The elder Blanchard sought to make the building a symbol of the power of Evangelical Protestantism.

The building was completed shortly after the younger Blanchard finished his stint as University President.

The building features a 1,000-pound copper bell with the school's motto engraved on it.

The first phase was a two-story building that opened in 1858; this section is now in the center, excluding the tower.

The 80-foot (24 m), five-sided tower was added to the middle of the main facade (facing south) in 1871.