Restoring Life to the Historic Gazebo at Bethel University

McKENZIE — The gazebo at the center of Bethel University’s campus in McKenzie received a facelift, thanks to student labor, a financial donation and the blessings of the university’s administration.

The gazebo has been a gathering place for many years for students, faculty. It has been the place for outdoor graduations, weddings, and many student activities and special events. One year, actress Dixie Carter gave the commencement address from the gazebo.

Back in 1982, Randy Tanaka, the current head of the campus maintenance department, designed the gazebo and Phi Delta Sigma Fraternity constructed it in 1982. Every since, it has been a focal point on the campus. Students gather and fellowship daily at the gazebo, celebrate birthdays, and hold events under its roof, so it was important to SGA to uphold the integrity of the landmark.

In previous decades, dozens of Bethel Alumni have gotten engaged in the gazebo and some even got married there! Before the rapid growth in the student population and the expansion of the campus, graduation was held on the lawn next to the gazebo. When a graduate’s name was called, they would walk up to the gazebo and receive their diploma. Numerous student-led church services and worship nights have been held there over the last forty years! Needless to say, the gazebo holds thousands of memories for thousands of students ever since its establishment in 1982.

In 2020, Phi Delta Sigma brother, Nathan Eaton and Advisor, Garrett Burns, replaced the roof and cupelo of the landmark with funding from Chaplain Anne Hames. Over the years, the paint has faded and the bricks developed a film of dirt over them, presenting itself as a dark environment.

Despite its appearance, it continued to be a place of life and laughter on campus. With the help of Phi Delta Sigma Fraternity, an anonymous donor, and the approval of Bethel’s administration and maintenance department, the Student Government Association power washed the brick, concrete, and wood and repainted the wood a vibrant white. In total, this project took about 20 hours as SGA took attention to detail and enjoyed one another’s company on the beautiful fall week. The gazebo with its fresh coat of paint, became a symbol of renewal and connection, preserving its appearance while honoring its past. Repainting the gazebo honors both the physical structure and the intangible sense of belonging that people associate with it, ensuring that this gathering spot remains a beloved fixture for generations to come.

SGA welcomes the community to stop by the gazebo as you pass through campus. May it be a place of fellowship and laughter for all who enjoy it.

Bethel University celebrated Homecoming on November 2. The restoration of the gazebo was part of the celebration. Despite all of the events occurring on campus, the Student Government Association wanted to leave a lasting impression even after Homecoming week came to a close.

Every year, the SGA Cabinet is responsible for finding and participating in a service project as they see fit. This year, they wanted to put their time, resources, and labor into restoring life back to the cherished gazebo on campus.