Morris College - Hornet Yearbook (Sumter, SC)

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official step in effort to gain accreditation with the Southern Association was nude as the institution obtained the status Corresponding College . It was that same year that the school received its new seal of identity. The artistic design was created with a two-fold purpose: to authenticate the written communication of business with which the college was involved and provide an artistic source ot communication as a symbol that projects the purpose and objectives of the college . The latter sixties and early seventies may have-been the most trying c-ra for Morris College as turmoil and unrest disturbed the campus. It was a time of uncertainty as tension reached its peak between students and administrators. Challenged with operating an institution without a president, an Interim Committee was appointed by the Hoard of Trustees in 1970-71. Hoard of Trustee members had always been appointed by the Baptist Convention. In 1975-7-1. the school was once again without a president and a second Interim Committee was appointed. It was the strength of this committee and it s consultant that made successful application for accreditation to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; candidacy was confirmed. On IX-cem-ber 15. 1978, Morris College received full accreditation by the Southern Association. The birth and growth of Morris College has received great leadership by its nine presidents and two interim committees. PHYSIC Al. PLANT The earliest available records of the physical plant at Morris C ollege show that in 1911. the Kight j map m an early catalog pictured Morns College as the center ol the State All roads lead to Sumter seemed to he a good recruiting tlieinr Below, going to church was a central theme of college life as students lined up double-file to attend worship services at a local church Strangers Desiring to Reach Sumter Will Find Valuable Information From the Following Diagram Which Shows “All Roads Lead to Sumter,”

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A LOOK BACK . . . THE WAY IT BEGAN The initial founding of Morris College was truck a test of strength, yet the venture had just begun. The College was to face a future of trials and success. The year 1915 brought forth the first two graduates with the Bachelor of Arts. In 1916-P. Morris College enrolled as an accredited college with the South Carolina State IX-partment of Education. This act was significant for not only the institution but for it's growing population of graduates. As time passed in the essence of prosperity, and growth, the school was soon to confront a national dilema. As many other institutions across the country, the Great Depression curtailed progress and promoted changes. In 1929. Morris College discontinued its normal program. By the following year, the college president resigned and all outside aid to the school was withdrawn. As a result of financial stress. Morris College became a two year |umor college; it also discon- tinued the elementary school. A meeting of the Baptist Educational and Missionary Convention of South Carolina at Anderson unanimously voted that Morris College and Benedict College enter a compact whereby the duplication of work would lx- reduced. It was necessary, for the continuation of both schools, that each be unique. Therefore, such a compact (Morris College as a Junior College! lasted from 1930 52. In 1933. the college was restored a four-year school. The decade was equally so. The high school curriculum was discontinued in 1915 which permitted the college to become strictly a post-secondary institution. The next year. 1947, stagnated the school as accreditation was denied by the South Carolina State department of Education. Nevertheless, the college regained State accreditation in 19-19 and in 1950 received B rating of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Morris College was established solely for the education of Negroes, however on August 14. 1961. the word Negro appearing in the original charter (certificate of incorporation) was eliminated hence opening the facilities of the institution to all ethnic groups. The major priority of the institution was perhaps accreditation, full Steam Ahead was declared in 1962 the motto for the venture to pursue full accreditation with the Southern Association. By 1968. status for application was obtained with the Southern Association for accreditation. The institution already maintained accreditation by the South Carolina State Department of Education, membership with the Veteran's Administration. Federal Government for Student I.oans. Foundation for the Advancement of Negro Colleges, the National Alumni Association and the Inter-Collegiate Press. In 1969. the first Dr. Stewart Oliver Dr. Stewart diver. Moderator of the Rocky Riser Association of Anderson Counts recommended in 1902 that the Brethren begin to raise funds and secure property for the establishment of a college Bv 190$. $7,000 had been raised and 10 acres of land donated The College was to be named Morris College after Rev f rank S Morns, first moderatot of the association. After some differences the association merged with the Baptist Educational and Missionary Convention of South Carolina and the school was located in Sumter (FACING PAGE; Much of the inspiration fot founding the school came from Dr E.C. Morris (Not to be Dr. E.C. Morris confused with the other Morris), then President of the National Baptist Convention, who presented the idea at one of the Convention s earlier national meetings. The offer to locate the school in Sumter was made by the Wateree Association

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Above n a partial view of the amput during the mid-teens. Left is a picture of the original Legate Hall during the early 1920‘s. school possessed two small buildings. One was a white, wooden structure (Phyllis Wheatley Halil and the other unpainted (Brockenton Halil. It is not sure as to the uses of these facilities. In 191V 16, the institution cradled three large buildings: two dormitories and a chapel and classroom combined. One of the dorms was IXsbbins-Keith. built under the subsidy of the Women's Baptist Convention. Furnishings, in short, were such as would be expected in average boarding schools. The erection of McGowan Hall and a president's home were completed in 1916-17. After the initial settlement of land in 1907. the next land purchase was made in 1919 for 27.41 acres. The next decade was to be just as progressive, if not more, in the physical expansion of Morris College. The class of 1920 dedicated a gray, brick arch at the main entrance of the campus. This eloquent structure enhanced the beauty of the school. The Carnegie Library was also built in 1920. It was used to provide instruction of sewing lessons and eventually became known as the Music Studio where music classes were held. In 1924. the Academic Building was con-