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The ten-foot bronze statue of Moses kneeling before a stained-glass
burning bush reflects KU's official seal and the study of
world religions, their history, and languages taught in this building.
In the seal, designed in 1866, Moses is pictured kneeling
in awe before a bush engulfed in flames.
Moses represents the humble attitude of a scholar in pursuit of truth.
Fire symbolizes knowledge in many stories and myths.
The statue was designed by long time KU sculpture professor
Elden C. Tefft to compliment the stained-glass window,
which illuminates a reading room.
Smith Hall, built in 1967, is named for Irma Smith of Macksville.
The site has been the home to buildings dedicated to
spiritual and religious subjects since the 19th century,
but only recently became part of the KU campus.
Smith Hall, and the building it replaced, were
both owned by the Christian Churches of Kansas.
KU bought Smith Hall in 1998.