3,222-Pound Granite Sphere Placed in Seminary Garden

August 24, 2001

By David Porter

FORT WORTH, Texas -- A 3,222-pound granite "sphere" manufactured in Europe was hoisted into place in Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary's new English garden Aug. 27.
    The components of the "Giant Rotating Sphere Fountain," which include the ball and its approximately 4,800-pound base, were made in a cutting facility in Nuremberg, Germany. They were shipped to the port of Houston and then trucked to seminary's new $20-million continuing education conference center Aug. 22.
    Another crane hoisted the sphere into its base where it floats on a cushion of water. Gary Jackson, president of Water Fountains Inc., in Walnut, Calif., which manufactured the fountain, was here to assist with the installation.
    The sphere is Impala granite rock from South Africa, and the base is Carrera marble from Italy. It is the same kind of marble from which Michaelangelo made his famous sculptures, Jackson said.
    The conference center will include the Bryce English garden designed after the beautiful gardens found throughout England. The sphere is a major feature in the garden. The 36-inch black-granite floating sphere and garden are located just outside the dining portion of the conference center.
    Mayor Ken Barr and seminary officials will cut the ribbon on the new Jack MacGorman Conference Center Sept. 10 at 10 a.m. The two-story, 55,000 square foot center includes 12 flexible meeting rooms that offer theater-style seating for more than 1,200 people.