Central Wesleyan College - Centralian Yearbook (Central, SC)

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v The History of Central Wesleyan College On a bright, sunny morning, October 15, 1906, a small group of about thirty excited students gathered on the campus of the new Wesleyan Methodist Bible Institute. This was the day they had been eagerly awaiting for some time — the first day of school at this institution which was still so new that the main building was not yet entirely furnished. In age they ranged from six-year olds, just beginning their education, to two adults in the Theological Department, Mr. James Hancock and his wife, Mrs. Grace E. Hancock, former Houghton College students. Hired to teach were the Rev. L. J. Harrington, president, and his wife. Mrs. Nellie Harrington, preceptress, with the provision that if there were more students than these two could well manage, Mr. and Mrs. Hancock would assist. It soon became evident that their services were needed, and they gave their help very sacrificially. for at first there ivas no money allotted for their salaries. This new venture was the fulfillment of a dream which had begun several years earlier. Soon after the organization of the Wesleyan Methodist Methodist Church in North Carolina, it was recognized that a school for the training and indoctrination of its ministers was needed. For this purpose the Providence Wesleyan Methodist College was founded in Guilford County, North Carolina, in 1882; and the Rev. G. M. Hardy was elected to teach theology to a class of ministers for one term. The first term dosed in December, 1882, with the ordination of five students. After that no other classes were held, and the effort to establish a college failed. 1 4 History 3

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1. Students and faculty gather for a special Heritage Chapel on the spot where the first chapel way held 2. Don Wood rings the bell that was rung to begin the first day of classes at Central. 3 The flag reminds everyone of the many men who paved the way for our country and also serves to remind them o f their wonderful heritage. 4 An old aerial view of the CWC campus shows the many changes and improvements the campus has gone through. Contents Theme 3

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1 The Rev and Mrs. Harrington on their weddmg day in 1890 2. The building which housed the female students until the 1962 fire when the lives of two students were taken. 3. As Mrs. Harrington grew older, she wrote stories for the Sunday School Banner. 4 The boys' dorm for many years. History 5