Westminster College - Argo Yearbook (New Wilmington, PA)

Page 16 text:

The original Old Main burned in 1927. The breaking of ground for a new Old Main within a few months began an era of expansion, brought about by the Diamond Jubilee campaign of 1927. Browne Hall, originally o dormitory for men, now used for women, was another result of that fund-raising drive. Later, during the l93O's, a new library and two new dormitories were built. Today Westminster looks forward to the future. This year a cam- paign to build four new buildings was begun. The college is eager to improve its academic standing and to maintain its belief in the church rekned coHege. 1938 10

Page 15 text:

The Hrd'studentto be graduated was William P. Shaw, a preministerial student from New Castle. Five thous- and others have followed him since that first commencement in 1854. That year there were seven teachers in the college, today Westminster's faculty numbers rnorethan 80. The Ent Adnnnhhanon buHdmg was erected in 1855. lt was destroyed by fire in 1861. The building which re- placed it became known as Old Main. ln 1878 the original gym, a barn-like structure, was built. It was a crude building used primarily for exercises and not equipped for sport contests. It was not until 1895 that the board authorized a gym program, hiring a physical direc- tor, and making physical education com- pulsory at the discrimination of the facuHy. In 1884, Hillside was constructed. H then served as the Conservatory of Music and a Ladies' Hall. The Mary Thompson Science Hall was erected in 1893, and two years later the Clarke Chemical Lab was added, forming the present Science Hall. The building now used for the Conservatory of Music was built in 1906. It was used chiefly for re- ligious life and worship. Glee clubs were formed and informal recitals were given in the afternoons as part of the music course. Instrumental equipment increased greaHy unHlin 1908 the de- parhnentcould boastofthe bestequip- ment in the country. Two additional buildings were purchased for immediate use because of a large increase in the student body. 25 1893 1929

Page 17 text:

The Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools has accredited the college, it is a member of the Association ot American Colleges and the American Council on Education, and is on the approved list of the Association of American Universities and the American Asso- ciation of University Women. Graduates ot Westminster are accepted without question by the leading graduate and professional schools ot the country. One hundred years ot progress and continued effort to make VVednHndergrowfacadenHcaHy,cuHuraHy,and sphHuaHy havereah ized the idealism of early founders in training youth for character and broadness of knowledge, as well as for vocations and careers. 1952 ll -- l l i 4 l l g