Colorado College - Nugget Yearbook (Colorado Springs, CO)

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ALTHOUGH Colorado College is strictly non-sectarian and independent of all ecclesiastical control, its early history shows the influence of the Congregational Church. The foundation of Colorado College was first actively undertaken by the Congregational Association in 1873, due to a proposal of Rev. Edward P. Tenney, who realized the need for educational facilities under Christian auspices. The first active work of the association was prompted by Professor Thomas Haskell, the practical founder of the College, who entered into the foundation with great earnestness and acted as financial agent during the establishment. Rev. Jonathan Edwards was in charge at the opening. In May, 1874, the association opened the first classes of Colorado College in the old Wanless building, now the First National Bank building, with an enrollment of twenty pupils. The following September a two-room temporary building was erected opposite the Acacia Park with the enrollment increased to forty students. For four years this building remained the home of Colorado College. By this time the panic of 1873 and the grasshoppers of 1874 had completely paralyzed business and hopes. The cry of those who remained in the territory was money for bread and not mon ey for colleges. President Dough- erty went east at this time to appeal for financial assistance. but after a most earnest effort reported that nothing could be done at present in the way of assisting Colorado College financially, and with the report came his resignation. For the next five years Colorado College existed in the upper story of a building on the North side of Pikes Peak Avenue and at the home of Professor James H. Kerr, where classes in Mining and Metal- lurgy were conducted. Rev. Edward P. Tenney Appointed President in 1876 Through the conscientious efforts of the Ministers of Colorado Springs, and other active workers, the people of New England and New York were always kept informed of the possibilities of Colorado College. Through these constant efforts, Rev. Tenney was sent out from New England to in- vestigate the reported possibilities of the College and upon his favorable report was elected president of the College, assuming his active duties in 1876. President Tenney ' s coming brought new life and hope to the College. His first step was to awaken a permanent interest in Colorado and the territories of the mountains among the people of the East, and especially of New England. For this purpose he issued a pamphlet, entitled The New West. Realizing the need of preparatory schools for a permanent college, he established preparatory schools in the larger towns of the territory and in New Mexico and Utah. President Tenney was an advocate of the highest standards of scholar- ship and was not satisfied with anything below the standards of Harvard and Yale. Tenney, had of course, the problem of finance. For the purpose of securing a large endowment fund 4 — First Building of Colorado College 5 —Cumberland Presbyterian Church 6 — Bijou Street 12