Construction and Evolution of Union Theological Seminary Campus

Laying of the Cornerstone

According to Daniel Johnson Fleming, the date "1836" is found on the cornerstone of the Seminary in order to show that over a hundred years of scholarly and churchly tradition entered into this institution founded by Christian clergymen and laymen. The second date, 1908, refers to the year when the cornerstone was laid.

Between the dates, and on each of the two other sides of the cornerstone, is a slightly adapted Greek Cross with a circle connecting the equal arms.

"The Directors set apart this Stone as the symbol of the spiritual foundation upon which this Seminary rests." ~John Crosby Brown