Keene, Texas

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Keene, Texas

Keene, TexasKeene, TexasKeene, Texas
Home
Places To Eat
Things to Do
  • Attractions
  • Museums & History
  • Thomsen Observatory
  • Parks & Nature
  • Historical Sites
  • Shopping
Events
  • Schedule of Events
  • Community Expo
  • National Police Week
  • 4th of July Parade
  • StarFest
  • Christmas & Holidays
  • Other Events
Services
  • A/C Service, Electrical
  • Auto Repairs & Supplies
  • Dentists & Doctors
  • Farm & Ranch
  • Financial Instutions
  • Gas Stations
  • Nursing Home/Retirement
  • Office and Phone Repair
  • Personal Care
  • Storage Shed & Buildings
About
  • History
  • Local Government
  • Fire Engine Ceremony
  • Ben Putnam Fire Station
  • Life Celebration of Davis
  • Keene Chamber of Commerce
  • Stick Horse Capital
  • The Holy City
  • Gallery
Schools
Police & Fire Departments
More
  • Home
  • Places To Eat
  • Things to Do
    • Attractions
    • Museums & History
    • Thomsen Observatory
    • Parks & Nature
    • Historical Sites
    • Shopping
  • Events
    • Schedule of Events
    • Community Expo
    • National Police Week
    • 4th of July Parade
    • StarFest
    • Christmas & Holidays
    • Other Events
  • Services
    • A/C Service, Electrical
    • Auto Repairs & Supplies
    • Dentists & Doctors
    • Farm & Ranch
    • Financial Instutions
    • Gas Stations
    • Nursing Home/Retirement
    • Office and Phone Repair
    • Personal Care
    • Storage Shed & Buildings
  • About
    • History
    • Local Government
    • Fire Engine Ceremony
    • Ben Putnam Fire Station
    • Life Celebration of Davis
    • Keene Chamber of Commerce
    • Stick Horse Capital
    • The Holy City
    • Gallery
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  • Home
  • Places To Eat
  • Things to Do
    • Attractions
    • Museums & History
    • Thomsen Observatory
    • Parks & Nature
    • Historical Sites
    • Shopping
  • Events
    • Schedule of Events
    • Community Expo
    • National Police Week
    • 4th of July Parade
    • StarFest
    • Christmas & Holidays
    • Other Events
  • Services
    • A/C Service, Electrical
    • Auto Repairs & Supplies
    • Dentists & Doctors
    • Farm & Ranch
    • Financial Instutions
    • Gas Stations
    • Nursing Home/Retirement
    • Office and Phone Repair
    • Personal Care
    • Storage Shed & Buildings
  • About
    • History
    • Local Government
    • Fire Engine Ceremony
    • Ben Putnam Fire Station
    • Life Celebration of Davis
    • Keene Chamber of Commerce
    • Stick Horse Capital
    • The Holy City
    • Gallery
  • Schools
  • Police & Fire Departments

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The Historic Mizpah Gate

The Mizpah Gate was marked as a Texas Historic Landmark in 2009. Known as the historic campus entrance, it was originally designed by University President Harry H. Hamilton, who oversaw its construction. The gate was constructed with petrified wood and built by students under the supervision of local workmen. 

Mizpah gate


Marker Number: 15997

Marker Text:
Southwestern Adventist University was founded in 1893 as the Kee

Historical Marker Number : 15997

Southwestern Adventist University was founded in 1893 as the Keene Industrial and Missionary Academy. The school was founded with the purpose of training workers to fulfill positions of responsibility within the Seventh-Day Adventist denomination. The school’s early administrators successfully pioneered an industrial training component along with education, which assured each graduate a useful trade. 


After assuming the presidency of the school in 1937, former teacher Harry H. Hamilton oversaw the construction of the Mizpah Gate. Prior to that time, the campus had been surrounded by a barbed wire fence that served to keep out straying livestock. Turnstiles at the north and south sides of campus granted access to the site. The gradual containment of domestic animals during the early 20th century enabled the fence to be removed, and the Mizpah Gate, which replaced the south turnstile, was designated as the new official entrance onto campus. The gate was constructed of brick and petrified wood transported from adjacent Somervell County and built by students under the supervision of local workmen. The structure was completed in June 1937, and was dedicated as a gift of that year’s graduating class.


 The name "Mizpah was taken from the Bible’s Genesis 31:49, "And Mizpah; for he said, The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent from one another." As early as 1921, the school’s annual yearbook had been titled The Mizpah. Today, the gate continues to serve as a symbol of the university as it has for generations of students and the greater Johnson County community. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark – 2009 Marker is property of the State of Texas .


Information can be found at the Texas Historical Commission at  Details - Mizpah Gate - Atlas Number 5507015977 - Atlas: Texas Historical Commission (state.tx.us) 

Mizpah Gate

The Mizpah Gate is located at the southern entrance to the campus of Southwestern Adventist University. The Mizpah gate commemorates the beautiful gate here that replaced one of the turnstiles, part of a fence that kept cattle out back in the day. 

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