The Temple Building

Jacob Butcher

In the year 1900, E. Benjamin Andrews was confirmed as the newest Chancellor of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Under his guidance, the university attendance doubled, and ten new buildings were built. One of the grandest and most controversial buildings was The Temple. Originally designed as a free space for student activities, The Temple Building rapidly became a sort of, ‘everything space’. The YWCA and YMCA operated a lunchroom, and various clubs were housed within its columned walls. For a brief period of time, the Teachers Hall High School even made their home in the basement. The community also used the large rooms for assemblies and meetings.

In 1903, Chancellor Andrews purchased a tract of land on the corner of what is now 12th and R st. with plans to erect a building. Petroleum tycoon John Rockefeller entered into an agreement with Chancellor Andrews, where he would donate $66,666.66 towards a new building if Andrews could raise $33,333.33 by the beginning of 1905.  Chancellor Andrews accepted the terms and launched a campaign to the residents of Lincoln. By mid-1904, Chancellor Andrews had gathered together his sum of the money, and Rockefeller made good on his promise. Construction was slated to begin, however around this time, Kansas was suffering heavily at the hands of the petroleum industry, especially those companies owned by Rockefeller. The citizens of Lincoln rose up in protest against the Chancellor, stating that they would refuse the money from Rockefeller, as they could not accept donations from a company that was robbing their neighbors. A motion was proposed to strike Rockefeller’s name from the record of the donation. Chancellor Andrews lobbied that Rockefeller’s name should remain attached, but that the acceptance of the money would not be seen as condoning the actions of Standard Oil.

With the drama out of the way, construction could begin on the new building designed by John Latenser, an architect from Omaha. By the beginning of the fall of the 1907 academic year, The Temple Building was ready to open.  The Temple was an important building for both the university and the people of Lincoln for many years. In the 70s the building began to fall into significant disrepair, and was even condemned several times by the fire marshal. Deliberation about the fate of the Temple Building began, with some wanting to destroy the building in order to erect a new building to house the growing theatre department. Eventually, it was decided the building was worth saving, due to its rich heritage, and it underwent intense renovations leaving it as the building it is today.  

A plaque hangs in the lobby of the Temple, dedicated to Chancellor Andrews by the 1915 graduating class of UNL. It commemorates his great leadership and direction, with which he lead the university.