April 8, 2026
A Union-Philanthropic Literary Society (UPLS) monument was constructed adjacent to the Watkins Bell Tower, honoring the oldest debating society in continuous operation.
Constructed beside the Union-Philanthropic Literary Society tree planted roughly 50 years ago—where the group members gather each fall to read the preamble to the Philanthropic Society’s constitution—the monument honors the debating society’s more than 200-year legacy.
“I think it’s remarkable that we have this organization,” says College President Larry Stimpert. “Every Sunday, they hold a debate and practice civil discourse. Although they are clearly participating in a debate, they still treat each other with respect. To me, this is what our society needs.”
The Society has a rich and storied history. The Union Society, established in 1789, counted among its earliest members Edward Henry—the son of founding trustee Patrick Henry, whose class year is unknown; and William Henry Harrison, Class of 1791, the ninth president of the United States. The Philanthropic Society was founded in 1805, disbanded shortly thereafter, and then reestablished in 1807 under the leadership of John Peter Mettauer, Class of 1811, who later became a noted surgeon. In 1929, the two societies merged to form the Union-Philanthropic Literary Society, which continues to meet weekly to engage in civil discourse and respectful debate.
Discussions about constructing the monument began a few years ago when Michael Van Citters ’22 and James Garrison ’22, both of whom had been active in UPLS and the Ethics Bowl team, met with President Stimpert, who proposed creating something to honor the Society. With their input on the design, the monument—built by Holman Masonry—was constructed using bricks left over from the Pauley Science Center, serving as a lasting tribute to everyone who has been part of this historic and distinguished society.
“This organization is one aspect that is truly special about Hampden-Sydney College,” Stimpert says. “I’m glad we have this monument on campus to honor that tradition of debate and civil discourse. When you think about what we stand for as a college—our mission to form good men and good citizens, our Honor Code and code of conduct, character development, brotherhood, and our commitment to rhetoric—it all goes hand in hand with civil discourse. Those defining elements are central to who we are. The Union-Philanthropic Literary Society has a strong commitment to civil rhetoric and civil discourse—two of the most important principles at the heart of our institution.”
Standing as a symbol of honor and tradition, the monument serves as a reminder of the enduring history behind the Union-Philanthropic Literary Society. Through thoughtful debate and respectful civil discourse, the Society upholds more than 200 years of rhetoric, fellowship, and intellectual engagement—reinforcing the enduring mission of Hampden-Sydney College to form good men and good citizens who will make a positive impact on the world.