The Rev. Katherine Glaze Lyle (M. Div., 1993) remembers Kirby Parlor well from her days as a student. But she’s always been a little dismayed that the parlor remained more or less unchanged from the time she arrived on campus in the late 1980s.
That will soon change.
The large gathering space in Perkins’ Kirby Hall is getting a refresh this spring and summer —and a new name.
Renovations are underway, marking the first major remodel of the parlor since the building’s construction in 1948. The updated space, expected to be completed by fall 2025, will bring modern functionality and a fresh aesthetic, with a new audiovisual system, fresh paint, new flooring, new artwork and updated furniture. The raised platform will be removed to create more usable space. The remodeled space will have a similar aesthetic to Bridwell Library’s Methodist Collection Reading Room, also known as “the Blue Room.”
“This is a huge room with tremendous potential,” said Lyle, chair of the Perkins Executive Board. “I was surprised to learn that Kirby Parlor is two-thirds the size of the Great Hall in Prothro. It didn’t seem that large because it’s always been filled with furniture.”
Funding for the renovation comes largely from a bequest by the late Rev. Dr. Anthony Clay Cecil Jr. (Th.M. ’67). A third-generation Methodist minister, Cecil served in various Texas congregations before retiring in 2009 after 37 years of ordained ministry. His generous gift, supplemented by contributions from Perkins Executive Board members and others, made the long-awaited project possible.
“We’re grateful for Rev. Dr. Cecil’s legacy, which will allow us to create a more welcoming and dynamic space for the Perkins community,” said Perkins Director of Development John Martin. “This renovation ensures that Kirby Parlor will better serve students, faculty and visitors for years to come.”
The remodeled space will provide a versatile venue for faculty presentations, receptions, prospective student gatherings, and a reception area for events connected to Perkins Chapel, such as weddings and funerals. The renovation will include energy-efficient windows, allowing more natural light into the space, and improved lighting that can be adjusted for different functions.
The project is progressing with support from SMU’s facilities team. Additional improvements, including a kitchen update funded by Executive Board member and current D.Min. student Elaine Culver and her husband, Bruce, will enhance the space’s usability for catering and hospitality needs.
With construction on track, the newly reimagined space should be ready for the start of the fall semester, shortly after the arrival of the new dean, Bryan P. Stone. The name “Kirby Parlor” will also be retired, with a new name yet to be determined.
“We envision this as a place that will truly serve the mission of Perkins,” said Hugo Magallanes, Dean ad interim of Perkins School of Theology. “This revitalization is not just about aesthetics—it’s about creating a space where learning, fellowship and hospitality can flourish.”