delacroix, and Jean-Francios Millet, among others, spanning centuries of art history, style, and technique. The gallery also includes an original work by Marlowe, titled “The ETBU Good Samaritan.” The painting depicts a female ETBU nursing student helping an elderly woman. Marlowe’s creation serves as a powerful reminder that anyone can be a Good Samaritan by loving and caring for their neighbor.
“THEREFORE, MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS, MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO CONFIRM YOUR CALLING AND ELECTION. FOR IF YOU DO THESE THINGS, YOU WILL NEVER STUMBLE... SO I WILL ALWAYS REMIND YOU OF THESE THINGS, EVEN THOUGH YOU KNOW THEM AND ARE FIRMLY ESTABLISHED IN THE TRUTH YOU NOW HAVE. I THINK IT IS RIGHT TO REFRESH YOUR MEMORY AS LONG AS I LIVE IN THE TENT OF THIS BODY, BECAUSE I KNOW THAT I WILL SOON PUT IT ASIDE, AS OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST HAS MADE CLEAR TO ME. AND I WILL MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO SEE THAT AFTER MY DEPARTURE YOU WILL ALWAYS BE ABLE TO REMEMBER THESE THINGS.” 2 PETER 1:10,12-15 CHRISTIANSYMBOLS 10 Hilltop | Special Edition
THE CHRISTIAN FLAG
The flag consists of three distinct symbols each with a special meaning. The white field represents Jesus’ purity, a reminder of who and what Christians should strive to emulate. The blue canton stands for the waters of baptism. The cross in the center of the blue field is a symbol of Christ and His work of salvation; the cross is red, reflective of Christ’s atoning blood.
Designed in 1897, the Christian Flag has long been a symbol of Christian unity and peace. The Christian Flag is displayed prominently throughout the University’s campus, most notably atop Marshall Hall, where it stands as a beacon to all who enter the hilltop campus.
CHRIST IS THE REASON PLAQUE 12 Hilltop | Special Edition
Prominently displayed in every building on campus is a plaque reminding all who enter that Christ is the reason East Texas Baptist University exists. Though a simple statement, this truth has profound implications for all that takes place across ETBU’s campus and within its classrooms. Each aspect of the University, be it academics, athletics, or student life, is accomplished with the sole focus on Christ and the goal of spreading His Gospel message of love and service. Regardless of the subject matter, every class is centered on the truth of God’s Word and designed to prepare the student to live out their God-given calling in ways that glorify Him. As stated on the plaque, Jesus is the model servant leader all ETBU Tigers should seek to follow.
STATEMENTMISSION
Upholding the mission statement’s aim to mold servant leaders, ETBU integrates faith into all aspects of University life. Students are challenged to examine their learning and service through the call to Christian faith as they serve God and people.
In 2016, the ETBU Board of Trustees and Administration established an institutional mission statement encompassing ETBU’s goal of creating a Christ-centered University that is grounded in biblical truth while preparing students for their future careers from a Christian worldview.
Hilltop 13
The Core Commitments are displayed next to the ETBU Mission Statement in each building across the University’s campus. The two statements guide ETBU to fulfill its Kingdom purpose to stand firmly and boldly as a Christ-centered University. The plaques are an affirmation of the values imbued by the University into the lives of its students and a declaration of the University’s calling to develop Christian servant leaders. The Core Commitments of Embracing Faith, Engaging Minds, Empowering Leaders, and Enhancing Community are the promises of the ETBU educational experience.
COMMITMENTSCORE
The University Seal features the shield of the Christian faith. Emblazoned on the center is St. Andrew’s Cross. From Ephesians 6, this reflection of the armor of God proclaims the foundation that ETBU is built upon the cornerstone of Christ. Surrounding the shield are the Latin words: Veritas, Mores, and Scientia translating to Truth, Character, and Knowledge, which stand as the pillars of the University. Anchoring the University Seal is the year 1912 when Rev. W.T. Tardy founded ETBU’s forerunner, the College of Marshall. The Seal also features two Texas Lone Stars, representing the College of Marshall and East Texas Baptist College, the institution’s Texas Baptist heritage, and its rich contribution to Texas history. The Seal is located in numerous places around campus to serve as a constant reminder of the University’s commitment to Kingdom education.
UNIVERSITYSEAL 14 Hilltop | Special Edition
Marshall Hall, built in 1916, is the institution’s oldest building and has stood as an icon for Christian education since its inception.
St. Andrew’s Cross of Jesus Christ is emblazoned on the center of the shield, an armor proclaiming the foundation of ETBU built upon the cornerstone of Christ.
Surrounding the shield are the Latin words: Veritas, Mores, and Scientia. These hallmarks translate to Truth, Character, and Knowledge.
Proverbs 3:5-6, the University’s theme verse, appears on the chevron as a guidepost to the University Family. The prominent engraving of the Bible showcases ETBU’s commitment to integrating biblical faith and learning. The globe directs our focus on the throughouthaveofrepresentsCommission,GreatbutalsotheimpactETBUalumni,wholivedandservedtheworld.
Max Greiner’s Divine Servant® statue, which sits in front of the Rogers Spiritual Life Center, inspires the University Family to follow Jesus Christ’s model of humble,servant leadership.
The sprigs of oak, pine, and myrtle are symbols of the heritage handed down through generations of Tigers – the strength of the oak, the ever-flourishing life of the pine, and the grace of the myrtle. Scarborough Cross is a significant reminder that the grace of God is sufficient for all things and is a symbol of students’ spiritual formation at ETBU.
Hilltop 15
The ETBU Class Ring is filled with significant and inspiring symbols of the transformative Christ-centered experience students encounter while on the Hill. In Deuteronomy 6, the Lord commands us to carry and display our love for Christ with all our heart, soul, and strength. God calls us to place His precepts for life upon our hearts and challenges us to tie His commandments as symbols on our hands. As graduates carry the love of Christ with them in their respective callings, they are also encouraged to carry this token of the Christian education they received at ETBU.
The Light on the Hill was installed in 1932 and remains front and center of the University as a symbol of enduring guidance, knowledge, and truth. Our “Home on the Hill” is void without our students, proudly known as Tigers. This signifies that the future of ETBU is in the hearts and hands of its Tiger graduates.
CLASS RING
1912, the year Rev. W.T. Tardy founded ETBU’s forerunner, the College of Marshall. The seal features two Texas Lone Stars, representing the College of Marshall and East Texas Baptist College.
16 Hilltop | Special Edition
The Light on the Hill featured prominently in front of Marshall Hall, stands as a symbol of enduring guidance, knowledge, and truth.
The University motto “May the Light on the Hill Never Die” is engraved in the brick wall surrounding the Light on the Hill. ON THE HILL
The Light, which has burned brightly night and day since 1932, serves as a reminder of the ETBU Family’s call from Matthew 5:14 “to be a city on a hill,” shining the Light of Christ across the campus, throughout communities, and into the lives of others.
THE LIGHT
Hilltop 17
ON BEHALF OF A GRATEFUL NATION 18 Hilltop | Special Edition
Standing outside Fenton Honors Hall in Jarrett Library “On Behalf of a Grateful Nation” serves as a visual tribute to those willing to lay down their lives to protect America, our nation’s freedoms, and others around the world who hope for our God-given inalienable rights: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. East Texas Baptist University is eternally grateful for the bravery and sacrifice that the men and women of our United States Armed Forces have made to protect our ability to freely serve and worship the Lord.
“On Behalf of a Grateful Nation” features the emblems of the five service branches of the United States Military and displays the theme Scripture verse of John 15:13. The reminder of Jesus’ love and His willingness to lay down His life serves as a challenge to those viewing “On Behalf of a Grateful Nation” to reflect His sacrificial love to our friends and neighbors across our community and country.
The Fenton Bible Collection Exhibit is showcased inside Fenton Honors Hall within Jarrett Library. This exhibit of the Texas Bible Foundation provides a historical display of the Holy Bible. The collection showcases the biblical foundation of ETBU and provides a quiet space for students to pour over their academic studies and God’s Word. The Fenton Exhibit features a diverse collection of rare Bibles and special display pieces, including a leaf from the Gutenberg Bible (1455), a Tyndale New Testament (1566), and numerous other Bibles dating back to 1762 and later. Printed in Latin, the Gutenberg Bible leaf is from Numbers 22. Published on the Gutenberg printing press circa 1455, the leaf is one of less than 50 copies of the Bible known to exist today.
FENTON COLLECTIONBIBLE Hilltop 19
“THE LAW OF THE LORD IS PERFECT,THEREFRESHINGSOUL. THE STATUTES OF THE LORD ARE TRUSTWORTHY, MAKING WISE THE SIMPLE. THE PRECEPTS OF THE LORD ARE RIGHT, GIVING JOY TO THE HEART. THE COMMANDS OF THE LORD ARE RADIANT, GIVING LIGHT TO THE EYES. THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS PURE, ENDURING FOREVER. THE DECREES OF THE LORD ARE FIRM, AND ALL OF THEM AREPSALMRIGHTEOUS.”19:7-9 WORDGOD’S 20 Hilltop | Special Edition
The visibility of Scriptures from the Holy Bible emphasizes ETBU’s mission to integrate faith into every aspect of life. The dedication to standing on biblical truth is confirmed through these visual displays of God’s Word.
ONSCRIPTURECAMPUS
God’s Word displayed on walls, in stone, and in artwork throughout the ETBU campus reflects the University’s commitment to follow the Lord’s instruction to teach, study, and meditate on His commandments. As directed in Deuteronomy 6, these commandments are to be on our hearts – we encourage our ETBU Family to talk about them at home and as they walk along life’s paths.
22 Hilltop | Special Edition
Hilltop 23
PROVERBSUNIVERSITYTHEMESCRIPTURE3:5-6
24 Hilltop | Special Edition
Appearing throughout campus, Proverbs 3:5-6 serves as ETBU’s theme Scripture. The passage emphasizes the importance of trusting completely in the Lord and surrendering daily to His will. This Scripture guides the University to never waver from its Christ-centered mission to educate students through biblical faith and learning and to equip them for their callings to God and humanity.
Hilltop 25
“COME, LET US BOW DOWN IN WORSHIP, LET US KNEEL BEFORE THE LORD OUR MAKER; FOR HE IS OUR GOD AND WE ARE THE PEOPLE OF HIS PASTURE, THE FLOCK UNDER HIS CARE. PSALM 95:6-7 MOMENTSSACRED 26 Hilltop | Special Edition
As a part of ETBU’s commitment to foster an environment of active prayer, for over ten years, students, faculty, and staff have gathered in the Quad during one early morning in September for the annual See You at the Pole global day of prayer. The student-led tradition enables the Tiger Family to pause in prayer during the busy semester and intercede for their campus, friends, family, churches, communities, and country. YOU AT POLE
THE
SEE
Rogers Spiritual Life Center is home to Baker Chapel, the 1,480seat sanctuary where the University community convenes for worship services, cultural and educational programs, conferences, and weekly student Chapel. An important part of students’ spiritual formation at ETBU is Chapel, with each Chapel program designed to challenge their walk with Jesus and to encourage fellowship with other members of the ETBU community. As godly followers of Christ Jesus, we recognize the privilege of gathering for worship where we may express to God our dependence on Him, hear and respond to the Word of God, grow in our understanding of the Christian faith, and offer heartfelt praise to our Heavenly Father.
STUDENT
CHAPEL 28 Hilltop | Special Edition
To signify the start of their life on the Hill, freshmen participate in the Lampsato Ceremony during Tiger Camp, the new student welcome week held prior to the start of the fall semester. During the candle lighting service, students hear about the Light on the Hill, what it signifies, and how they can implement Jesus’ teachings in their daily lives. The service includes time for worship and prayer, and further emphasizes the Lampsato mission of Matthew 5:16, “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
30 Hilltop | Special Edition
CEREMONYLAMPSATO
Students also receive a replica of the ETBU Class Ring on a keychain as a reminder of the gift they will receive at the end of their undergraduate studies. The ceremony is a reverent time and an encouragement as first-year students begin this new season of life.
Each year, the University community and various church groups from Texas and surrounding states gather in Baker Chapel to praise the Lord through hymns, fellowship, and celebrating traditions of faith at the Great East Texas Hymn Sing. The event draws hundreds of participants each year for the jubilant afternoon of praise and worship.
Hilltop 31
The hymns, the great songs of faith, have been sung since 1912 when the pastor of First Baptist Church Marshall stood on top of the Hill and claimed it for God. East Texas Baptist University is committed to preserving the heritage of worship through the singing of the great hymns of our Christian faith.
GREAT EAST TEXAS HYMN SING
“THE APOSTLES GATHERED AROUND JESUS AND REPORTED TO HIM ALL THEY HAD DONE AND TAUGHT. THEN, BECAUSE SO MANY PEOPLE WERE COMING AND GOING THAT THEY DID NOT EVEN HAVE A CHANCE TO EAT, HE SAID TO THEM, ‘COME WITH ME BY YOURSELVES TO A QUIET PLACE AND GET SOME REST.’ SO THEY WENT AWAY BY THEMSELVES IN A BOAT TO A SOLITARY PLACE.” MARK 6:30-32 SACREDSPACES 32 Hilltop | Special Edition
CHAPEL
LAMPSATO
The mural of Jesus’ teaching by the Sea of Galilee is procured from Matthew 5. Each window features a selected Scripture verse with a correlating symbol.
One stained glass window depicts an anchor drawing from Hebrews 13:6 and another features a heart inspired by Matthew 25:40. Other stained-glass murals illustrate a living tree, a sheep and shepherd’s staff, a dove with an olive branch, and a pitcher and water basin.
Located on the second floor of the Ornelas Student Center, Lampsato Chapel, donated by Lee and Susan Bush, provides students, faculty, and staff a place to worship individually or collectively in an environment that exudes symbols of Christ. The stained-glass windows adorning Lampsato Chapel point to Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and the peace, hope, and life found through faith in Him.
CHAPEL ON THE HILL
The Chapel on the Hill provides a dedicated house of worship to focus on the power of prayer, the sanctity of biblical marriage, and the memorial celebration of loved ones. Given by Gene and Patsy Ponder and other supporting donors, the Chapel on the Hill overlooks the gardens, pathways, and pond of the adjacent Kenny Ponder Park. Views from the Chapel Hall provide a sense of peace and serenity for guests on any occasion. ETBU’s Chapel on the Hill stands as a symbol of peace, love, harmony, and hope.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 is etched at the foot of McWhorter Arbor, given by John and Suzanne McWhorter, as a reminder just steps away from the Chapel on the Hill of the biblical teaching of love. Within Ponder Park is Robbins Reflection Garden, given by Don Robbins in memory of his wife Marilyn, providing a tranquil environment to sit and be still with the Lord. The garden features eight verses carved in cast stone, specifically selected to emphasize the role of prayer in the life of believers.
Adjacent to the Chapel on the Hill, Kenny Ponder Park is a peaceful outdoor area featuring gardens, walking paths, and an arbor surrounding the campus pond. The Ponder family, led by the sons of Kenny Ponder, generously provided funding for Kenny Ponder Park in memory of their beloved father, son, and brother. Throughout Ponder Park are meaningful Bible verses uniquely carved in stone fostering a sense of reflection and contemplation on the Lord’s provision.
PONDERKENNYPARK
36 Hilltop | Special Edition
East Texas Baptist recognizes the importance of creating spaces for outdoor fellowship; providing the Tiger Family opportunities to gather, learn, and grow alongside each other. The Grove features a terrace for worship events, musical theater, and personal use. Study tables, lounge seating, the Grove art display, and water-rock features create a place for outdoor gatherings such as ETBU sporting event tailgating and other student life activities.
THE GROVE
Hilltop 37
Scarborough Hall, dating from 1948, was originally built as Scarborough Memorial Chapel in memory of W.F. and Kara Scarborough and Lee R. and Neppie Scarborough. The NeoGothic architecture and stained-glass windows on three sides of the original chapel remain following renovations completed in 2004. Scarborough Hall now serves as a four-story academic building housing offices and classrooms for the School of Christian Studies and Humanities, Department of Communication Studies, Department of Languages and Literature, and Department of History and Political Science.
SCARBOROUGHHALL
38 Hilltop | Special Edition
EDITOR Sara Braun Vice President for Communication and Strategic Initiatives DESIGNERS Will Edwards Director of Marketing and Communication Alyssa Rummel Digital Media Coordinator Bailee Woodall Design Coordinator WRITERS Steve Braun Development Officer and Assistant to the President Josh Bumpas (’21) Marketing Student Worker Sydney McBride (’22) Communication Coordinator PHOTOGRAPHERS Josh Bumpas (’21) Kathryn Pedroza (’22) James Coreas Photography Alyssa Rummel Will Edwards Bailee Woodall Luis Lopez Photography & Video (LLS Real Estate) UNIVERSITY LEADERSHIP Dr. J. Blair Blackburn President Dr. Thomas Sanders Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Sara Braun Vice President for Communication and Strategic Initiatives Dr. Scott Bryant Vice President for Advancement Ryan Erwin Vice President for Student Engagement and Athletics Lee Ferguson Vice President for Financial Affairs Dr. Jeremy Johnston Vice President for Enrollment NUMBERS TO KNOW (903.923.____) Admissions 2001 Advancement 2071 Alumni Relations 2043 Marketing and Communication 2374 University Switchboard 2000 SUPPORT ETBU STAY CONNECTED www.ETBU.edu/give or 903.923.2071 www.ETBU.edu Hilltop Magazine is published by ETBU Department of Marketing and Communication. ©2022 East Texas Baptist University. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. To obtain permission, email marketing@ETBU.edu. Unless noted otherwise, Scripture references are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version , NIV Copyright© 1973, 1979, 1984, 2011, by Biblica Inc.™ All rights reserved worldwide. HILLTOP ONLINE Read Hilltop Magazine online at www.ETBU.edu/hilltop. UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION Submit mailing address changes at www.ETBU.edu/alumniupdate. POSTMASTER Send address changes to ETBU Marketing: One Tiger Drive Marshall, TX 75670 SPECIAL EDITION Scott McCurdy Assistant to the President Kathryn Pedroza (’22) Marketing Graduate Assistant
One Tiger Drive Marshall, TX 75670 903.923.2000 | WWW.ETBU.EDU
