The project of erecting a building, in memory of Phillips Brooks, has now asumed definite shape and only the execution of the plans remains.
The suggestion of commemorating the life and work of Bishop Brooks was first brought before the consideration of the University very soon after his death in 1893, and although the movement has been heartily sustained by the University at large, it has been impossible until the present time for any definite action to be taken. Before his death, the members of the Students' Committee thought seriously of erecting a building somewhere in the College Yard, for the purpose of extending the hospitality and co-operation of the various religious societies of the College. Phillips Brooks was greatly interested in this proposition and offered his services in whatever way he could do the most to materialize the project. Immediately after his death the project gradually developed into the present idea of erecting a "Phillips Brooks Hall," and now the University Corporation has granted for its site the north-west corner of the College Yard.
The building will be in line with Holworthy and parallel to Holden Chapel. The architectural design will harmonize with the surrounding buildings and when completed will be an ornament to the College grounds. Thus far $50.000 has been appropriated for its erection and it is the hope of the committee that after its completion an endowment will be left to ensure general improvements when necessary.
As yet no contract has been made for its erection and no plan drawn up giving details; but it is the intention of the committee in charge to build it four stories high and of brick with stone trimmings. The upper story is to be a hall, with the capacity of seating 250 persons. The lower stories will be divided into reception rooms and apartments for the meetings of the different religious societies. There will be two entrances in the centre of the building; one opening on the street the other on the yard. Not only have the class-mates of Phillips Brooks been most active in raising appropriations, but contributions have been received from all parts of the world.
The object of the undertaking is to make this memorial the centre not merely of intellectual instruction, but of general hospitable influences. And now that the work is so far advanced it is earnestly hoped that the project will be furthered to the utmost by the co-operation of the students. It has been suggested that a bust of Phillips Brooks would aid greatly in impressing on the minds of visitors the original object of the building and in bringing to their memory his heart-felt sympathy and depth of interest in every branch of student life.
The committee which has the memorial in charge is made up as follows: Robert Treat Paine '55, chairman; Professor Francis G. Peabody '69, Edwin H. Abbott '55, Professor George H. Palmer '64, Rev. George A. Gordon '81, and Rev. E. Winchester Donald, D. D., of Trinity Church, Boston.
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