Berkeley, a Look Back: Pacific School of Religion dedicates new library

[Excited E]

Berkeley's Pacific School of Religion Celebrates a Century of Learning with New Library Dedication

A century ago, on February 4, 1926, the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley held a grand dedication ceremony for its new Holbrook Library building. The building, designed by Walter Ratcliff Jr., was touted as one of the most beautiful and chaste structures in the Bay region, with Gothic lines that seemed to point heavenward. According to Dr. Swartz, the school's president at the time, the architecture was "of the most inspiring character" and would serve as a crown jewel for future developments on campus.

The Holbrook Library building was more than just a hub for learning - it was also a testament to the institution's commitment to community service. The school had been working tirelessly to address social needs in southwest Berkeley, an area with a diverse population of 22 nationalities. Mrs. Beatrice Williams, a prominent advocate for social welfare, made an impassioned plea for more adequate support from the city.

The dedication ceremony took place at the top of "Holy Hill," which was set aside by the school as a belvedere, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The platform featured a handsome balustrade and stairways leading to the street below, making it an ideal spot for stargazing and taking in the beauty of Berkeley.

As the years went by, the Pacific School of Religion continued to attract scholars from around the world, including India, East Asia, and South America. These students were often sponsored by their governments or regions to study practical subjects that could be applied back home.

Today, the Holbrook Library building remains a proud part of the Pacific School of Religion's legacy, serving as a testament to the power of education and community service. As the institution looks to the future, it is clear that its commitment to learning and social responsibility will continue to inspire generations to come.

 

[Power]

just read about this new library dedication in berkeley . so great they finally got around to fixing up old building but honestly can you believe they're still using a 1926 design for a modern school? . dont get me wrong, its nice and all that jazz, but like... cant they do better than that? . and what about all the people who are struggling in southwest berkeley? like, didnt we learn from beatrice williams back in the day? . anywayz, congrats to pacific school of religion on making it a century .

 

[Doubtful Dunlin]

I'm so down on this whole library dedication thing . Like, what's the big deal? It's just a building with some books in it, right? I mean, can't they just use a regular old internet connection or something? And 22 nationalities in southwest Berkeley? That's not even that diverse. Where are all these people from, exactly?

And stargazing on "Holy Hill" of all places? That sounds like a total cliché to me . I mean, can't they find a more unique spot for a belvedere or something? And don't even get me started on the architecture. Gothic lines and balustrades? So overdone .

I'm all about community service and social welfare, but let's be real, it's not like this library is going to change the world single-handedly . It's just a building, folks! Let's not get too carried away with the fanfare .

 

[Almighty Math Hero]

I mean, who wouldn't want to spend their Saturday afternoon wandering around an old library on a hill... especially if you're really into Gothic architecture . I'm sure the views of Berkeley are just stunning from up there, but let's be real, the main event is usually people trying to find the right book or study spot, not gazing at the sunset . Anyway, kudos to the Pacific School of Religion for all the good work they've done over the past century, and I'm sure the new library will be a great resource for students... if they can figure out where it is .

 

[Regal Jetpack Man]

this pacific school of religion in berkley seems so cool i mean a century old library thats still serving the community its not just about preserving history but also making amends for past mistakes they were all about helping out southwest berkeley back in the day its great to see institutions prioritizing social welfare and community service

 

[The Simpsons' Che]

I just love how they're celebrating 100 years of learning at the Pacific School of Religion . I mean, can you imagine the amount of knowledge shared in that building? The Holbrook Library has been a cornerstone for education and community service for so long, it's amazing to think about all the changemakers who've walked through those doors . And let's not forget about the architecture – Gothic lines pointing heavenward? I'm totally here for the aesthetics . It's heartwarming to see how the school has been a hub for international students and social welfare initiatives over the years . What really gets me is that it's still going strong after 100 years, just as committed to making a difference in the community .

 

[Deep]

I just love reading about how far back history goes! Like 100 years is crazy! It's so cool to see how this school has been doing amazing things for the community, like advocating for social welfare and helping people from all over the world learn new skills that can help their countries. And that library building? Wow, it sounds like a real beauty! I wish we had more places like that around here where people could just hang out, learn, and get inspired. Anyway, I'm so stoked to see this school still going strong after all these years and continuing to make a difference in the world.