Dr. Burrus Donates Rock to Symbolize The Hermitage

By Mark Tanner

Image of the rock from The Hermitage that Dr. Burrus donated. Located in Marist Circle (Credit: Christopher Columbus High School Social Media)

Looking around Marist Circle, you will find a big, normal-looking rock with a much deeper meaning.

This rock symbolizes the construction of St. Marcellin Champanat and the Marist brothers' first residence, The Hermitage. They used stone from the mountain near the building site.

It was originally Mr. Pugh's idea to find a rock to symbolize St. Marcellin's hard work and dedication to building the Hermitage.

"When I heard Mr. Pugh wanted a rock, I had friends capable of getting a rock. So I got it," said Dr. Carter Burrus, "I am just a vehicle; the middle man in this situatuon. Mr.Pugh is the one that had the idea and the one that strived for that rock."

The real question is: is the rock really from Lyon, France? The answer is maybe. Mr. Lynskey has said that the rock has very similar strata to the rocks in Lyon. Ms. Vessiere, Columbus' French teacher, grew up in Lyon, France. She put her hands on the rock and said she was absolutely sure that the rock was from Lyon, France.

"The rock has spiritual powers, by laying hands on the rock you have a connection with Lyon and St. Marceliin," said Dr. Burrus

Many people are writing notes on little rocks and putting them on the base of the rock. The symbolic rock is already bringing people closer together in faith and relationship. It is a great addition to our school and a great tribute to The Hermitage.