Buff Jesus captures hearts in Maryville College’s CCM

By Madeline Yalove | Oct. 20, 2026

From a post office to a library to the building we know today, Maryville College’s Center for Campus Ministry has taken many forms. But one figure has stood with the building since its start. 

“Buff Jesus” is a stained glass window of high renown at MC campus. Hanging at the back of the CCM, the window features a robed portrait of Jesus with slightly crossed eyes and men bowing down before him. But its most notable feature? The toned abs painted upon the figure. 

“Buff Jesus” is a staple of student life at Maryville College. The stained glass window, created in 1888, was inspired by the woodcut “The Ascension” by Albrecht Dürer. According to the Rev. Paul Earheart (’15), associate chaplain at MC, the story goes that family members of Professor Thomas Lamar found the window at a fair and gave it to the college. Made of Tiffany glass and original to the building, it has stood with the CCM through each of its transformations.

But why was this portrait of Jesus made so buff? There are a few different theories. Rev. Jessica Lewis (’07), college chaplain and director of campus ministry, said, “I like to joke that the muscles were created because of his wonky eyes.”

Earheart said, “His head is too small…and his eyes are looking all over the place. That’s why you have to have the shredded abs to make sure people don’t notice.”

Earheart also notes that there is more to it than silliness. 

“It’s a reminder that when trying to depict something that we can never fully understand, it ends up…being a mirror into who we are,” Earheart said. 

To Earheart, Buff Jesus is a peek into the human experience. He explained that when humanity tries to capture the perfection of Jesus, there is a tendency to portray him in what is considered peak human form, making the scale of his grandeur easier to understand. For the artist of Buff Jesus, the abs were a way to do that. 

“And he was a carpenter,” Lewis said, “he probably would have had [muscles].”

Lewis said this portrayal of Jesus is more than a celebration. It is an open invitation for all who enter the CCM.

“If Buff Jesus can stand there in all his glory with a sheet wrapped over him like a cape, surely you can be yourself in this space,” Lewis said. 

Both Lewis and Earheart emphasize that the CCM is a place where students of all denominations, religions and beliefs can come together and feel at home. From attending chapel to doing homework, the CCM is a center for many activities at MC. Buff Jesus symbolizes what the building stands for. 

“You’re not going to go into another campus and take a nap on a couch while Buff Jesus looks over you,” Lewis said. “It’s something that becomes a part of this place. It becomes part of your memories and what his face means to you.”

The window has a real effect on students. Kat Wilson (’28) said, “When I see Buff Jesus, it means I get to spend time in my favorite place with my favorite people.” 

Every time students see Buff Jesus, they know they are in a place where they are safe. Some alumni have even gone so far as to carry a piece of the window with them for life. 

“Something interesting to hear lately is people interested in getting tattoos of various parts of the stained glass,” Lewis said. 

Lewis also noted its significance. “[Maryville College] has its own mascot, but [Buff Jesus] is one of those markers of our community,” she said. 

“[Buff Jesus] is like the mascot of the faith and learning part of Maryville College,” Earheart added.

While the window might look a bit funny, it is so much more than colorful glass. Buff Jesus holds a place in the hearts of students, faculty and alumni alike, and stands as a symbol of love, safety and just a little bit of silliness for all who visit the CCM.