BCF STUDENTS BUILD ARCH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 19, 2008

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Students in the Appreciation of the Arts class at The Baptist College of Florida (BCF) in Graceville left the comforts of the traditional classroom and went outside to test their knowledge in constructing a minor architectural structure. The class, which had been studying the art and architecture of ancient Rome, were instructed to work together in building a stone arch. The Romans, who invented this innovation in architecture, greatly influenced the design of buildings that is still seen in arenas, stadiums and buildings today. BCF students studied the principles of what caused the arch to work, and then put the theory into practice.

"Humanities class today was fun because I enjoy working with my hands instead of just listening in class," stated BCF Freshman Katie Revis. "I learned how to build an arch and it works because of pressure."

Assistant Professor of History and Christian Studies Roger Richards provided the necessary materials for students to build the arch structure. The students gathered outside of their classroom located in Cypress Hall at Heritage Village and began assembling their arches. They tried different shapes and designs, finding the form that offered the greatest strength and stability. They even constructed two arches that intersected in the center.

"When Dr. Richards told us initial that it was difficult to do, I was adamant about making it work," stated BCF senior Chuck Dunning. "I was responsible for holding the bricks together until the center brick was in place. It worked!"

According to Richards, some of the concepts that were developed thousands of years ago are still applicable today. He drew the parallel of the keystone of the arch as being central to the structure, just as Christ should be the center of our lives.