1976 Founder's Day Unveiling of the PSCE Seal
The Story of the PSCE Seal
by
Glenn Bannerman '57, Professor Emeritus of Recreation and Outdoor Education
Dottie Best, a senior student at PSCE noticed an article posted on the Creative Arts Shop bulletin board from the Presbyterian Survey about a wood carving class that was taught on Christian Symbolism at the Guilford Park Presbyterian Church in Greensboro, NC. She notice that one of the carvers was her brother Jim Best, when he was 13 years of age. When asked, what he was doing now, she said he was teaching Special Education, but was still carving. The newly renovated Sydnor Chapel needed something as a focal point on the back wall of the Chancel.
Professor Bannerman had Dottie contact her brother and he designed a new seal to be carved from walnut wood, that would incorporate all the current symbols of the modern PSCE school seal. With the approval of President Orr, the Senior class commissioned Jim to carve the seal for a fee of $200.00, and they paid for it as a gift to the school. His carving then became the official PSCE Seal. It now graces the entrance to Union Presbyterian Seminary, welcoming all who enter Watts Hall.
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A side note. President Orr had the Seal cast into a 2 ¼ inch-thick pewter round medallion with the following inscription on the back:
“The President’s Council – For the advancement of Christian Education
The Presbyterian School of Christian Education"
These medallions were given as gifts for service as well as to folk who gave Big Bucks.
He also had a medallion especially made to be worn with a chain around the neck. President Heath Rada wore one.
I also have one that I treasure dearly.
- by Glenn Bannerman
Professor Bannerman had Dottie contact her brother and he designed a new seal to be carved from walnut wood, that would incorporate all the current symbols of the modern PSCE school seal. With the approval of President Orr, the Senior class commissioned Jim to carve the seal for a fee of $200.00, and they paid for it as a gift to the school. His carving then became the official PSCE Seal. It now graces the entrance to Union Presbyterian Seminary, welcoming all who enter Watts Hall.
************************************************************************************************************************
A side note. President Orr had the Seal cast into a 2 ¼ inch-thick pewter round medallion with the following inscription on the back:
“The President’s Council – For the advancement of Christian Education
The Presbyterian School of Christian Education"
These medallions were given as gifts for service as well as to folk who gave Big Bucks.
He also had a medallion especially made to be worn with a chain around the neck. President Heath Rada wore one.
I also have one that I treasure dearly.
- by Glenn Bannerman
