Under clear skies and with much prayer and retrospection, LaGrange College dedicated the new Frank and Laura Lewis Library, a $12 million facility praised as the “literal and figurative heart” of the campus.

“On behalf of the family, we’re just blessed,” said Jason Lewis, the couple’s son, who attended the ceremony with his wife Katarika and other family members. “It’s somewhat bittersweet that they’re not physically here, but I feel them here. It’s more sweet than bitter.”

The contributions of Frank and Laura Lewis to the college and community as a whole permeated the ceremony.

“They were a couple who led us in ways we’ll never forget,” said LaGrange College President Stuart Gulley.

Laura Lewis, who first worked as a librarian at Union Street Library in LaGrange, then at the LaGrange Memorial Library, eventually worked at the college’s admissions office. She died in 2003.

Frank Lewis was the college’s first black faculty member, hired as the assistant librarian in 1972 and becoming the library director two years later. He held that job 22 years, securing a grant that bought the first computer on campus and creating the “Friends of the LaGrange College Library.” After his retirement from the college, he was the first black member of its board of trustees.

“They were examples for all of us,” said Bill Hodges, chairman of the board of trustees. “They led by serving others.”

The couple was married 45 years and were known for volunteer efforts throughout the community. Jason Lewis is a 1999 LaGrange College graduate.

Gulley told supporters, faculty and students at the dedication ceremony on the library’s plaza that he and Jason Lewis were able to tell Frank Lewis in his final days the library would be named for the couple.

“I’ve only seen him cry twice and that was one of those times,” Jason Lewis said. “I think he thought there’d be a room named after him, but not this. He loved his job.”

The dedication ceremony also recognized many others involved in the fundraising and construction of the building. The college began a “Defining Moment” campaign in 2004, securing donations from the Callaway Foundation and other organizations, as well as other alumni, board members and supporters.

Scott Hawkins, a 1974 LaGrange College graduate and chairman of the campaign, donated $1.5 million. Hodges called the campaign the most successful in the college’s 178-year history.

“We will always be grateful for your investment,” Gulley told Hawkins.

Many special guests were at the ceremony, including Jay Simmons, who left the college last year to become president of Iowa Wesleyan College.

“This is something a lot of us worked for for a long time,” Simmons said. “I would not have missed it.”

Gulley said when he came to LaGrange College on a tour 13 years ago before being elected president, he saw the former Banks Library and noted it likely would need replacing.

“I am grateful to be here long enough to see this accomplishment,” Gulley said.

The ceremony included a number of prayers for the students and faculty who will use the new building.

“May their lives be transformed, enriched and equipped,” said Bishop-in-Residence Marion Edwards. “When we search for the truth, we ultimately find God.”