and furnishing of the building.
About this time generous bequests from Mrs. Shimer's will and Miss Joy's also, added considerably to the school's endowment.
In the midst of the Dean's building program, on the night of February 9, 1906, fire, supposedly caused by a short circuit, destroyed all of the old buildings as well as new South Hall. A teacher, awakened by crumbling plaster falling on her face, rose, saw flames reflected on the surface of the snow outside, grabbed her violin, and hurried to arouse the girls of South Hall who rushed from their rooms in night clothes and bathrobes, each trying to save something; one girl running back to rescue her belongings had to be led down a second time. Outside a brisk winter wind fanned the flames; the volunteer fire brigade, unable to get sufficient water pressure from a frozen pond, hose faulty and frozen, couldn't cope with the fast-spreading fire. So, after saving all the precious things they could, they just stood by watching the school go up in smoke, the buildings completely gutted. Pictures of Mrs. Shimer and Miss Gregory, a few other treasures and all student scholastic records from 1896 were saved. Fortunately, no lives were lost. As Dean McKee stood looking at the smoking ruin he spoke the word Sir Christopher Wren had inscribed on the cornerstone of the new St. Paul's after the London fire, "RESURGAM," -- "It shall rise again."
While the buildings were yet smouldering the Trustees met and decided to rebuild at once. The insurance, plus gifts from loyal townspeople and alums, as well as from friends near and far, aided in meeting this emergency. Andrew Carnegie gave $10,000 to the good cause. The students were sent home for a week. Upon their return recently completed Hathaway Hall had been hurriedly furnished and was ready to receive them, while the basement of Dearborn Hall became the temporary commissary.
Dean McKee met the exigencies of this situation with quiet confidence and complete devotion. Slowly, one new building after another rose Phoenix-like from the ashes of the tragic fire. The work of building continued for years, -- first a dream, then a plan, next the gathering of funds, and soon, behold! one more beautiful building. Each one answered a special need. 1906 -- West Hall built, a dormitory with dining hall and meeting rooms; 1907 -- Metcalf Hall, named for Mrs. Sarah Metcalf, lifelong friend of the school, whose son, Dr. Henry S. Metcalf, an alum, long President of the Board, gave liberally to help construct this impressive building, housing a new chapel, library, and administration offices. The old bell of Seminary days hangs today in its "Lantern" belfry; 1909 -- College Hall completed, to house young women taking the two year junior college course added to the school curriculum a year or two before, and providing a large reception room for social functions. In 1937 this hall was redone through the generous gift of the children of Mrs. Myrtie Stevens Bennett ('80), and named Bennett Hall in her honor; 1911 -- Central heating steam plant built, laundry added; 1913 -- Infirmary completed, with resident nurse installed; 1914 -- Science Hall made ready to house science labs, mathematics classes and the Domestic Science Department; 1922 -- Dedication of William P. McKee Hall, so honoring the successful completion of twenty-five years of significant service by the Dean, the building partly financed with fund contributed by the Baptist Board of Education, a modern dormitory with a spacious new dining room, kitchen adjoining; 1925 -- Dedication of Campbell Memorial Library, named in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Campbell, long friends of the school, financed largely by generous gifts from their daughter Jessie Miles Campbell and from Messrs. George and Samuel J. Campbell, Trustees; 1926 -- Sawyer House, a commodious residence on campus for the President, the gift of Mrs. Winona
