Formerly located on SWAU campus; this 25-foot memorial was designed by artist, Phillip Payne, who was a senior theology major of the college. In 2004, it was relocated to the Keene Cemetary, so that a new contemporary sign could be installed along FM 2280 bearing the university's name.
The sign is composed of a two-foot concrete slab of exposed seeded aggregate. The structure is a concave rectangle, surfaced by porcelain tile on the front, marble on the ends, and Venetian glass tile for the mosaic of Adventist Pioneers.
The sign was originally designed with two Corten steel metal sculptures of the Southwestern Union College "SUC" logo on each end with gas torches made by Jere Putnam. These lamps symbolize the spirit of the pioneers who lit the lamp of education in Keene. They are reflected upon the marble ends so that even in the darkest night students can reflect upon those who sacrificed for their behalf. Lee Carter and Phillip Payne made a trip to Marble Falls, Texas to select the plaques.
The Keene Pioneer families honored are: Mrs. S and Mrs.. J.D. Miracle, Elder and Mrs. W.S. Greer, Niels and Bendine Nielson, Prof. and Mrs. C.B. Hughes, Richard and Alma Sandefur, Jim and Julia Mosley, Mr. and Mrs. F.W. Alexander, Mr. and Mrs. Jessie Mosley, J. J. Cochran, Pres. and Mrs. H. H. Hamilton, The Mattison Family, Prof, and Mrs. L. N. Carter, Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Dortch, Eld. and Mrs. B. L. House, Mrs. Jennie Findley and daughters, Mrs. Avy M. Phillips, Minnie, Dora, and Onnie, Mr. and Mrs. George W. Winn.
When the school changed its name to Southwestern Adventist College, the sculptures were removed and the gold tile letters replaced by bronze lettering. The original gold leaf tile lettering was placed on the concave surface directing facing west and Old Betsy Road to catch the Texas sunset and reflect the brilliant sun to passing motorists as a symbol of the school's reflection of the "Son of Righteousness."
The most striking feature of the sign is its 25-foot mosaic of brilliant Venetian glass tile that faces the campus mall. The 50,000 pieces of glass tiles were made in Venice, Italy. The mosaic was designed to be a challenge to students, a testimony to teachers, and a witness to visitors.
The statement, "We are nothing to fear for the future except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching on our past history" (Life Sketches, p. 196), motivated Payne to include a picture honoring 5 leading pioneers of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. The pioneers who seem to come alive and speak are: Hiram Edison, lest we lose sight of Christ's atoning ministry in the heavenly sanctuary that started in October 1844; James White, lest we cease to print the message of present truth; Ellen White, lest we deny the prophetic light behind us, causing us to stumble and fall off the path to heaven; Joseph Bates, lest we stop proclaiming health social and Sabbath reforms; J.N. Andrews, who memorized the New Testament, lest we forget the Word of God or ignore the mission call of distant lands."
The Pioneers featured left-to-right are: Hiram, Edson, Bible Prophecy, James White, Ellen White, Joseph Bates, John Nevins Andrews.
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