The architectural design for a carillon tower and memorial chapel has been approved and will be built on the Mississippi State University campus as soon as the collection of funds is completed.

After the burning of Old Main, the Alumni Association accepted the late Mr. Ben’s challenge to build a chapel to be used for prayer, meditation, weddings and other religious activities, and to provide a place where alumni of the institution could reminisce in silent moments of the past.

The names of all donors will be printed in a “book of memories” and placed in the chapel. A bronze plaque bearing the names of all donors who give $100 or more will be permanently constructed within the chapel.

The chapel will feature a pleasing combination of Tudor Gothic and contemporary architectural design. Entrance to the chapel will be a low-ceilinged walkway which is lighted through the use of plered brick openings filled with colored translucent blocks. Lighting of the inter-chapel area will be achieved through a combination of Indirect lighting from the side and suspended fixtures from the ceiling.

Laminated wood arches, 38 feet high at the peak, are backed by a ceiling of wood decking which has a brush textured effect. Wood grills on the wall behind the pulpit area and matching wood grill between the entrance and chapel nave will complete the reverant atmosphere.

Outside the chapel, a high brick wall broken by a series of Tudor arches will surround the terraced courtyard. The George D. Perry Tower and Carillon, surrounded by a fountain and reflecting pool, will stand in the center of the

Courtyard.

Mr. Perry retired as a delta planter in 1958, but returned to active business as president of the Tunica County Bank in 1961.

Born in Memphis, he attended preparatory school in Tullahoma. Tennessee, then graduated from Mississippi State with a BS degree in agriculture in 1919.

Mr. Perry is a member of the Board of Directors of the Mississippi Chemical Corporation, Coastal Chemical Corporation. The First Mississippi Corporation, and the Mississippi State University Development Foundation.

In accepting the gift, President Colvard said, “This demonstration of devotion to the state which has been your home for many years and to the university which was your student home will enrich the daily lives of students for generations to come. Mississippi State University is deeply grateful to you.”

Funds for the chapel are under the administration of Mr. Bob Williams, alumni secretary. Anyone wishing to contribute should send their donations to him at the Alumni Office, State College, Mississippi.