Armstrong-Browning Benefactors' Day Set for Sept. 12
by Alan Hunt
WACO, Texas - The many patrons of Baylor University's Armstrong-Browning Library will be honored during an afternoon program scheduled for Friday, Sept. 12.
The Sept. 12 date also marks the 151st anniversary of the marriage of Robert and Elizabeth Browning, and the program will include the unveiling of new showcases and exhibits at the library dedicated to the famous English poets.
Armstrong-Browning Library houses the world's largest collection of memorabilia associated with Browning, who died 107 years ago, and his wife, who died in 1861. Over the years, the library has become a mecca for those interested in the Brownings and their poetry.
Keynote speaker during the 2-4 p.m. program will be Mrs. Katharine Macdonald of London, granddaughter of Alexander Munro, the artist who sculpted the bust of the Brownings' son, Pen, which is on display at the library.
The bust was given 75 years ago to the late Dr. A.J. Armstrong, a much-admired professor of English at Baylor who was instrumental in conceiving and pursuing the idea for a collection at the university to honor the poets.
Members of the Highland Park Browning Club of Dallas will be present to recount how the bust came to be presented by the club to Dr. Armstrong and to give readings from the poets' works.
The afternoon will also celebrate the Brownings in music with a performance of the Song Cycle commissioned to celebrate the Brownings' 150th wedding anniversary last year. Additionally, the first performance of a work specially composed for this occasion by Dr. Robert H. Young, emeritus professor of music, will be performed by Baylor's Chamber Singers, conducted by Dr. Donald L. Bailey, who serves as professor of conducting, director of vocal studies, director of choral activities, and the Mary Gibbs Jones Professor of Music.
The program will conclude with refreshments in the Cox Reception Hall at Armstrong-Browning Library. The even is free and open to the public and "all are welcome to share part or all of this celebration," says Dr. Mairi Rennie, director of the library.
For more information about the Sept. 12 program, contact Rennie at (254) 710-3566