ARTICLES ABOUT THE ORIGINS AND HISTORY OF MANCHESTER COLLEGE (AND PREDECESSORS)

Source: S.Z. Sharp, The Educational History of The Church of the Brethren (Elgin IL: Brethren Publishing House, 1923), pp. 195-205:

Origins of Manchester College

Before taking up the history of Manchester College, as a school of the Church of the Brethren, it is an interesting matter of record that this college had its beginning in a United Brethren’s school. This denomination had a school at Roanoke, Ind. The buildings were not suitable and accommodations were too few. In April, 1889, it was decided to go before the United Brethren’s Conference at Warsaw. The question of locating at another place was considered favorably.

When it became known that the college at Roanoke was looking for another location, several towns entered into competition to receive it—Elkhart, Kendallville, Churubusco, Columbia City, and North Manchester. The last-named place raised the required sum of money and secured the school. The work began in June, 1889, and the corner stone was laid Aug. 1. At the following session of the St. Joseph Conference, that body, by an almost unanimous vote, agreed to cooperate with Manchester College.

College work began in November, occupying rooms at the boarding hall. In December the classes moved into the basement of the college building, and a little later into a fine room on the first floor. The college was deeded to the St. Joseph and cooperating Conference of the United Brethren Church in 1889, and was dedicated July 26, 1891, Bishop Kephart officiating.

[From the Manchester Journal:]

“The dedicatory services were a success. Between two thousand and three thousand people were present and the deficit of debt was provided for.

The United Brethren throughout Indiana have reason for gratitude for the prosperity of their educational interests. Although scarcely two years old, they have property worth $25,000, a good boarding hall of fourteen rooms, college building of sixteen rooms, and a campus of ten acres without debt. The campus is one of Nature’s finest workmanship—dry soil, and natural grove interspersed with evergreens and crossed by drives and walks.

The college building is a beautiful brick and stone building, three stories high. It contains sixteen rooms, among which is a chapel seating 200 persons and an auditorium seating 500.

The boarding hall contains fourteen rooms and is situated on College Avenue, just across from the college, affording convenient room near at hand.

The work of the college has been widened until it has a business department, giving instruction in bookkeeping, shorthand, typewriting and telegraphy; a teachers’ course, covering three years’ study; a literary course of three years, preparatory for the ministry; a music source of three years’ length, embracing piano, violin, organ, and vocal music; also a collegiate course of four years. The attendance has been good, the enrollment, for the year closing, being about two hundred. The departments are fairly equipped, there being two pianos, two organs, one typewriter, two ordinary-sized printing presses and four small ones, besides some lesser apparatus.”

During the five years the United Brethren controlled the college it experienced its progress and discouragements. Endowments did not come as rapidly as had been expected. One man stimulated the hopes of all by claiming to have in sight a million of dollars for endowment. It never materialized. Prof. D.N. Howe, the president, worked hard and made many sacrifices, but, like men in other churches was not supported. The school under the supervision of the United Brethren stopped, and the Church of the Brethren became the owners of the property and took up the work.

The following notice appeared in the Manchester Journal in May, 1895:

“Articles of incorporation for the Brethren’s College and for the Bible School, which is to be run in connection with the college, were filed with the secretary of State last week. The trustees for the first year are Dr. George L. Shoemaker, Levi Holsinger, Emanuel S. Young, Simon S. Young, Gorman B. Heeter, Levi H. Eby, and David Hollinger. Of these, Prof. E.S. Young is to be president of the college and S.S. Young its business manager. School will open Sept. 11, 1895.”

This is the beginning of Manchester College. These trustees came into possession of the college campus, containing ten acres of ground and the one building thereon, since known as College Hall, though it had been christened “Baumgardner Hall” by the United Brethren. During the summer of 1895 money was raised to erect another building for the Bible School. It was built that same fall, much after the same plan as already given for the college hall.

The college opened that year Sept. 11. Prof. Young led the chapel service, and Miss Margueritte Bixler led the singing, “All hail the power of Jesus’ name.” Prayer was offered by Rev. Bunton. Short addresses were made by Prof. Young and some of the local ministers. The service was held in the old chapel in College Hall. There was a large audience present.

The opening of the school seemed quite auspicious. The enrollment was considered good. The first faculty was as follows: E.S. Young, president, Biblical literature; H.W. Ward, Latin and Greek; A.B. Ulery, natural science; E.M. Crouch, mathematics and English; W.R. Oyler, commercial; N.J. Beachley, stenography and penmanship; Margeritte Bixler, voice and piano; M.R. Myers, elocution.

The records of the first year show a remarkable attendance. Two hundred and seven students were enrolled, one hundred and twenty-four being in the Bible department. During the year many ten days’ Bible institutes were held in local churches. In these local schools one thousand and fifty students had been enrolled. In these local schools the instructors were E.S. Young, David Hollinger, J.W. Rarick, Charles Gibson, E.M. Eby, J.K. Miller, E.M. Cobb, and T.S. Moherman.

The faculty for the second year changed but little. Alice King became an instructor in the Bible department. A board of counsel was chosen, consisting of the following Brethren: W.R. Deeter, Jacob Snell, D.P. Shively, D.F. Hoover, W.K. Simmons, J.C. Murray, W.S. Toney, A.H. Puterbaugh, Hiram Kriechbaum, L.H. Dickey, and Samuel Sprankle. J.H. Wright, A.H. Puterbaugh, and Dorsey Hodgden were the first advisory board appointed by the General Conference. After one year, George L. Studebaker was appointed to take the place of Eld. Hodgden. After the death of Eld. Puterbaugh, W.R. Deeter took his place on the advisory board.

There was some change in the board of trustees in the third year. L.T. Holsinger, L.H. Eby and G.L. Shoemaker dropped out and M.N. Rensberger was added. In the fourth year, Edson Ulery, R.C. Hollinger, and G.B. Knepper were added. As yet the school belonged to private parties, who held the property and bore whatever responsibility there was. The Brethren in charge of the institution found many financial difficulties to meet. Support did not come as it seemingly should. Some differences arose in the board of trustees. The result was the resignation of E.S. Young, after four years of arduous toil and much sacrifice for the institution.

The fall of 1899 saw the college under a new organization. H.P. Albaugh was president; M.M. Sherrick, A.B., was vice-president. They were assisted by eighteen other teachers and assistants. There were three new members added to the board of trustees—E.C. Witter, H.P. Albaugh, and J.B. Speicher. The trustees planned large things for the school. Its friends had had great hopes for the future. The enrollment for that year seemed to justify their hopes. Before the year closed, however, serious trouble arose. Prof. Albaugh resigned and many students left the school.

The trustees were not to be discouraged. E.B. Hoff and E.C. Witter joined their number and planned for the year 1900 and 1901. Prof. L.D. Eikenberry, of Daleville College, Va., was secured to act as chairman of the faculty. Professors E.M. Crouch, W.C. Perry, O. Bruce Book, W. F. Clutton, E.B. Hoff, T.S. Moherman, R.C. Hollinger, C.S. Ikenberry, J.J. John, S.P. Early, Amanda Rodabaugh, D.O. Cottrell, and Dr. G.L. Shoemaker made up the faculty. The work of the year was pleasant, though the outlook was not so bright because of the heavy debt resting upon the institution. The debt had been accumulating for years. The day of payment had come and the money was not in sight. It was perhaps the darkest days of the school. No one knew where the money was to come from. No one knew how long Manchester College would remain in the hands of the Church of the Brethren. Help came from an unexpected quarter.

The serious situation was brought to the notice of Eld. I.D. Parker. He always had an interest in education for the young people. He was not without experience. He had been a teacher in Salem College. He had been president of the board of trustees of Ashland college, Ohio, during its darkest days. He was a man of financial ability. He had traveled all over the Brotherhood and had raised thousands of dollars for the General Mission Board. Many felt that he was the man of the hour to save the school.

Now, who should furnish the money? He went to the trustees. Notwithstanding, during the years of sacrifice and anxiety some of them had endured, they were willing to go the whole way and give every dollar they had in the institution. This should have stirred others.

Money came slowly. Many Brethren, with Bro. Parker, pledged five hundred dollars each. Yet many would do nothing. A man with less ability and determination would have despaired, but he knew no failure. At last the total amount was pledged. The pledges were given on the absolute condition that the school was to become the property of the church and that no indebtedness would ever be placed on the school. The transfer was made from the old trustees to trustees chosen from the State Districts of Northern Indiana, Middle Indiana, Southern Illinois, Southern Ohio, and Northwester Ohio. I.D. Parker, frank Fisher, Daniel Snell, S.F. Sanger, L.A. Bookwalter, J.B. Light, H.J. McClure, and Jacob Wyne were the first trustees.

The college was leased to a board of instructors, who were to take charge of the work and bear the financial obligations, except for such improvements as the board of trustees agreed to make. The executive board was composed of E.M. Crouch, I.B. Book, L.D. Ikenberry, and T.S. Moherman. Prof. E.M. Crouch, A.M., who had been chosen president the year before, continued as president of the college until 1910, or as long as the lease lasted.

Prof. Moherman dropped out after two years of service on the board, and M.M. Sherrick was a member for one year. The work for the remaining five years was carried on by Professors Crouch, Ikenberry, and Book.

During these years there were a few changes in the faculty. Prof. Hoff dropped out and his place on the faculty was filled by Prof. Moherman. After Prof. Moherman, Prof. P.B. Fitzwater became dean of the Bible department for six years—1905 to 1911. Prof. W.I.T. Hoover was professor of history and philosophy from 19-01 to 1906. Otho Winger took charge of this department in 1907. Professors O.D. Foster and Samuel Borough, both ministers of the Church of the Brethren, had charge of the commercial school for a time.

Changes were made in the board of trustees. Southern Illinois decided to discontinue official connection with the college in 1904. Southern Indiana joined the college family in 1905, and L.W. Teeter represented that District since then on the board of trustees.

In the meantime there were some substantial material improvements made. The Ladies’ Home was erected in 1898. The central heating plant was installed in 1905. In 1906 the Young Men’s Home was erected. There were various additions to the library and equipments. These were made necessary to meet the demands of the State Board of Education before that body would accredit the institution. Partial credit was received June 21, 1o907, and full credit April 9, 1909. This gave the school a great advantage for normal training.

The plan of leasing the college proved unsatisfactory. The executive board did not care to renew the contract in 1910, and the members of the trustees then assumed more direct control of the school. They directed the work through the executive board. For 1910 the members of that board were: President, E.C. Bixler, Ph.D.; vice-president, Otho Winger, A.M.; secretary, L.D. Ikenberry, A.M.; treasurer, D.B. Garber. The first year under this plan did not show large results, but it was evident that this plan for organization was the best possible under the circumstances.

In 1911 a new executive board was formed, with Otho Winger, president; L.D. Ikenberry, secretary; D.B. Garber, treasurer; George L. Studebaker, field agent. Since then the school has grown steadily. The yearly enrollment has increased from two hundred to more than five hundred.

Various improvements have been made. In 1911 the gymnasium was erected. It is the gift to the college, from the faculty, the students and friends. In the summer of 1915 the students of the class of 1914 erected and presented to the college a greenhouse. In the same fall the Science and Agricultural Hall was completed. In 1916 the ladies’ Home was enlarged and rebuilt. The material equipment of the school is now in an excellent condition.

The year 1916 was also marked by additional members in the ownership of the school. Michigan and Northeastern District of Ohio have united in the ownership of the college and have appointed trustees: George F. Culler represented Michigan and George S. Strasbaugh represented Northeastern Ohio.

For several years the students of the college have been doing excellent work, social and religious, in the west part of the city. In 1918, through the efforts of the Volunteer Mission Band, a beautiful and commodious chapel was erected, which will serve the purpose of an auditorium, Sunday-school rooms, library, reading room, industrial and art work and such other rooms as are necessary to carry on practical mission work. This building is a part of the college equipment.

For several years the need of a college hospital has been manifest. This need is now supplied by the generosity of a brother and sister who have purchased one of the largest residence buildings in the city, one block south of the college, and donated it to the institution. It is well furnished and adapted to hospital purposes.

One of the problems of the institution lately has been the lack of room in nearly all the departments to accommodate the increasing attendance of students. To solve this problem the trustees decided to erect a building in 1919 in the space between the chapel and College Hall and connect these two buildings. The new building contains the administration rooms and the college departments.

The faculty was materially strengthened for the term of 1919-20. Fourteen instructors were employed, to give their entire time to the college department.

During the World War the attendance of students was considerably reduced, but the college remained faithful to the principles of peace, as held by the Church of the Brethren. The influenza also had its effect upon the school.

The campaign for an endowment resulted in securing $252,000. The estimated value of grounds, buildings and equipments, with endowments, is $436,109.

The number of foreign missionaries who attended this college is twenty-eight and the number of ministers who have been students here was over three hundred up to 1919.

The summer school of 1919 opened with an enrollment of nearly two hundred. The prospect for next year exceeded that of any previous year.


Source: North Manchester Journal, February 15, 1894

"THERE'S MILLIONS IN IT."
A Proposition to Endow the College with a Million Dollars and Make it a University.
Will it be Accomplished is the Question?

The public meeting at the opera house, last Thursday night, to discuss the college question, will probably result in determining the truth or falsity of the proposition to endow it with a million dollars in the near future. The meeting resulted in more good than such meetings usually do in that the scheme, with some if its details, was given to the public and a committee appointed which, we have since learned, have performed their duty with neatness and dispatch.

To come to the point without further waste of words a gentleman, Prof. C.E. Kriebel by name, claims to have the management and disposition of an endowment fund of one million dollars and the annual income thereof, and he proposes to place it to the benefit of the college in this place under certain conditions. The endowment is perpetual and the annual income is to be devoted solely to paying the necessary expenses of poor and worthy students through college, and in no other way whatever. The number of students in any one year is limited to 500, if the income is sufficient to accommodate that many or more, but if the number of students should be less than that only so much as is necessary for their maintenance can be used. This is in brief the plan as stated, although there are some minor conditions that need not be stated at this time.

In consideration of bringing this endowment to the college here Prof. Kriebel makes the following demands on the town: First, that he be given a nominal superintendency over our city schools; second, that the college be furnished free electric lights and free water; third, that 100 one-year scholarships be subscribed in the town, or 150 in the town and township, at $30 each, the money to be payable in three installments, three months apart, and the first to be due in September next. These scholarships can be used at any time the owner may desire and are transferrable within town or township only.

If these demands are acceded to Prof. Kriebel proposes to bring to the college a corps of fifteen or twenty high-class professors in the several departments of study and to raise the college to the rank of a university of the first class. He has a plan which he thinks will bring in all the students that can be accommodated, and in short he proposes to advance the college to the rank of a university in all that the name implies. This is a general statement of the proposition, but the minute details of how the business is to be transacted or how the university is to be conducted were not entered into. Very little other direct information was vouchsafed, but it was generally given out that it would soon resolve into a big thing and all details would come around in good time.

These matters were discussed at some length and it was decided that the school board would enter into a provisional contract with Prof. Kriebel when he has established his corps of teachers here and made plain beyond peradventure of a doubt that he has and will perform all he claims. The contract can be terminated at the option of the board at the end of any month. The town board granted what he asked of them and will enter into a contract on terms similar to the above. As to the scholarships a committee consisting of J.W. Ulrey, D.C. Harter, P.D. Young, M.H. Snorf, Sam Noftzger, Rev. Thomas, Albert Williams and J.J. Martin was appointed to solicit them. We understand the committee is succeeding admirably in its work and already have nearly the required number pledged. This being the case it remains that Mr. Kriebel come forward with his part of the contract. He proposes to open the school next September.

To accomplish all this Mr. Kriebel, who now occupies the position of superintendent of the Butler schools, has made several visits here during the past three months. He has had numerous conferences with the college authorities and with the town and school boards on this subject, but secrecy was always enjoined. But since last week's meeting we presume it cannot be longer called a secret, and we make it legitimate matter for publication.

In all his dealings, however, Mr. Kriebel has never informed anyone who the philanthropist is who has given this large sum, nor how or where it is invested or the probable income thereof. In fact on this point he has been very chary of information, although pressed to tell those things. For this reason, and some others, some people have looked upon the proposition with suspicion, while others regarded it as "almost too true to be true." It has some mysterious features about it, but as Mr. Kriebel is said to be an honorable gentleman it will be well not to pass a too hasty judgment on this matter. As arrangements now stand much will be gained for the town if it turns out as promised, and at a reasonable cost if all proves true. Now that all that Mr. Kriebel asks will be granted it will probably be but a short time until all details are known. In the meantime people should wait with patience.

The JOURNAL sincerely hopes that there may be more truth than poetry in this matter and that it may turn out to be all that is claimed for it. A million dollars properly invested will bring in an annual income of about $50,000, and this will educate a large number of students. With a faculty of the best professors to be had it will not be a hard matter to secure plenty of students, and as buildings and a general enlargement of the university is promised almost from the very start its advantages will be apparent to all.

In closing we would suggest to those having the matter in charge to refrain from making too extravagant promises or statements about the matter which would calculate to excite too great expectations. While they themselves may have a correct idea of its future the public may be led to expect more than is reasonable, and while all that is intended may be performed the public's anticipations may be aroused to such a point by enthusiastic talk as to cause dissatisfaction in the future. As we understand it the matter now rests awaiting the final action of Mr. Kriebel. We wish more definite information was to be had, but it is not. We shall endeavor to keep the public posted on the matter as fast as developments occur.
Source: North Manchester Journal, February 22, 1894

The College Matter Rests.

So far as we have heard there are no new developments in the college endowment matter spoken of last week. There is no new information and the matter rests waiting the action of Prof. Kriebel which, we presume, will come about in good time. The following article appeared in a number of papers last week. Being exactly the same in every paper it was probably sent out by the college authorities. it may contain something of interest and we give it, following:

"An aged gentleman of wealth and without heirs offers to place a million dollars to the credit of the North Manchester college as an endowment fund. The college authorities, the city council and the city school board have all granted requests to secure the fund, and so far as North Manchester is concerned its part is done. One condition of the grant was that the college be conducted on the university plan. This calls for an enlargement of some of the courses and the addition of others. Among those added is the department of Pedagogy, of which Arnold Thompkins has been invited to become the head. The head of the music department is a professor from Zurich, Switzerland. This endowment is for poor students--any one bringing in six others receives his entire expense, room, board and tuition. The United Brethren of Indiana may be congratulated on this promised help to their educational work."

In addition to the above in some items sent to this office by Prof. Howe is the following bearing on this matter: "The securing of our promised endowment calls for the enlarging of some departments and the adding of others, but no change in the title or ownership, the United Brethren owning the college in fee simple.
Source: North Manchester Journal, March 8, 1894

THE COLLEGE ENDOWMENT SECURED.
The College Trustees Contract with Mr. Kriebel to take Charge of the College and Bring the Million Dollars Here. A Synopsis of the Contract which will Bring Big Returns as it Now Appears.

The matter of the million dollar endowment for the college seems to be taking on a more definite and business-like shape than at first. A meeting of the trustees of the college was held last Friday to consult with Prof. Kriebel about securing the endowment. After some discussion the trustees assented to Prof. Kriebel's proposition and made him president of the college. The JOURNAL had no invitation to be present at the meeting and our information is largely gathered from some of the trustees individually.

The following trustees were present at the meeting: J. Regness, Mentone; J. Ricker, Peru; Bishop Castle, Elkhart; George Bumgardner, South Whitley; Tobias Gushard, Disko; J.F. Bartmess, Buchanan, Mich.; J. Zinn, Logansport; P. Mott, Indianapolis; J.L. Parks, Elkhart; J.A. Simons, Warsaw; R.J. Parrett, Lafayette; W.H. Byrer, F. Thomas, A.E. Stewart, D.N. Howe, C.H. Bell, D. Zurface, R.P. Burton, and Dr. Lancaster of this city. Prof. Kriebel and Prof. Weaver of Wauseon, Ohio, his associate in business, were present and unfolded their plans to the meeting. The propositions were substantially as stated heretofore and the trustees entered into a contract with Prof. Kriebel to take charge of the college and conduct it in accordance with his plans and his contract with the donor of the million dollars.

Mr. Kriebel had with him a copy of his contract with the millionaire, except his name and residence, which according to the contract is not to be revealed without his consent. Attached to the copy was Mr. Kriebel's affidavit, acknowledged before a notary public at Butler, stating that it was an exact copy of the original and that the donor is amply able to carry out his contract in every respect. The contract differs but slightly from the general statements made at the public meeting held some time ago. It provides that Prof. Kriebel is to conduct an institution of general learning in the name of the Young People's Christian Union of the U.B. church, and the donor will endow a million dollars for the benefit of poor and worthy young people, who are anxious to obtain an education, in such a manner that they will not lose their independence.

There are four classes of beneficiaries, viz.: First, children of active ministers of any denomination; second, young men preparing for the ministry of any denomination; third, any person selected by an active minister in lieu of his own children; fourth, any person soliciting and bringing to the college six paying students. The contract provides that Prof. Kriebel shall pay the tuition of these beneficiaries and the donor will pay their board and room rent, provided that the same shall not cost to exceed $100 per year for each person. The number of beneficiaries is limited to 500 in any one year.

The contract is to be in force for a period of five years, but if at the end of that time the college has been run in a satisfactory manner it shall be extended to twenty years without further action. At the end of twenty years, if the college is still running in a satisfactory manner, the endowment becomes perpetual, or in event of the donor's death in the meantime it becomes perpetual; or if Prof. Kriebel should secure another million endowment for the faculty it becomes perpetual. This is a brief statement of the salient points of the article. It was entered into on July 14, 1893, and is to go into effect one year from that date. The names of W.A. Hamilton and Mrs. Dell Kriebel appear as witnesses to it.

We have not been able to learn the exact nature of the contract between the trustees of the college and Mr. Kriebel. It is conditioned, we believe, similar to the above and Mr. Kriebel is made president of the college and given possession of the property to conduct the school upon the lines indicated in the foregoing contract. In addition to the college as it now stands the trustees are to equip the building with a furnace, to furnish water and electric lights and to build a boarding house and kitchen which will seat 100 persons at a time. Nothing is said as to any salary for Mr. Kriebel or the faculty of the institution. The trustees seem somewhat reluctant to make public the terms of the contract, as they state it has not fully been closed up yet. Under the new arrangement Prof. Kriebel will not contract with the town for free water or light, but it is expected that the trustees of the college will ask such a concession. It is also stated that Prof. Kriebel has given up his intention of contracting with the school board.

As to the scholarships subscribed they will have to be re-subscribed. It seems that the heading of the paper used is not satisfactory to the professor and demanded more than he had promised to fulfill. The most important change in the heading is in the clause stating that "there shall be fifteen to twenty professors with a degree from some institution of learning." In the new paper it will read that "there shall be a faculty of teachers especially prepared for their work," or words to that effect. Subscribers are permitted to dispose of their scholarships anywhere in the county. The work of re-subscription will be begun soon.

We had a short talk with Mr. Kreibel in the evening. He expressed himself as entirely satisfied with the way the business had been transacted and was very enthusiastic over the future prospects of the school. He thought everything would be settled as he wished it and that great things are in store for this place. As to the million dollars he said it was invested in the best of real estate. Prof. Kriebel and Prof. Weaver will arrive here some time during the summer and the college will open under their management in September. The faculty has not yet been all determined upon, but Prof. Howe will become the head of the theological department. Mr. Kriebel said it would take much hard work to get the institution going in good shape but he would spare no efforts in that direction.

We understand that some people have though that the JOURNAL was opposed to this matter and was "throwing cold water on it." We do not believe that anything can be found in these columns opposing the scheme. Personally, however, we do not hesitate to say that we are opposed to that part of the business relating to the public schools which was at first demanded. As to the college property its owners certainly have a right to make what disposition of it they see fit. The JOURNAL does not desire to say a word that will be detrimental to the best interests and development of the town, nor on the other hand is it our especial purpose to champion the private interests of any concern or corporation. In treating this matter the JOURNAL has endeavored to give only the facts as we have been able to learn them and let the people form their own opinions. If we have misstated anything we are open to correction and will take pleasure in so stating. If there is anything in the proposition itself that has induced this belief the JOURNAL is not responsible for it. It is not our desire to misstate anything, but if such has been the case it is due to the fact that the information vouch-safed has been of a rather vague and uncertain nature, and not any desire to mislead.

Probably no question has been before our people lately on which there has been such a constant and universal demand for information. We have been besought on all hands to give particulars, and as it is a question of considerable importance to the public we have endeavored to truthfully present the facts as stated by those in authority. We believe that the more fully such things are treated the more satisfactory the result. We are glad that the college has secured this munificent endowment, with all the good fortune it brings with it, and hope that the most sanguine expectations will be realized.

Source: Wabash Daily Plain Dealer, April 4, 1895

"Prof." Kreibel, of the "million-dollar endowment fund", arrived at the conclusion suddenly on last Wednesday, that this city was not a suitable place for so eminent a personage, and moved his household goods and family to Warsaw, while he is working on another visionary scheme, in which he claims to have enlisted Bayer Bros.' interest, to the extent of building a college....

Source: Wabash Daily Plain Dealer, April 4, 1895

Mr. Young of the Mt. Morris college, is here again trying to negotiate for the North Manchester college. A called session of the trustees today will determine what course to pursue, either to sell it to them or devise ways and means to put it on a firmer basis financially and operate it as before.

Source: North Manchester Journal, May 2, 1895

WILL BE LOCATED IN THIS CITY.
The German Baptist or Dunkard College Secured and the U.B. College will be Transferred to Them.

There is no longer any doubt that the proposed German Baptist, or Dunkard college, to be located in Indiana, of which mention has been made in these columns heretofore, will be secured for this city. The committee of citizens appointed last week to deal with the college committee of the Dunkard church has closed a contract with that committee for its location here and all that remains is to raise the necessary subsidy.

The college committee, which at first asked $15,000, agreed to come here if the present United Brethren college property and $5,000 in money is given them. The local committee at once secured an option on the college property at $7,000 and a tract of about forty acres of land belonging to O.W. Funk and John Rice in the northern edge of town, for about $5,500. It is the plan of the committee to lay this land out in lots and by the sale of the lots realize the sum required to complete the deal and secure the college. This plan seems not only feasible but easy. The land is in a very desirable location not far from the college and close to town. The lots will be made large and desirable in every way. They will be placed on the market in a few days, and quite a number of people have already promised to buy. A general canvass will be made not only here but among people who may be attracted here by the location of the college and at this time it looks as though it will be comparatively an easy matter to dispose of them. Everyone who can should assist this enterprise by buying a lot.

The business is still in the hands of the committee who have not yet entirely settled upon all the details but will do so as soon as possible, as the matter will have to come before the annual meeting of the church at Decatur, Ill., in a few weeks. The Dunkard college committee is greatly pleased with the business so far and are getting ready to go forward with their part of the work. Of the three or four places seeking the location of this college North Manchester presented many advantages over all of them and was really the choice of the committee from the start. The town's natural beauty, its railroad facilities, the strength of the church hereabout--all these and many more good reasons--made this point the most desirable for the school. There is a demand for such an institution in this section of the country, as this church has no school nearer than Mr. Morris, Ill. The church is strong in Indiana and a school here would draw from Indiana, western Ohio and eastern Illinois.

As to the extent and character of the school the committee have wisely refrained from making boasts or promises, except that it will be the best and strongest school they can make and they hope to eventually make it the one great school of that church. The Dunkards now have five well established colleges located at Huntingdon, Pa.; McPherson, Kan.; Mount Morris, Ill.; Lordsburg, Cal., and Bridgewater, Va. The college at Mount Morris is crowded, and for some time past the need of a college in either Ohio or Indiana has been felt. The college at Mount Morris is in a small town of only 1,000 inhabitants, but it catalogues as high as 350 students. While the school will be controlled by the German Baptist conference it will be open to all denominations who may wish to patronize it. A complete equipment will be put in and they expect to open school next fall with at least 300 students.

Several of the college locating committee, who are practical school workers, will take part in the college management and a strong faculty will be secured. Prof. E.S. Young, who has been at the head of the biblical department at Mount Morris will likely be its president and his brother, S.S. Young, business manager of the Mount Morris school, will assume the same relation with the new college. Prof. Young and several others will move here in a short time to begin the preliminary arrangements for opening the school.

In return for this donation spoken of above the Dunkards propose to at once use the cash part of $5,000 in erecting another large building and to expend money in liberally equipping them. The membership of the church will place an endowment of $50,000 permanently on the school, which will be used as occasion demands in its operation and to secure it against debt. The title of the property is to remain with the town for twenty years, after which, if the school is still in successful operation it is transferred to the church. If it should fail before that time the property reverts to the town. The substantial character of the Dunkards as a class and the fact that they always perform what they undertake has inspired the utmost confidence in this undertaking and now let there be a heroic effort made to dispose of the lots in order to promptly place it on its feet.

Source: North Manchester Journal, July 4, 1895

The College

Everything is going along in good shape for the Dunkard college in this city. Articles of incorporation of the college, and also the bible school, which is to be run in connection with the college, were filed with the secretary of state and the county clerk last week.

The purpose of the association as set out in the articles is to promote the interests of education in general, and especially among the children of the German Baptist Brethren. It is to be under the control of trustees, all of whom shall be members of the German Baptist church, and whenever the church desires to assume control of the association, it may do so. It is provided the financial support of the institution shall be by endowment and otherwise. The trustees named for the first year are George L. Shoemaker, Levi Holsinger, Emanuel S. Young, Simon S. Young, Gorman B. Heeter, Levi H. Eby and David Hollinger. Of these Prof. E.S. Young is president of the college, and S.S. Young its business manager.

Of the Bible school in connection with the college, the same persons appear as directors. The school is to be located in North Manchester, to derive its support from endowments and otherwise; is to be under the supervision of directors, members of the German Baptist church. The object of the association is to promote biblical instruction particularly on the denominational line of the German Baptist church. The trustees are busy securing a faculty and getting things in shape for the opening of school September 11. Work on the new building will also be commenced in a short time, which it is intended will be completed by the opening of the school. The sale of lots will now be pushed with energy and every one who is able should step up and take a lot.

At this point it may be well to say something in regard to the sale of lots for raising the necessary donation to the college people. An impression has got out that the citizens' committee, which was appointed at the public meeting some time ago and has conducted the deal with the Dunkard college committee, has obligated its members to raise the money for the donation whether the lots are sold or not. This is not the case, and the question of whether the college will go ahead or not rests entirely on the sale of lots. If the lots are not sold the money will not be raised and consequently the business will fall through. This is no private scheme or money-making arrangement, as some pretend to believe, but is a matter of public enterprise in which every one should help. The lots must be sold if we get the college, and everybody who has the welfare of the town at heart should do all they can in this matter. The time has come when there should be no hanging back. It rests with the people and not with the committee whether the money is forthcoming, so let every one put his shoulder to the wheel to the extent of his ability and not stop till success is assured.


Source: The Weekly Rays of Light, October 18, 1900 (W.E. Billings, Publisher and Proprietor)

SOME NEW COLLEGE PLANS. NORTH MANCHESTER COLLEGE TO BE RUN BY CHURCH. TRUSTEES ARE SELECTED. BRETHREN CHURCH TO TAKE CHARGE OF INSTITUTION

The North Manchester college seems to have brighter prospects before it, and all on account of the action taken by the members of the German Baptist Brethren church of the state of Indiana.

For some time the affairs of the college have been in rather uncertain condition, and there have been stories in circulation in effect that the effort to keep up the school would be given up. These stories have not been verified, on the contrary those in charge have used their every effort to make the school a success. Debts, however, to the amount of about $20,000 have been hanging over the institution, and in these days of low priced education it was practically impossible for the school to build up its work and at the same time meet the interest on this indebtedness. This has been the cause of much planning on the part of those interested in seeing the institution a success. Now a plan has been hit upon that promises better for the institution than anything that has been put up in the past.

The German Baptist church in Indiana is divided into three districts. The regular business meeting of the northern district was held a couple of weeks ago, and at this time a proposition was adopted in effect that the church should take entire charge of the school. The plan met with a great display of enthusiasm from the members of that district, and there were many subscriptions of money offered. Thursday the business meeting of the central district of the state was held out at the Eel River church, seven miles northwest of town, and at this meeting the plan also met with favorable consideration and action. The southern district will not have a meeting until in April, but there is no doubt but what it will favor the plan, as members from that part of the state have already pledged their support.

The plan is to secure pledges from those willing to contribute to the cause, these pledges being in the form of a promise to pay to the trustees selected by the church the amount subscribed as soon as a sufficient amount is pledged to put the college in the hands of the church free from debt. There has been a liberal response upon the part of the members of the church in the northern district, and with the co-operation of the other districts there is no doubt but what the institution can soon be placed upon a sound financial basis. The present trustees of the college have pledged themselves to donate their stock to the amount of eight thousand dollars to the management.

As soon as sufficient amount is pledged to clear the property from all debt, and to place it in the hands of the trustees appointed by the church clear of all incumbrances, then the present management will make a clear title to the church. At the same time the title will be so drawn that in the future it will be impossible for the college to contract a debt. It is also the intention, not only to clear the property but to give it sufficient endowment to assure it clear sailing for the future. Already six thousand dollars have been pledged as a starter for this fund.

The new board of trustees will include Elder I.D. Parker of the northern district and Elder Daniel Snell of the central district. The southern district will select is trustee at its April meeting.

Elder Parker has done some active work in soliciting in his district, and so far he has secured subscriptions amounting to over one third of the indebtedness.

Source: North Manchester Journal, May 1, 1902

WANT TO RAISE $1,000
This Sum Asked by the College People to Help Free the Institution from Debt

Quite a number of people assembled in the clerk's room of the new city hall Monday night in response to a call for a public meeting in the general interest of the town. The object of the meeting was stated by Elder I.D. Parker, the purpose being to see if the sum of $1,000 could be raised among the citizens of the town to assist in freeing the college property from debt and turning the institution over to the German Baptist church. As has been stated, the church people have been making a valiant effort to accomplish this purpose and are not within sight of home base, so to speak.

Elder Parker's statement in brief was that the indebtedness of the college is something near $24,000 and that after a year or two's work among the members of the church at large he has been able to secure promises for $25,000 donations to the institution, but like all other public contributions, when the time comes to pay the money in there is always a shrinkage and delay and the committee finds itself confronted with a shortage of $1,000, which sum they are asking the people of North Manchester to raise in order that the debt may be lifted at once and the institution turned over into the charge of a board of trustees selected by five state districts for the benefit of the church.

After some remarks on motion the chairman, J.W. Domer, appointed a soliciting committee consisting of the following members to endeavor if possible to raise the sum: Messrs J.A. Browne, Daniel Sheller, M.H. Snorf, J.P. Watkins, H.E. Neer. At this writing no report has been made by the committee as to what success they are meeting with. While the citizens of the town have contributed quite liberally to the college since the first establishment of the institution here, it seems that the sum asked is the most vital one of all that has been given and will probably be the last public assistance the institution will ask.