Spring cleaning is upon some departments at Multnomah. After being around for 75 years (58 at the current campus) a lot of old surprises can pop up.
Recently, in the back of a closet we ran across an original, hand-sewn banner for "Multnomah School of the Bible". It has a logo that was in use during the 1980's and 1990's.
Signs of the Times
Our undergrad admissions team is showing it off below. They thought it would be funny to stand in front of current campus signs! (It just seemed wrong to do it in front of the Seminary, though.)
Meet the Gals:
The Maker
On the back, in a corner, is the tag pictured here. This banner was "Made Especially For Us By Martha Sleeper". Her alumni record type goes back too far for our databases, so our Registrar had to find her student information in the old permanent files (Thanks, Amy!). She was born in 1929 as Martha McNutt. She was a student here from 1949-1951 and married Dick Sleeper who earned his MSB Diploma in 1951 - then came back and finished his full bachelor's degree in 2000!
This banner truly was made lovingly - the stitching is so precise and it's still holding up almost like it was new!
The Logo
We are looking for anyone out there who knows what the symbols in that logo from 1980 stand for. Contact us at procom@multnomah.edu if you can help!
In the Meantime - Diamond Anniversary
We will, from-time-to-time, be digging out other nuggets of history and posting them in anticipation of our historic 75th Anniversary. Stay tuned!
Tags: 75th, admissions, Alumni, anniversary, diamond, logo, sign
Regarding the symbols: The lines in the middle is an open Bible. The dot below it along with the half circle at the bottom is a person [dot = head; 1/2 cirlce = arms] embracing the Word. Small dot and < 1/2 circle at top could be a represenation (somehow) of God. Perhaps a dove which = Holy Spirit.
That logo was around when I was at MSB in 1985
06.09.11 at 12:11 am
David, thanks for the tips – we did know some of that – but are hoping to find someone who knows the “official” explanation from 1980. I think your explanation is as close to the truth as we’ve been able to come thus far!
06.09.11 at 6:20 pm
Oh what memories the banner picture brings back. I attened for one year in 82-83. I regret to this day not coming back after my illness and finishing my studies.
Thanks for sharing. Can’t wait to see what else is found in some dark long forgotten corner.
06.09.11 at 12:17 am
Bruce, it’s never too late to finish! (You should look into our Adult Degree Completion program – would be perfect for folks in your position). http://www.multnomah.edu/degreecompletion
But yeah, we’ll be sure to drag out more goodies in due time! Thanks for reading.
06.09.11 at 6:22 pm
Yep,
The old logo meant: “The Spirit of God, using the Word of God, through the People of God, to reach the World for God.”
06.23.11 at 5:50 pm
Dr. Dan – that’s what we hear! However, on the Facebook Page someone remarked that students from the time felt it was more like students bending under the weight of homework that teachers were pushing on them!
History is fun.
06.23.11 at 11:50 pm