Rose Sunday was held on September 10, 2017. All students and many faculties and students’ parents attended the event at Siloam Baptist Church. The fresh-women and Junior Sophomores held the ivy chain for seniors to walk through down the brick walkway in front of Jewett. The 102nd Rose Sunday event ended after worshiping together at Siloam.
Rose Sunday has been celebrated for 102 years. The first Rose Sunday was observed on September 19, 1915. After that, it was held each year on the first Sunday of the fall semester.
Every year on that Sunday, students walk in procession to Siloam Baptist Church to honor Judson’s founders. The reason why Rose Sunday celebrates at Siloam is to honor Judson’s heritage since members of the church founded Judson College. Mrs. Beth Poole said that Rose Sunday exists “To remember Milo Parker Jewett’s tradition of rapping his cane across the staircase rails to signal to the students that it was time to walk with him to Siloam Church.” Judson has strong ties with Siloam through Christ.
Seniors wore their regalia with a rose on their left lapel (pinned there by their little sisters). After that, as a symbol of respect, the fresh-women and second-years held the ivy chain for the seniors as they processed to Siloam. Underclassmen followed the seniors to worship at the church. After hearing the message delivered by College President Dr. David Potts, seniors headed back to Judson, followed by the remaining students, faculty, parents, and church members.
