Southwestern University - Souwester Yearbook (Georgetown, TX)

Page 21 text:

A Short Historical Sketch of Southwestern University IOUTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY is the successor of four other institutions founded at some time by Texas Methodism: Rutter- ville College, chartered in 1840; Wesleyan College, of San Aug- ustine, in 1844; McKenzie College, founded in 1841; and finally Soule University, founded at Chapel Hill, in 1855. All except the last named succumbed to the Civil War or other causes. Soule University, though apparently killed by the war, nevertheless was revived in 1865, and dragged out a lingering existence for some years. In 1868 the trustees, hoping even yet to enliven the corpse of the old Soule University, in- vited to its presidency the Rev. Francis Asbury Mood, of South Carolina. It did not require long for Dr. Mood to see that neither for Soule University nor any other school of that sort was there any hope unless he could get all Texas Methodism united to its support. But there lay the difficulty. The brethren of the various conferences were enjoying to only a very modest degree that pleasure which comes from dwelling together in unity. Indeed, while there was not, to be sure, open warfare, the condition could have been designated as one of armed peace, and there were many who were ready to assure Dr. Mood that the status was a natural one and could not be otherwise. But here lay the only chance. Harmony must be secured, and with wonderful tact Dr. Mood went about his task. A less determined, less faithful, a smaller man in any respect would have given the work up, but Dr. Mood kept on, prov- ing the excellence of his diplomatic skill by securing the calling of an educational convention to meet at Galveston in 1870, at which all the conferences were repre- sented. Here the matter took definite shape. It was decided to place at some central town a university which should fitly represent Texas Methodism. Soule University was to give place to this new institution. After some two years of discussion, Georgetown was selected as the site of the proposed university, and in 1873 the faculty was elected. It was composed of three members: Dr. Mood, Regent and Professor of Mental and Moral Philosophy, History and English Literature; B. E. Chreitzberg, A.M., Professor of Mathema- tics; H. M. Reynolds, M.D., Professor of Spanish. During the session there were enrolled thirty-three students. From this rather modest beginning the institution, then called the Texas University, began its life. In 1874 Prof. S. G. Sanders was added to the list of professors. In 1876 the name was changed to Southwestern University on account of the refusal of the State Legislature to charter any but a State institution under the former name. It soon became evident that the people of Texas desired not their sons alone, but their daughters as well, to be educated, so in 1878 plans were adopted which resulted in the establishment of the Ladies ' Annex. This institution was at first almost entirely separate from the University, the only point of connection being that the professor in the University also gave instruction in the Annex. 13

Page 20 text:

■ iyiJiiilliililliP 1 : 1 University Building

Page 22 text:

Through Dr. Mood ' s eleven years of regency the University and Annex grew and flourished side by side. The first session had begun with three instructors, the twelfth with fifteen. The first session had enrolled thirty-three pupils; the twelfth, three hundred and sixty-one. A fter Dr. Mood ' s death, in 1884, the regency was placed in the hands of Dr. J. W. Heidt, under whose administration the University continued its flourishing career. In 1899 Dr. Heidt resigned and Dr. J. H. McLean was elected to the regency. During his term the need for new buildings became apparent. There were already built the old university building, the Fitting School building, the Annex, and Gid- dings Hall, but the increased attendance at the University demanded still further change. In 1894 an effort to raise funds for the new building was begun, and Dr. W. M. Hays was appointed financial agent. Through his efforts and those of his successor, Dr. F. B. Sinex, a little over $50,000 was secured. The new building was begun, and in 1900 was completed. It has been called the most beautiful single school building in the South. In 1898 the entrance requirements were so raised as to cut down the att en- dance somewhat, but it has since been constantly growing until during the present session it will reach more than four hundred. In 1897 Dr. McLean resigned the regency, and in 1898 Dr. R. S. Hyer was elected to fill the vacancy. Under his management the friends of Southwestern have seen the institution grow still further, not in material prosperity alone, but into a broader life which promises well for the future. J. C. Hardy. 14