Window
Building Name: Adrian College ChapelStudio Name: Willet Hauser Architectural Glass
City: Adrian
Window Shape: 2 (rectangle)
Subject/Title of Window: Dr. Asa Mahan and Adrian College
Brief Description of Subject: The main figure is Asa Mahan, Congregational Minister and founder of Adrian College in 1859. In the finished window, the portrait is derived from the book, “The Story of Noble Devotion.” The seated figure at his desk is Harlan L. Freeman, President for twenty-three years. A flaming torch with a broken chain is symbolizing Dr. Mahan’s fight for freedom of the slaves and also his devotion in bringing the college from Leoni to Adrian. The picture of the historic North Hall is visible below Dr. Mahan’s outstretched arm. From the rich history of the college we select a few important aspects and we are using students dressed in true historic costumes to illustrate them. 1861- First Graduation. 1864 - Civil War. 1864 - First Girl Graduates. 1873 - Theological Literary Society; the symbol of Book and Stars “Sic Itur Astra”; Society Boy is Sports Costume, Physical Education. 1875 - In December, the first issue of “The Adrian College Recorder.” 1881- Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. 1904 - The Pine Arts Department started. 1917 - First World War. 192_ - A girl to illustrate the costume. 1942 - Second World War - R.O.T.C. and W.A.C. Today - Boy and Girl in sweaters for the contemporary students. We used students to illustrate the history of Adrian instead of the traditional buildings, etc. because the college is not only buildings and records, but living history, memory, and tradition. We read in the “Story of Noble Devotion”, “Some call her memory and some tradition, and her voice is sweet with deep mysterious accords.” (George Elliot). Thus a voice from the past speaks to those who come back to Adrian from the busy mart of life.
Dr. Asa Mahan and Adrian College
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