The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

Logsdon School of Theology

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Logsdon School of Theology (aerial view), Hardin-Simmons University

Logsdon School of Theology (view from plaza), Hardin-Simmons University

Logsdon School of Theology (stained glass), Hardin-Simmons University

Institution Name: Hardin-Simmons University
Original/Historic Place Name: Logsdon School of Theology
Location on Campus: 2219 Cedar St.
Date(s) of Construction and Designer(s):

1988	original construction Title, Luther & Loving Partnership
1989	dedication on Janurary 28 Unknown

Type of Place: Individual building
Style(s): (Glossary)
Materials:

Foundation: concrete slab poured on piers

Walls: brick veneer; stone fascia

Roof: composition; slate

Function:

ca. 1988-present (2007)	other (offices)
ca. 1988-present (2007)	classrooms
ca. 1988-present (2007)	chapel

Significance: education
Landmark designation:

none

Narrative: see below
References: see below

Narrative:
The Logsdon School of Theology encompasses a chapel seating 350, faculty offices, classrooms, a seminar room, a lounge, and a recording studio. The chapel has an original 41 foot by 30 foot faceted colored glass window designed and built by Byrd Glass Company of Lubbock, TX. The design incorporates a dove, cross, and open Bible in a bright kaleidoscope of color.

The building was named for Charles and Koreen Willcox Logsdon of Abilene, former students and longtime benefactors of the school. Charles Logsdon was serving on the University Board of Trustees when he died in 1981. In fulfillment of her late husband's wishes, Koreen Longsdon promised the largest gift in HSU history to that date.

In 1991, a pipe organ built by the Houston firm Visser-Roland was installed in the chapel. The Opus 93 is a traditional north German-Dutch design, with the addition of reeds with a French sound. The instrument has 45 ranks of pipes spread over 36 stops with a total of 2,627 pipes.

The building complex, with the colorful chapel window, anchors the southeast corner of campus. The curve of the classroom/office building reaches out toward the entire campus. Logsdon School of Theology is a concrete expression of the historic mission of this Baptist-affiliated university to provide an education enlightened by faith.

References:

I. Bibliographic sources:

Hardin-Simmons University Facilities Master Plan. [n.d.] Hardin-Simmons University, Abilene, TX.

Stackhouse, Yvonne. Hardin-Simmons University, a Centennial History. Abilene, TX: Hardin-Simmons University, 1991.

II. Location of other data:

University: Library, Special Collections, Facilities Management Office

Other: Dean's Office, Logsdon School of Theology