Throughout its 118 year history Millsaps College has been known for stellar academics, a community-centered campus and a welcoming, friendly atmosphere. As Halloween approaches, students discuss some of the not quite so well-known legends and myths that have also woven their way into the college’s history.
The M-Bench. Probably the most well-known and well-loved Millsaps myth is the magical powers of the M-Bench, located in the Nicholson Garden outside Murrah Hall, where more than a few Millsaps couples have found their soul mates. The stone M-shaped bench, given by the classes of 1926-28, is fabled for its romantic ability to assure marriage to the first person a Millsaps student kisses on the bench. It’s also a popular place for proposals.
Haunted Haunts. Theatre students are quick to tell of the Christian Center’s favorite phantom, Frank, who has been suspected of moving props, locking and unlocking doors and taking keys. His tactics have left more than one stage manager a little spooked.
“I’ve had one creepy run-in with him my freshman year,” said Millsaps junior Catherine Smith. “I looked over to this door that led from backstage to the dressing rooms, and it was slowly opening as if someone was coming in, but no one was there. I went over to the door to shut it but as soon as I sat down it happened again.”
It’s yet to be seen if Frank has been affected by the recent improvements to the Christian Center.
Major’s Tomb. While this story is definitely true, most students are caught off-guard when they first learn that Millsaps’ namesake, Major R.W. Millsaps, and his wife are buried on campus. Born in 1833, Major Millsaps developed a lifelong love of learning from his school teacher father. After working his way through college and Harvard Law School, fighting in the Civil War and becoming a successful businessman, Major Millsaps donated an initial gift of $50,000 in 1889 towards the establishment of a Christian college.
After his death in June of 1916, Major Millsaps was buried in a mausoleum on campus. The mythical part of his story goes that in the 1960s his body was stolen by a college rival. Once recovered, he was supposedly re-buried in a top-secret location.
“I’ve heard that only the president of the college knows exactly where on campus he’s buried,” said Millsaps senior Christie Kokel. “My guess is under the new dorms.”
The Crest. Most students, whether or not they’re superstitious, make a point to walk around the bronze Millsaps Crest in the middle of the Bowl. As the myth goes, if a student steps on the Crest as an undergraduate he or she will never graduate.
Millsaps senior Zach Moor knows of a classmate who has never stepped on the Crest and that in order to break the curse students must streak through the Bowl.
Of course these are all rumors. It’s up to you to figure out the true meaning of the legends of Millsaps College.
