Picture the imposing structure before you. This is Convocation Hall at Emory University in Atlanta. More than a century old it stands as a testament to history and academic excellence. Originally known as the Theology Building Convocation Hall first opened its doors in 1916. It was one of the very first buildings on Emory’s Atlanta campus.
Designed by the renowned architect Henry Hornbostel Convocation Hall exemplifies the Italian Renaissance style. Pink and gray marble adorn its facade a striking feature mirroring its twin Carlos Hall across the quad. These buildings share design elements yet Hornbostel subtly differentiated them. He included unique carvings under the eaves. Convocation Hall’s carvings depict religious images reflecting its origins as the home of the Candler School of Theology.
For decades Convocation Hall served diverse purposes. University executives faculty libraries and even the campus post office found a home within its walls. It housed the Candler School of Theology the chancellor’s office and an academic library. The space was later home to the Pitts Theology Library. In 1975 the library’s collection greatly expanded with the addition of over 200000 rare books. It was renamed in honor of Margaret A. Pitts and the Pitts Foundation’s generous contribution.
The Pitts Theology Library eventually outgrew Convocation Hall. In 2014 it moved to a new building. This left Convocation Hall vacant ripe for a transformation. Emory University seized this opportunity. They meticulously restored the building. The renovation blended historic preservation with modern updates. The result is a stunning example of Atlanta history. Convocation Hall now supports Emory’s mission. It houses offices for key university leaders. It also serves as a venue for academic gatherings trustee meetings and significant campus events. The name Convocation Hall celebrates this rich legacy. The building’s history is palpable. It’s a space where strategic decisions are made and consequential conversations unfold. A space where executive action and scholarly reflection converge.
The renovations modernized Convocation Hall. They created flexible workspaces fostering collaboration. Key architectural features were preserved. The tall windows marble walls and ornate wooden ceilings remain. They’re a reminder of the building’s past. Convocation Hall stands today as a beacon of beauty history and innovation. It is a vibrant hub of Emory’s academic life. A place where the past and present gracefully coexist.