Andrew Gerow Hodges Chapel

Beeson Divinity School

Samford University | Birmingham, Alabama

From the President

Dear Visiting Friends, Welcome to Andrew Gerow Hodges Chapel, one of the most cherished sites on the campus of Samford University. As a center of worship, praise and spiritual formation, Hodges Chapel is symbolic of the unique mission of Beeson Divinity School. Allow your eyes to survey the beauty of the facility and open your spirit to the stories told within this space. You will be reminded of God’s love, made known to us through Jesus Christ. Our institution is blessed with men and women who have pledged their resources for the benefit of future generations. Ralph Waldo Beeson and Andrew Gerow Hodges remain in our hearts as towering examples of philanthropy and stewardship. May you be inspired by the chapel that resulted from their love for God and for Samford.

Andrew Westmoreland President, Samford University

From the Dean

Dear Honored Guests, On behalf of the faculty, students and staff of Beeson Divinity School, I welcome you to this hallowed house of worship, which is dedicated to the glory of God, the service of His church and the furtherance of His kingdom. This chapel, redolent with symbols of the faith and decorated with beautiful Christian art, stands at the center of Divinity Hall. Its prominence and location at the heart of the building bears witness to the fact that Beeson is not merely a graduate school for the study of theology but rather a living community of faith and learning whose highest purpose is “to know God and to enjoy Him forever.” Every detail in this chapel has been designed to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ: Immanuel, “God with us.” This message is proclaimed in stone and wood, in color and light, in music and art, in word and sacrament. To visit, to worship, to pray in a place like this puts us in touch with the rich heritage of the Christian faith and gives us a sense that we are part of something greater than ourselves. As we worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness, mindful of the faith once delivered and a future yet uncharted, may we all be granted the wisdom and courage, by the grace of God, to heed the admonition inscribed on the tomb of Governor William Bradford (1588–1657) at Plymouth, Massachusetts: qua patres difficillime adepti sunt nolite turpiter relinquere “What our forefathers with so much difficulty secured, do not basely relinquish.”

Timothy George Dean, Beeson Divinity School A community of hope and

The mission of Beeson Divinity School is to prepare persons whom Godlove has called to be ministers of the Gospel for service in the Church of Jesus Christ. In keeping with this purpose, Beeson offers quality theological education in a Christian university setting from an explicitly evangelical perspective.

When the Alabama Baptist State social work, and certificate programs Susan Laney, a graduate, reflects on her Convention met at Talladega in in Anglican Studies and Missions. At divinity school experience: November 1841, it received a report Beeson, students study for ministry in an “At Beeson, I learned that no matter calling for “the establishment of a environment rich with the light and love what denomination we might be, we all Theological Institution connected with a that led them here, filled with the faith share a common belief in Jesus Christ. college hereinafter established.” that will lead them on. That’s what gave us, as students, our That long-deferred dream was Ralph Waldo Beeson, the school’s connection. The rest is just details. When fulfilled in 1988 when Beeson Divinity generous benefactor, was a devout you have struggled together over Greek and School opened its doors to an entering Presbyterian layman. His vision and Hebrew, prayed over someone’s dying child, class of 32 full-time students. Today, resources made possible the creation rejoiced over a child who has recovered, the there are more than 200 students of a new theological school that details cease to matter. They are just not enrolled at Beeson in the Master of would be at once confessional and enough to separate us.” Divinity, Master of Arts in Theological interdenominational; that is, a school Studies and Doctor of Ministry programs. committed to the great principles of As a university-based divinity school, historic Christian orthodoxy while at the Beeson offers joint-degree programs same time open to students and faculty in business, law, education, music, and from a wide variety of denominations.

Andrew Gerow Hodges Chapel

Andrew Gerow Hodges left Geneva, early leaders of the company that was “Recognizing Mr. Hodges’ role as a Alabama, for Birmingham to attend reorganized by Frank Park Samford. close personal friend, charged by Ralph Howard College. He graduated in Hodges was active in supporting Beeson with ‘looking after his investment 1942 and joined the Liberty National numerous local charities, including in Samford,’ the Board of Trustees felt Life Insurance Company. He also was the Boy Scouts of America. In 1962, he it appropriate to honor Mr. Hodges by a member of the Alabama National became a trustee of Samford University, naming the chapel for him,” said Corts at Guard. But when World War II was where he served for 43 years. During the dedication in 2002. “We believe it is raging, a football injury suffered in more than four decades on the board, he much deserved.” college kept Hodges from entering the rendered outstanding service to Samford Until his death in 2005, Hodges armed services. Determined to do his University and Beeson Divinity School. continued his work on behalf of part, he volunteered for service with the Hodges was among the first to draw charitable organizations, including American Red Cross and was attached the attention of the Beeson family to Dawson Memorial Baptist Church to the 94th Infantry Division in France. Samford University. “It is not too much where he was a longtime member. He In that capacity, he proposed and to say that the tremendous difference was honored with numerous local and negotiated the freedom of 149 Allied the Beeson family has made in Samford national awards for his civic endeavors. prisoners of war, for which he earned the University never would have happened In 1987, he received the Doctor of Bronze Star, the highest military award without Andrew Gerow Hodges,” said Humane Letters honorary degree from for a civilian. former Samford President Thomas his alma mater. Following the war, in 1946, he E. Corts. Hodges personally brought Hodges is survived by his wife, the returned to the insurance business together the Beesons and two Samford former Mary Louise Shirley; two sons, Dr. with Liberty National, beginning a presidents, Leslie S. Wright and Dr. Corts. Andrew Gerow Hodges Jr., and Gregory distinguished career that ultimately The Beeson family gave Samford R. Hodges; six grandchildren and five led to the position of executive vice more than $100 million during their great grandchildren. president, from which he retired in 1984. lifetimes and through the estates of the During his years with Liberty National, he brothers and their wives, Orlean and became friends with the brothers Ralph Lucille. Among many gifts, Ralph Beeson and Dwight Beeson, who also became funded and endowed Beeson School of his mentors. The Beesons were among Divinity, its building and chapel. Hodges Chapel

He gave in the love A good place to begin the tour of Andrew Gerow Hodges Chapel is the Beeson memorial tablet at the center of the chancel directly under the dome. Beeson Divinity School is named in honor of both Ralph Beeson and his father, John Wesley Beeson.

The likeness of both men is cast in known Methodist lay preacher, was The bequest funding Beeson Divinity bronze beneath the words: “This hallowed president of Meridian College. When the School was, at first, anonymous. Ralph place is consecrated to the spiritual and college was destroyed by fire in 1903, Beeson was reluctant to take credit for intellectual preparation of men and women John Wesley Beeson declared: “We must his magnanimous gesture. “It’s the Lord’s who will minister in Jesus’ Name to all continue classes tomorrow. Somehow, money,” he insisted. “He gave me the gift peoples to the ends of the earth until the God will show us a way.” John Wesley of making it. It’s His money, and I’m going end of time.” Two verses from the New Beeson passed on to Ralph and Ralph’s to give it back to Him.” Testament are inscribed on the outer younger brother, Dwight Moody Beeson, Elsewhere on the Samford campus, a band of the tablet: “For God so loved the an abiding sense of the presence and statue honoring Ralph Beeson bears the world that He gave His only begotten Son providence of God, shaping and guiding following inscription: “In a Spirit of Love that whosoever believeth in Him should not the events of our lives, working through and Christian Stewardship He Gave Away perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16); us and with us to achieve His purpose in All that He Possessed . . . To The Glory of “It is required of a steward that he be found this world. God. In the Halls of this University and in faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). Ralph Beeson’s success in the business the Hearts of its Sons and Daughters, the Ralph Waldo Beeson was born world was phenomenal, but his success as Christian Charity of Ralph Waldo Beeson on October 24, 1900, in Meridian, a faithful steward and witness to God’s love Lives on Forever.” Mississippi, where his father, a well- will endure throughout the ages. At the end of every pew is a circular medallion displaying the ancient Christian symbol AGNUS DEI, “the Lamb of God.” The depiction of the sacrificial lamb bearing the banner of the cross with its head encircled by the nimbus of victory is a composite symbol of Jesus Christ the Redeemer. A beautiful church is

Although originally spokena of a Greek Orthodoxsermon church, these words aptly describe the design of this chapel as well. The chapel reflects the same classical lines and attention to detail that mark the other Georgian-Colonial-style buildings on the Samford campus.

But the chapel also employs classical where it pierces the sky 110 feet from the architectural tools used by 16th-century chapel floor. Italian Renaissance architects, such as Throughout the chapel, the deep, Palladio and Viniola, and 17th-century rich grain of the cherry wood paneling, British architects, such as Christopher pews and organ pipe case recalls the Wren (moldings) and Robert Adams words of the Psalmist: “Praise the Lord (coffered ceiling). The building is an from the earth . . . mountains and all hills; original but was inspired especially by fruit trees and all cedars” (Psalm 148:7,9). Palladio’s Il Redentore, “The Redeemer,” The cherry wood was donated for the chapel in Venice. Like many churches chapel by Samford trustee Dr. John P. and cathedrals in Europe, the cruciform Mims and his family. It comes from trees shape of the building is a silent witness grown in northern Alabama. to the life, death and resurrection of The beautiful graining in the wood is Jesus Christ. The cross is also displayed enhanced by a special process of soaking in two other prominent places: at the the cherry lumber beneath water for apex of the organ casing where it stands three years. encircled by a crown, and on the exterior At the end of every pew is a circular of the building, high atop the dome medallion displaying the ancient The chapel dome weighs 90,000 pounds. Its exterior diameter is 41 feet and is 110 feet high atop the lantern. Primarily copper in content, it contains 10,000 pounds of 16-ounce sheets laid in 12-inch x 18-inch strips, and 22 tons of steel. in stone

Christian symbol AGNUS DEI, “the Romanian-born artist Petru Botezatu was Lamb of God.” Traditionally, this symbol commissioned. Petru began studying the has been associated with the ministry techniques of Byzantine and Renaissance of John the Baptist who proclaimed, master muralists in 1977. After being “Behold the Lamb of God, who taketh away imprisoned by Communist authorities, The communion table the sin of the world” (John 1:29). The Petru was removed from the official list of contains beautifully depiction of the sacrificial lamb bearing Romanian artists and forbidden to exhibit carved symbols of the the banner of the cross with its head his work. He subsequently found private Trinity and Jesus’ words encircled by the nimbus of victory is a commissions to paint the vaults, ceilings of institution inscribed in composite symbol of Jesus Christ the and walls of churches, chapels and Greek, “This do in Redeemer who conquered the power cathedrals. Under threat of imprisonment, remembrance of Me.” of evil through His atoning death and Petru fled Romania with his wife, Cora, resurrection.“Worthy is the Lamb, who and continues as a commissioned painter was slain, to receive power and wealth and and sculptor. wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”(Revelation 5:12). For the murals throughout the chapel, one of the last Old World muralists, Preach the word in season and out of season The pulpit is the most recent addition to the chapel. Its prominent location at the center of the chancel emphasizes Beeson Divinity School’s charge to train “pastors who can preach.” Each of the four great preachers featured on the pulpit holds a copy of the Scriptures, indicating Beeson’s commitment to faithful biblical preaching. From the supply of Alabama cherry wood donated by longtime trustee Dr. John P. Mims and his family, artisans with the Létourneau Organ Company in Quebec, Canada, carved the pulpit.

The four great preachers featured on the Chrysostom’s criticism of corrupt II. JAN HUS (1372–1415) Born to a pulpit are from four different periods of religious and political leaders led to his peasant family, Hus became the greatest church history. exile in the region of Eastern Turkey. After Bohemian Reformer. Educated in Prague I . JOHN CHRYSOSTOM (347– three years, orders came for him to be and ordained as a priest in 1400, he soon 407) Known as John of Antioch until moved to a remote village on the shore became a well-known Czech preacher at 150 years after his death, he was given of the Black Sea, but he died en route on the Bethlehem Chapel. Hus supported the Greek name Chrysostomos, meaning September 14, 407. More than 600 of his many of the doctrines of John Wycliffe “golden mouth,” because of his oratory sermons and 200 of his letters survive. and devoted himself to translating skills and powerful preaching. He lived four years as a monk and two years as a hermit in a cave, I II III IV practicing extreme asceticism which led to poor health for the rest of his life. He served as a priest in Antioch for fourteen years until he was ordained against his will as Bishop of Constantinople. many of Wycliffe’s writings. His violent sermons against the morals and abuse of the clergy provoked hostility. The sermons were denounced at Rome in 1407, and Hus was forbidden to preach. In February 1411, he was excommunicated, removed from Prague, and left to find in season refuge among his supporters in the Czech nobility for two years. His appeal of the decisions against him led to the Council of Constance in 1414, where he found his liberty threatened. Hus might have been left indefinitely in prison, but his followers insisted that he be given the hearing that had been promised to him. Refusing to recant, Hus was condemned to be burned at the stake. After his death, he out of season became a national hero, and many of his teachings were adopted by Martin Luther one hundred years after Hus’ death. III. JOHN KNOX (1513–1572) John Knox, likewise, is famous for his preaching but was in the beginning a reluctant preacher. People considered him strange and frightening, and he was known as narrow-minded and intolerant. But in the pulpit, he possessed a remarkable power, and by it, he started preaching against idolatry in 1559 led Church historians recall Whitefield the religious revolution in Scotland to rebellion and ultimately to reform. as Anglo-America’s most popular where he rallied Protestants to victory Knox’s cause found its greatest triumph 18th-century preacher and its first when they became discouraged. after his death in 1572. truly mass revivalist. As a preacher, he After graduating from the University IV. GEORGE WHITEFIELD (1714– commanded huge audiences across two of Saint Andrews, Knox was ordained 1770) George Whitefield, a Methodist continents without institutional support. a priest in 1536 and converted to evangelist, was born at Gloucester He wrote best-selling journals and drew Protestantism in 1543. Because of his of humble parentage. At Oxford, he audiences that likely numbered in the preaching against abuses in the Church came under the influence of Charles millions. Beyond his public appearance, and the monarchy, he was imprisoned as and John Wesley, following them to Whitefield embodied the message he a galley slave in France and was forced Georgia after his ordination in 1736. He proclaimed. He was a man of integrity into hiding in Geneva some years later worked closely with the Wesleys in the whose charitable efforts left him nearly when Catholic Mary Tudor became Great Awakening and remained friends bankrupt. queen. He was eventually condemned with them despite their differences in for heresy in Scotland in 1556. His theology. In the name of the Father Son and Holy Spirit All Christian churches—Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox—profess faith in the one triune God who from all eternity has subsisted in three divine persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. This cardinal doctrine of the Christian faith has been represented in various ways in the art and iconography of the chapel.

THE TRIQUETRA. The ceiling coffers superimposed on three interpenetrating are covered with medallions containing circles. This symbol represents the the triquetra, an encircled, three- doctrine of perchoresis; that is, mutual cornered symbol of the Trinity. This love and reciprocity without loss of classic geometric form is set against the unity within the divine Godhead. Three background of acacia leaves, a symbol of shields, each representing one of the everlasting life. Divine Persons of the Trinity, surround the Apostles’ Creed. At the top, a circular THE APOSTLES’ CREED. The trinitarian disc displays the open hand of God the structure of Christian belief is also Father, Maker of heaven and earth. To reflected in the Apostles’ Creed. This the left, an angelic figure bears a shield historic confession of faith is engraved with a crown and the letters IHS, the on a stone tablet with gold relief above Greek initials for “Jesus.” On the right, the balcony on the west wall of the a second angelic figure bears a shield The ceiling coffers are centered with chapel. At the top of the arch containing with the imprint of a descending dove, a medallions of acacia leaves, a symbol of the Apostles’ Creed is another trinitarian biblical symbol of the Holy Spirit. everlasting life, and the triquetra and circle, symbol, the image of a triangle the three-cornered symbol of the Trinity. Martin Dawes of Cherrylion Studios produced the chapel’s stone work, including the four pendentive discs and the Apostles’ Creed. Each is made of polyester combined with marble dust. The pendentive discs (below) depict symbols Father of the four evangelists. The Creed (left) depicts two seraphic figures surrounding a tablet containing the credo of the Christian faith. This projects from the wall through a bed of ivy, a vine with Son and branches symbolizing Christ.

Along with the Ten Commandments living creatures. . . Their faces looked like The Winged Man stands for and the Lord’s Prayer, the Apostles’ this: each of the four had the face of a man, Matthew, whose gospel emphasizes the Creed has been a standard feature of and on the right side each had the face of a humanity of Jesus throughout. catechetical instruction for Christians lion, and on the left, the face of an ox; each The Lion, representing Mark, is a of all traditions through the centuries. also had the face of an eagle.” traditional symbol of strength, royalty Each new semester at Beeson Divinity The same motif is repeated in the and courage, traits of Christ stressed in School is opened by a community-wide Book of Revelation 4:7: “The first living this gospel. recitation of this ancient confession of creature was like a lion, the second was like The Ox is for Luke. The ox was a faith. an ox, the third had a face like a man, the prominent, sacrificial animal of Israel fourth was like a flying eagle.” and alludes to the atoning sacrificial THE FOUR GOSPELS. The large, In illuminated manuscripts of the work of Christ, which is emphasized in circular pendentives at the four corners Middle Ages, such as the Book of Luke. of the dome supports depict traditional Kells, these figures became associated The eagle stands for John the symbols of the four evangelists. The with the four gospels and were used Evangelist who soars to heaven and figures are based on the four living to signify, respectively, the humanity, “gazes on the light of immutable truth with creatures described in Ezekiel 1:5, 10: royalty, sacrifice and divinity of Jesus keen and undazzled eyes” (St. Augustine). “and in the fire was what looked like four Christ.

A foundation laid by the apostles The shields of the apostles, carved by J. Wippell & Company Limited of Exeter, England, are traditionally placed in the nave rather than the chancel to signify the “Church Militant,” God’s people still struggling on earth against the powers of darkness, while the “Church Triumphant” rests with Christ in heaven above.

ST. PAUL. Start with the shield of the came to be his symbol. ST. SIMON. The symbol of a fish lying apostle Paul. The apostle to the Gentiles ST. JOHN. The shield of St. John upon a book alludes to St. Simon’s is represented by a sword and an open the Apostle shows a serpent wriggling success as a “fisher of men” through Bible with the phrase spiritus gladius, Latin forth from a chalice, which depicts one the power of God’s Word. He was a for “sword of the spirit.” Paul himself used of the many attempts made upon his companion of St. Jude on many of his this phrase in his letter to the Ephesians life: According to early writers, John was missionary journeys. (6:10–18) with reference to God’s Word as made to drink from a poisoned chalice, ST. PHILIP. The cross with a an integral part of “the full armor of God.” from which the Lord delivered him. John is carpenter’s square is a traditional symbol ST. JAMES THE LESS. The shield of believed to be the only apostle who died a for St. Philip. The cross indicates death by James the Less shows a vertical saw with natural death. crucifixion. The carpenter’s square, which three stones, which recalls his horrible ST. MATTHEW. Three money bags symbolizes the building of the Christian martyrdom in Jerusalem: After being led signify the original vocation of Matthew faith, may represent Philip’s position as to a precipice of the Temple and pushed as a tax collector before he was called to the first disciple called by Jesus. off, still alive, he was then stoned and follow Christ. ST. ANDREW. The symbol of St. beaten to death. Finally, his corpse was ST. JAMES THE GREAT. The shield Andrew is the combination of two fish sawn in pieces. of St. James the Great is adorned with crossed over a boat hook, signifying ST. JUDE. This apostle is said to have three scallop shells, which traditionally Andrew’s original occupation before being been a tireless missionary, having visited have been associated with pilgrimage. called to become a “fisher of men,” and Arabia, Syria and Macedonia with the Legend has James as the first to take the the manner in which he is traditionally good news of Christ; thus, he was given gospel to Spain (Compostella); hence, he believed to have died, on a cross, while a sailboat with a cross-shaped mast became the patron saint of Spain. preaching the gospel in Greece. for his symbol. Jude is also referred to ST. THOMAS. It is believed that ST. PETER. The shield of the apostle sometimes as Thaddaeus and Lebbaeus. Thomas preached the gospel in India, Peter shows two large keys crossed like ST. BARTHOLOMEW. Also known as where he was martyred, and that he the letter X, the Greek initial for “Christ.” Nathanael, Bartholomew was reportedly erected a church building in East India These recall Peter’s confession and our flayed alive, crucified and once dead, with his own hands; hence the three Lord’s response regarding the office of decapitated for his faith and message; stones and leather girdle commonly worn the keys, which he committed to Peter hence the flaying knife and the open Bible by builders. (Matthew 16:13-19). I II III IV V A time of grace in theyear of At the heart of the Christian message is the declaration that “in the fullness of time God sent forth his Son” (Galatians 4:4). The Christian year, which is depicted on the ten murals of the chancel apses, celebrates the redemption of time in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

ADVENT. Panel I depicts the of winter. This is a traditional symbol the nativity of Christ and Epiphany, prophet Isaiah pointing forward to of Advent as reflected in the medieval Greek for “manifestation,” as a unified, the coming of Christ. The prophet German hymn, Ses Ist Ein Ros’, “Lo, how a 12-day celebration from December 25 bears a scroll on which is written in Rose e’er blooming.” to January 6. This painting depicts the Hebrew the text of Isaiah 7:14, “Behold CHRISTMAS. Panel II depicts coming of wise men to worship the a virgin shall conceive. . . .” This mural is the birth of Jesus which Christians newborn King. based on an ancient Christian fresco celebrate at Christmas, the Festival of FOOT WASHING. Panel IV. Jesus discovered among the catacombs of the Incarnation. The Savior entered gave His disciples a new commandment: Rome. The Tree of Jesse serves as a the world in the humble surroundings “love one another as I have loved you” symbolic divider between the old and of a rough animal shelter, but his birth (John 13:34). On Maundy Thursday, new dispensations; that is, between was a cosmic event that attracted the from the Latin novum mandatum, “new prophecy and fulfillment. At the top of attention of angels. commandment,” Christians remember the Jesse Tree, a verdant rose bursts EPIPHANY. Panel III. Traditionally, Jesus’ enactment of loving servant- forth against the snowy background the Christian church has commemorated leadership in His washing of the VI VII VIII IX X

ourdisciples’ feet. Lord ASCENSION. Panel VII. When Jesus came upon them, as shown here, in CRUCIFIXION. Panel V. Here, the ascended to heaven from the Mount of flames of fire amidst rushing wind. crucifixion is portrayed against the Olives, His disciples were perplexed at PROCLAMATION. Panel IX depicts backdrop of Jerusalem and the darkness His going away. As they stood gazing the missionary and evangelistic activity that enveloped the sky above. The into the sky, an angel brought words of of the early church. Paul is shown inscription above Jesus’ cross, INRI, is comfort, “This same Jesus, Who has been preaching to the learned Greeks on an abbreviation for Iesus Nazarenus Rex taken from you into heaven, will come back Mars Hill while new believers are being Iudaeorum, Latin for “Jesus of Nazareth, in the same way you have seen Him go” baptized in the name of the Father, the King of the Jews.” (Acts 1:10–11). The ascension of Christ Son and the Holy Spirit. A symbol of the RESURRECTION. Panel VI. “Where, has stood as a pillar of encouragement Trinity can be seen in the clouds above. O Death, is now thy sting? Where thy to the church through the ages, REFORMATION. Panel X shows victory, O Grave?” This prophecy, reminding believers Christ’s presence at Martin Luther posting his 95 Theses on adapted by Paul from the prophet Hosea the Father’s right hand and the promise the castle church door in Wittenberg, (13:14), was fulfilled on the third day of God’s ultimate triumph over every Germany. This event occurred on Oct. after the crucifixion when Jesus rose form of evil. 31, 1517, which Protestant Christians from the dead. The painting depicts the PENTECOST. Panel VIII. Fifty days commemorate as Reformation Day. The message of the angel who delivered the after passover and the crucifixion, first of Luther’s 95 Theses is shown in first Easter sermon, “Why do you look for on the day of Pentecost, Greek for Latin: “When our Lord and Master Jesus the living among the dead? He is not here, “fifty,” the early Christians received the Christ said, ‘Repent . . .,’ He meant for our He is risen, just as He said” (Luke 24:5–6). empowering gift of the Holy Spirit who entire life to be one of repentance.” greatSurrounded by a cloud of

Therefore, sincewitnesses we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

With these sacred words from Chapter as a testimony to God’s power in the dome with a symbol of the Holy Trinity 12 of the book of Hebrews, the theme lives of vessels completely committed to and a document representing the Creed for the dome was set. As you raise your Him. of Nicea, a classic statement of Christian eyes to the top of the dome, you’ll feel PERPETUA AND FELICITAS. belief. During the Council of Nicea, almost like you’re looking at heaven. Perpetua, the earliest witness to God’s called by the Emperor Constantine in Floating 90 feet above the chapel floor, love depicted in the chapel dome, was a 325, Athanasius strongly defended the in the best classical style, is a scene of noble woman in ancient Carthage. Her doctrine of the Trinity. During his life, he the heavenly host. At the center of this faith in Christ and refusal to deny Him was persecuted and often exiled for his glorious scene stands the Savior, bearing caused authorities to put her and her faith. He is remembered for proclaiming the marks of suffering in His hands, slave, Felicitas, to death in 202 A.D. “The the truth of the gospel and standing firm with arms outstretched to embrace the Acts of Perpetua and Felicitas” was a contra mundum, “against the world.” world. Behind Him, in a cloud of faces, popular martyr story in the devotional AUGUSTINUS. St. Augustine of are thousands of witnesses, ordinary literature of the early church. In the Hippo lived from 354 to 430 A.D. He Christians throughout the ages, most of face of great persecution, Perpetua and helped form Christian theology and is them unknown by name, but fully a part Felicitas were sustained by their vision considered the greatest of the Fathers of the Church Triumphant in heaven. of heaven, represented here by a ladder, of the Church. His mother, Monica, Below them, but still high above, a with angels climbing up and down. was a devout Christian and influenced ring of sixteen witnesses spanning across Perpetua means “for all times” in Latin, him strongly throughout his life. A denominational, ethnic and gender lines and Felicitas means “happiness.” representation of Monica’s presence can oversee the work to be performed in this ATHANASIUS. Athanasius, bishop be seen in the painting. place of worship. Each depiction serves of Alexandria, Egypt, is depicted on the cloud of After his conversion and baptism inksplattered demon on his left. took on a life of their own and developed on Easter Day, 386, Augustine became THOMAS CRANMER. Thomas into an international movement reaching a priest and then a bishop, living a life of Cranmer was the first Archbishop of from Hungary to Scotland and New austere self-discipline. His Confessions and Canterbury of the reformed Church of England. City of God are great classics of theology. England and was responsible for creating Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian THOMAS AQUINAS. St. Thomas the Book of Common Prayer. Religion became the classic handbook of Aquinas, a Dominican monk and When the Roman Catholic Queen Protestant theology. Calvin is shown here scholastic teacher, lived in Europe Mary I ascended to the throne, Cranmer with the Swiss Alps in the background. from around 1225 until 1275. He is still was accused of promoting Protestantism The impact of Calvin’s reform is reflected recognized by the Roman Catholic Church and tried for treason. Convicted of heresy, in the motto, post tenebras lux, “after the as its greatest theologian and philosopher. he was burned at the stake, in spite of a darkness, light.” His Summa Contra Gentiles and JOHN BUNYAN. John Bunyan Summa Theologiae represent the was known as the “tinker of Bedford” summit of Christian thinking in the 15 because of his humble origins. He 16 1 4 Middle Ages. became a preacher at a time when 1 13 Near the end of his life, St. only university graduates could

Thomas had an extraordinary vision obtain a preaching license, and this

1 of Christ, depicted in this painting 2 led to his arrest and imprisonment. 2

by the infusion of heavenly light. He could have been released at any

After this experience he said, “I can 1 time by promising not to preach, but

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write no more. I have seen things which he told them, “If you let me out today,

I will preach again tomorrow.” make all my writings like straw.” 1

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MARTIN LUTHER. Martin John Bunyan is the author

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Luther never intended to start a of several important books

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5 new church. To the end of his life, dealing with the spiritual life. The

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he considered himself a faithful Pilgrim’s Progress is one of the

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minister of the one, holy, catholic most remarkable works of English and apostolic church. His aim was literature and a beautiful and to call the church back to its biblical 1. Perpetua and Felicitas 2. Athanasius 3. Augustinus 4. Thomas powerful religious allegory. The and evangelical foundation. Aquinas 5. Martin Luther 6. Thomas Cranmer 7. John Calvin 8. painting shows the novel’s hero, On October 31, 1517, Luther John Bunyan 9. Jonathan Edwards 10. John Wesley 11. Christian, on his way to the Celestial boldly nailed his 95 Theses to the John Leland 12. William Carey 13. Charles Spurgeon 14. City. Lottie Moon 15. William J. Seymour 16. Toyohiko Kagawa door of the church in Wittenberg. JONATHAN EDWARDS. The act set off a storm of Jonathan Edwards was a pastor, controversy. last minute recantation. In the painting, missionary and perhaps the greatest Excommunicated, Luther translated Cranmer is shown placing the hand that theologian in the history of American the Bible into German, and spent the rest signed the recantation in the fire. Christianity. A graduate of Yale College, of his life writing, studying and preaching. JOHN CALVIN. Born at Noyon, he became pastor of the Congregational Today, the critical edition of Luther’s work, France, in 1509, John Calvin was a second Church in Northampton, Massachusetts, the Weimer Ausgabe, runs to more than generation reformer. He adapted the where the fires of the First Great 100 volumes. In the painting, Luther’s Reformation ideas of Luther and Zwingli Awakening began in the 1730s. struggle with the devil is symbolized by an to the civic setting of Geneva, where they Edwards’ famous sermon, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” and his and other Baptists made to the cause of Missionary Union was founded in 1888 account of the revival, A Faithful Narrative religious freedom in the United States. as a result. The loaf of bread in her hands of the Surprising Work of God, are great WILLIAM CAREY. William Carey is represents her tireless efforts to feed the literary classics. revered by Christians around the world as hungry. Near the end of his life, Edwards “the father of modern missions.” A poor WILLIAM J. SEYMOUR. William became president of Princeton University. journeyman shoemaker, he was blessed Joseph Seymour was prone to dreams The painting in the dome depicts Edwards with a remarkable gift for languages and and visions as a young man. When he with the distinctive architecture of a desire to share the good news of Jesus lost the sight of one eye due to illness, the Colonial America in the background. Christ with those who had never heard. experience led him to accept a call from JOHN WESLEY. At Oxford in the His admonition to “expect great things God to preach. He moved from place to early 1700s, John Wesley, his brother from God; attempt great things for place, finally discovering a home in Los Charles and some friends formed a God” has become the watchword of Angeles. Preaching in the Pentecostal group known as the “Holy Club.” Their the present-day missionary movement. tradition, Seymour attracted great crowds self-discipline and methodical approach Carey spent 41 years in India, where he with his exuberant calls for the gift of to their faith led their fellow students translated the Bible into Bengali and the Holy Spirit, and his new church soon mockingly to call them “Methodists.” many other languages and dialects of the moved to an old church building on Azusa On a stormy sea voyage, John East. The lush greenery to his left in the Street. witnessed the steady faith of some of painting is a symbol of his time in India. What made the Azusa Street Revival his fellow passengers and attended their CHARLES SPURGEON. Charles movement remarkable was its unity. church when he returned to London. Haddon Spurgeon was a dominant figure People of virtually every race, nationality He began to preach the saving power in the 19th-century English Baptist church. and culture heard God’s call through of Christ as he understood it, and soon Called as pastor to an old, struggling Seymour. In the painting on the dome, organized his converts into bands for church on the south bank of the River a scene from turn-of-the-century Los prayer and worship. Thames, he soon attracted huge crowds Angeles is depicted. In the painting, he is shown preaching to hear God’s Word. TOYOHIKO KAGAWA. Toyohiko to coal miners in front of St. Paul’s In 1861, the Metropolitan Tabernacle Kagawa was an evangelist, Christian Cathedral. was built, a symbol of church growth leader, author, social worker, poet and JOHN LELAND. John Leland is and precursor to today’s megachurch. pacifist. He brought his message to best remembered for his work among Spurgeon urged his students to remember millions in Japan and around the world the Baptists in the colony of Virginia that winning souls must be their passion through his many books and speaking beginning in 1776. Leland and other and highest priority of their ministry. engagements in the United States. Baptists strongly influenced James LOTTIE MOON. Charlotte Moon, Kagawa was not born in the Christian Madison, architect of the Constitution of better known as Lottie Moon, had a faith. His father was a Buddhist, and the United States, moving him to add the privileged upbringing as the daughter of Kagawa was first introduced to the Bible Bill of Rights, which opens with a defense a Virginia plantation owner. She offered in his teens, as a means of studying of religious liberty. herself for foreign missions in 1873. English. He learned more than the Leland wrote, “Every man must Moon soon learned Chinese. She language, stating that the Scriptures, give an account of himself to God, and suffered the starvation and deprivation “opened up vistas of a new and ever- therefore every man ought to be at common in China at the time but held enlarging life.” He spent years in the liberty to serve God in a way that he fast to her vision of developing a Christian slums of Shinkawa, preaching and doing can best reconcile to his conscience.” school system in China. She inspired all he could to improve conditions for its The American flag in the dome painting Baptist women of the South to raise residents. The cherry blossoms in the symbolizes the contribution that Leland money for famine relief, and the Woman’s painting symbolize his native country. They were witnesses unto death These six 20th-century Christian martyrs, one from each continent, memorialize the faith attested to by all believers. Although most of us will never have our lives at stake for what we believe, their example should stir us to faithfulness and thanksgiving. It has been said that the seed of the church is the blood of the martyrs.

Because of these martyrs’ fearless brutally murdered by the Shining Path briefly to the jungle bush, Hayman and courage and faithful service, the Gospel two years earlier. During their trip home, another nurse were betrayed by hostile has been furthered even to the “very ends they were stopped by a Shining Path natives and delivered to the invading of the earth.” As we give tribute to their roadblock. The terrorists showered Sauñe Japanese. They were murdered together lives, we honor the One who enabled and those with him with machine gunfire, on August 11, 1942, and buried in a trench them to be obedient even unto death. killing Sauñe and more than 15 others. at a coffee plantation. ROMULO SAUÑE (1953–1992). Sauñe’s dedication to the cause of Christ BISHOP HAIK HOVSEPIANMEHR Raised in the small shepherd village of led to his obedience unto death. His life (1946–1994). Bishop Hovsepianmehr Ayacucho tucked in the Andes Mountains served as a shining path for the Quechua mysteriously disappeared in January of Peru, Romulo Sauñe was never people and an inspiration for all Latin 1994. While serving as superintendent expected to amount to much. As a young American Christians. of the Assemblies of God churches in boy, he was kicked in the head by a horse, MAY HAYMAN (1905–1942). Iran and chairman of the Council of and villagers called him “Deaf and Stupid May Hayman was a native Australian Protestant Ministers, his role had become One.” Yet years later, he accepted the missionary to Papua New Guinea. The increasingly volatile in the atmosphere first Religious Liberty Award from the sixth child in a family of eight, she was of militant Islamic control. Bishop World Evangelical Fellowship recognizing trained as a nurse in Adelaide and Sydney. Hovsepianmehr was the spokesman for his tireless and courageous efforts to She then served with the Anglican New Christians in Iran. A few months before proclaim the gospel among the Quechua Guinea missionary staff from 1936 until his disappearance, Bishop Hovsepianmehr Indians. Despite threats from the brutal her murder in August 1942. With a true had requested to meet with the United terrorist group known as the Shining Path, love of humankind and full of laughter, Nations special reporter on Iran to discuss Sauñe faithfully helped translate the entire friendliness and generosity, Hayman increasing violations of Iranian Christians’ Bible in the Quechua language. was aptly suited for service among the human rights. His request prompted In September 1992, Sauñe and other defenseless natives of Papua New Guinea. a United Nations investigation which, family members traveled to a small In July of 1942, the imperial Japanese in turn, caused Iranian authorities to village near Ayacucho to visit the grave bombarded the Gona Mission where pressure churches even further. of Sauñe’s grandfather who had been Hayman was staying. After escaping The last month of his life was spent pray briefly and were never seen alive German Protestant resistance to the advocating on behalf of one of his pastors again. Luwum was buried in the capital of Nazis, and organized and directed a who had recently been sentenced to Kampala next to the previously martyred seminary that continued in disguised death after nine years of imprisonment. Archbishop Hannington. The following form until 1940. In 1938, he became As a result of Hovsepianmehr’s June, about 25,000 Ugandans came to politically involved in the resistance persistence, international outrage was the capital city of Kampala to celebrate movement and worked under cover of great, and the pastor was released. The the centennial of the first preaching of employment in the Military Intelligence bishop’s associations with imprisoned the Gospel in their country. As a result Department, which was a center of the Christian leaders and his vigorous of seeing the courage of Archbishop resistance seeking Hitler’s overthrow. defense of Iranian Christians’ human Luwum and his companions, many were He was arrested and imprisoned in April rights resulted in his assassination. encouraged to turn to Christ. 1943 for helping smuggle a number of There are strong suspicions Jews into Switzerland. After the that Bishop Hovsepianmehr’s failed attempt on Hitler’s life on murder was an official act of July 20, 1944, the discovery of high political circles. No one has documents linking Bonhoeffer been charged in relation to his directly with the conspirators led murder. to further interrogation and his ARCHBISHOP JANANI eventual hanging in April 1945. LUWUM (1924–1977). In BILL WALLACE. (1908– Uganda, the seed of the 1950). William Lindsey Wallace church truly was the blood of was from Knoxville, Tennessee, martyrs. The Church in Uganda and served with the Foreign began with the martyrdom of Mission Board of the Southern Archbishop James Hannington Baptist Convention in South and his companions in 1885. In China for 17 years. He was a 1971, General Idi Amin seized surgeon at Stout Memorial control of the government and Hospital in Wuchow, China, began a policy of intolerance during World War II and the against dissension. He arrested Communist invasion from or killed anyone suspected of Korea. In December 1950, not supporting him. After a Wallace was accused of small army rebellion in January being an American spy by the of 1977, Amin determined to Communist army. A gun was stamp out all traces of dissent in Clockwise from top: May Hayman, Archbishop Janani Luwum, Dietrich planted in his bungalow to prove the country. Archbishop Luwum Bonhoeffer and Bill Wallace his guilt. He was very popular called on Amin to address and well known among the the arbitrary killings and unexplained DIETRICH BONHOEFFER (1906– people of South China. The Communists disappearances of many people. Amin 1945). Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German were, therefore, intent on Wallace making responded by accusing Luwum of treason, Lutheran pastor and theologian known a full public confession of his guilt. He producing a document supposedly for his support of ecumenism. From the was imprisoned, and after several weeks written by the former president attesting first days of the Nazi accession to power of isolation and intense brainwashing, he to his guilt. He had the archbishop and in 1933, he was involved in protests died alone in his cell. Buried quickly in a two cabinet members, who were also against the regime and its anti-Semitism. shallow grave, his supporters later set up outspoken Christians, arrested and held He became a leading spokesman of a gravestone inscribed with the words, for military trial. They were permitted to the Confessing Church, the center of “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Soli Deo Gloria!glory to God

Solio deo gloria! “To Godalone Alone be the Glory!” Johann Sebastian Bach, the greatest of all composers for the organ, regularly inscribed his scores of sacred music with these words.

Carved in gold relief on the central tower George, dean of Beeson Divinity School. first grand pianoforte. They had emigrated of the chapel organ, these words also sum It is decorated with Christian symbols from the Duchy of Brunswick seven years up the highest purpose of Beeson Divinity drawn from the Holy Scriptures, as previously and had quickly become the School, and the end for which these well as the monogram of J. S. Bach and premier builders of pianos in this country. beautiful instruments are dedicated. Martin Luther’s symbol, the rose. The In 1865, Theodore, the eldest son, began a Orgues Létourneau of Ste. Hyacinthe, front pipes are 70 percent polished tin. series of inventions, making the Steinway Québec, Canada, is the builder of the The case is solid cherry, provided by Dr. firm the benchmark for German makers organ. Under the direction of Fernand John P. Mims and his family. The interior of the day. Since then, there has been little Létourneau, founder and president of the pipes are placed in two chambers fitted doubt that the Steinway name carries company, the tonal and visual design of with venetian shutters. The console is the top honors in its field. The nine-foot this organ evolved. The stoplist was drawn also cherry and the keys, maple and Model D heard in Andrew Gerow Hodges up by H. Edward Tibbs, professor of music rosewood. The console controls are Chapel was chosen in the New York and university organist, in consultation by Solid State Logic, and contain eight showrooms of Steinway and Sons by the with Fernand Létourneau and Dudley modes and a capture system of adjustable late Betty Sue Shepherd, professor of Oakes, vice president of the company. combinations. The organ is planned piano in the Samford University School of The case design was developed in the for use in all aspects of congregational the Arts, and is a continuing testimony to Létourneau workshop in consultation worship as well as recital repertory. the superb craftsmanship of the “Prince of with Neil Davis, architect, and Timothy In 1856, Steinway and Sons built their Pianos.” beesondivinity.com