Bittle Memorial
Hall
Begun in June of 1878, this building opened as the first
campus library on October 17, 1879, marking the inauguration
of Dr. Julius D. Dreher as the third president of the College.
When conceived, this structure was to have marked and honored
the centennial of General Andrew Lewis, but with the death
of Dr. Bittle in 1876, there was a change in plans. Early
references to this building call it Bittle Memorial and
Lewis Hall. With renovations and an added wing, it served
as the library until 1962 when the new library on High Street
was opened. Bittle Hall was converted to the Office of Student
Affairs the following summer. In 1982, student affairs moved
to the Alumni Gym. The Virginia Synod of the ELCA then obtained
this building as its headquarters. |