Indiana Congressman Robert Zion visits Lyrecrest with Fraternity National President Robert Soule as part of its formal opening.

Items taken included an electric typewriter, an adding machine, a dictating machine, and a stereo tape recorder. Also missing were such incongruous items as a 50-cup coffee maker, an oak coffee table, stainless steel flatware, dinner plates, and two bed-spreads. Office Manager Mrs. Elizabeth Pigman estimated the loss to be approximately $1,200 (worth over $8,000 today), most of which was covered by insurance.

Mike launched a chapter project which resulted in direct benefits for the operations of the National Headquarters. Brother Douglas wrote letters to every collegiate chapter in the country suggesting that the chapter donate equipment and furniture to Lyrecrest, or donate money to cover the cost of items from a prepared list.

Chapters across the country answered the call to help provide furnishing for each room of the new National Headquarters.

After several years of wishing, what used to be a small caretaker’s residence was turned into a bunkhouse for Brothers to use when they came to visit. The newly renovated cottage was formally dedicated by National President T. Jervis Underwood on January 1, 1991. The building was named for Brother Robert Harris Bray (Beta Mu – 1964), who championed the project and made significant contributions in support of the effort. Since then thousands of Brothers have come to stay in the cottage for a retreat, Lyrecrest Work Weekend, a meeting, or simply when passing through town.

On August 28, 1998, shortly before our Centennial, the Fraternity purchased the property located at 10612 Old State Road. The property is adjacent to Lyrecrest and north of the main office. The property came with a three-bedroom house, a pole barn, a cinder block building, and a detached garage. While the primary reason for the purchase was to protect Lyrecrest from threatened development, the purchase greatly increased sleeping
accommodations and provided an opportunity to house a staff member.

At 12:37 PM on July 18, 2002, a magnitude 4.6 earthquake occurred approximately three miles from Lyrecrest. Reports of earthquake tremors were received by the U.S. Geological Survey from as far north as South Bend, Indiana, and as far south as Memphis, Tennessee.

This earthquake caused thousands of dollars of damage to the property, eventually causing the room containing all the Sinfonia Store merchandise to collapse into the sub-basement.

Brother Bincins Garcia (Omicron Pi – 2000) and Brother Breysi Garcia (Omicron Pi – 2000) donated the flag pole that is prominently and proudly installed on the front lawn of Lyrecrest.

A remodel of Lyrecrest’s Club Room was sorely needed, due to a toilet that didn’t flush properly, poor wiring, leaking pipes, and little or no insulation.  The hand-cut pickled oak paneling on the walls was removed and replaced, the ceiling was raised several inches,  and new wood floors replaced the old worn and badly stained carpet.

“By maintaining Lyrecrest, we not only keep the building intact, but we also pay respect to Sinfonians of the past and present who have worked so hard to get us to where we are today.” – Former Director of Programs, Will Lambert (Iota Alpha -2005)

In the summer of 2014, the National Headquarters was able to bring in interns for the second time in its history with the assistance of the Sinfonia Educational Foundation.

Dustin Griffin – Upsilon Chi (2013), James Hudgens – Theta Rho (2011), Lucas Pate – Epsilon Upsilon (2012), Justin Salada – Omicron Mu (2012), Eric Smith – Epsilon Phi (2012), and Jimmy Yingst – Beta Omicron (2011) were selected as the 2014 summer interns.

Together they assisted with events, cataloging, resource development, scanning chapter files, landscaping, organizing, and other various projects throughout the summer.

A woodchip pathway and stone bridge were installed between 10600 Old State Road and Lyrecrest North to make it easier for visitors and guests to get between to the two properties.