University Benediction
For more than 80 years, students and faculty alike have recited Psalm 19:14 at the closing of each chapel, Convocation, and other campus-wide prayer services and events. The practice first began during the school’s years at Sevierville and when Mary Elizabeth Harrison [Green] was hired at BTS in 1942 as principal of the high school division. She suggested the practice of corporately reciting Psalm 19:14 at the close of the prayer. This practice continues today and is known as the “university benediction.” It remains one of the longest enduring traditions at Lee.
Mary Elizabeth Harrison Green was the daughter of William Harrison and Alda B. Harrison. Her mother was a Church of God minister who began the denomination's youth ministry program known as the Young People's Endeavor (YPE) and edited the The Lighted Pathway publication. Her father was a Presbyterian pastor, in whose religious services reciting liturgy was commonplace. These two spiritual influences offered Mary Elizabeth a unique perspective that embraced the Pentecostal experience and the liturgical practices of the broader Church, which may have led to her suggestion to incorporate the benediction into the spiritual life of the campus.
/ L.F. Morgan
Mary Elizabeth Harrison Green was the daughter of William Harrison and Alda B. Harrison. Her mother was a Church of God minister who began the denomination's youth ministry program known as the Young People's Endeavor (YPE) and edited the The Lighted Pathway publication. Her father was a Presbyterian pastor, in whose religious services reciting liturgy was commonplace. These two spiritual influences offered Mary Elizabeth a unique perspective that embraced the Pentecostal experience and the liturgical practices of the broader Church, which may have led to her suggestion to incorporate the benediction into the spiritual life of the campus.
/ L.F. Morgan
"Let the words of my mouth,
and the meditation of my heart,
be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord,
my strength, and my redeemer."
- Psalm 19:14, KJV
and the meditation of my heart,
be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord,
my strength, and my redeemer."
- Psalm 19:14, KJV