An Illustrated Timeline of the History of Southwest Baptist University
Information Compiled by Sandra L. Brown, University Archivist
The doors of "The Baptist College" opened for first time in Lebanon, MO. "On September 17, 1878, some sixty-nine students enrolled in the school which had no name, no charter, no official sponsor. But it had a faculty, a student body, a temporary building, and a purpose." (TNB p.1)
"It was an old Baptist church built of brick, poorly lighted... but it was the college and all that goes with a college. With a wooden partition they cut off about a third of the back or east end of the room, then subdivided that with another partition. That provided two recitation rooms and a chapel, which was used for a recitation room during the week and for church on Sunday. We had only three recitation rooms, but things moved without a hitch." (quote from Ed Schofield , TNB p.4)
Over the years the old building was used as a church, feed store, and an apartment building. This modern image of the building shows numerous exterior changes.
The State of Missouri issued a charter for Southwest Baptist College. "J. R. Maupin has drafted a charter, and Judge T. G Rechow had prepared the necessary legal papers to secure the order of incorporation of the College. The order was made by Judge R. W. Ryan, and on March 19, 1879, the State of Missouri issued a charter to Southwest Baptist College." (TNB p.10)
Cornerstone laid for first college building in Bolivar. "The Bolivar House, an old hotel standing across from the northeast corner of the square, was rented from T.G. Rechow. This structure served as administration building, classrooms, chapel, and dormitory. Of the first day of school, Rechow wrote:
"The opening of school was an epochal event in Bolivar. A splendid reception was tendered the faculty and students; speeches were made from the balcony of the hotel. The opening was an auspicious one..." (quote from T. G. Rechow, TNB p.13)
School opened in Bolivar for the first time at the Bolivar House (a hotel located on the northeast corner of the square), due to the fact that the college building was not yet complete. (TNB p.13))
"...the building was not ready for the spring term. By April 1, 1880, the floors had been laid and the plastering was to be started at once. Through the local newspapers President Maupin appealed to the citizens of Bolivar for twelve men with wagons and teams to go to the pineries south of Springfield to haul lumber to finish the work. They hoped to hold the examinations and the closing exercises in the new building.
And they did. On June 9 the faculty, students, trustees, and townspeople gathered in the new chapel for the closing exercises, which consisted largely of expressions of thanks and praise to God." (TNB 14)
"When school opened in September 1880, classes met in the new building although it had not been completed. Thomas O. Cary and Sallie Maupin, students in the German class taught by J. W. Haines, are reputed to have been the first to recite in the new building. The number of students enrolled that year was 154, eight of whom were ministerial students." (TNB p. 15)
"The triumphs of the year were the matriculation of 164 students and the graduation of four: James M. Yarbrough, Judson Elliot, Thomas Cary in the scientific course and Emma Young in the classical course. The confirmation of six faculty members can be considered a triumph since all of them would make significant contributions to the College. They were W. A. and Carrie Wilson, J. M. Williard, J. W. and Florence Leavitt, and Mrs. D. E. Schofield. Before school started in September Miss May Mitchell was employed to each literature and language. (TNB p. 19)
President Maupin expressed his exuberance in the catalogue prepared for 1883-1884... Eight hundred students have been enrolled... In Scholarship they are excelled by none; in character they are our pride.' (TNB 20)
Photo: SWBC class of 1883 was the second graduating class. President Maupin sits in the center of the front row.
The Board met to discuss the building of a boarding hall. "The boarding hall was to be for young ladies, a four-story brick building with thirty rooms which could accommodate fifty women. It would have "bath rooms with hot and cold water on every floor." This dormitory would be annexed to the College building at an estimated cost of $5, 000." (TNB p. 49-50)
The dormitory or boarding hall addition is visible in the right portion of this image at the north end of the college building.
Southwest Baptist College opened for fall term as the "Southwest Baptist Academy of William Jewell College" following trustee action that addressed a foreclosure notice with this response: "In arriving at this consensus after many years of struggle we believe such a course to be the best visible to us, and that the trustees of William Jewell are more able to strengthen, endow, and make permanent a school for Baptists of Southwest Missouri than our Board could do perhaps for many years to come. We trust this course will not only give us a better school at Bolivar but will tend to strengthen the denominational cause all over the state."
During the period from 1905 to 1910, Southwest operated under the auspices of William Jewell College and classes continued.
"...the mortgage was foreclosed and the school became the property of William Jewell College." (TNB p.73)
"...on June 1, at 11:00 a.m. fire broke out on the roof of the College building just north of the cupola. Mrs. McKinney, alone at the time, sounded the alarm and all those in the neighborhood rushed to the scene to serve as fire fighters. Nearly all of the furniture on the first floor and part of that on the second floor was saved. It looked as if the dormitory part of the building would be saved, but about 2:00 p.m. the water supply gave out, and the fire spread rapidly to the rest of the building. Most of the walls of the old part of the building fell." (TNB p.78)
Due to the loss,
by fire, of the main building, the College was essentially closed during
the academic years from 1910-13, though the trustees and the citizens of
Bolivar continued to hope and work toward the possibility of reopening
for classes at some point in the future.
Photo: This image shows the firefighters facing south. The stairs and two stories on the left were the dormitory wing of the building which was added in 1902
"On April 6, 1911, the suit brought by the trustees and citizens of Bolivar to set aside the transfer of the property to William Jewell College was settled by compromise. William Jewell was to deed the property back to Southwest and pay $500 in full settlement for all costs in the prosecution. The property was now six and one half acres of land and the rubble. The suits against the insurance companies were pending." (from TNB p. 79)
Photos: Bolivar
residents at the ruined building in the days after the fire.
"Although the building was wrecked by the fire, the property is still valuable... the land worth $6,000. Enough brick to rebuild the building as it used to be remains with the exception of a facing coat... need not more than $1,500 or $1,800 worth of brick to complete the walls.
The foundation is as good as ever, worth $2,000-3,000 on a new building. Much of the old pipe and heating apparatus can be used on a new structure. The Board will proceed at once to have the rubbish cleared up for reuse or sale." (from TNB p. 79)
Photo at left: Men posing by the ruins of the college building where they salvaged over 250,000 brick, many of which were use in the construction of the 1913 building on the same foundation.
"The college won the case [against the insurance companies] and the suit was dismissed. The attorney for William Jewell, Ralph Hughes, met Rechow and returned the deed for Southwest property to the trustees, together with the quit claim and trust deeds that had been exchanged between the time William Jewell had assumed control on April 24. This cleared the title to the property, left it free from debt, and once more it belonged to the Baptist of Southwest Missouri." (TNB p. 119)
Photo: Theodore G. Rechow immigrated to America from Jasophine Freis, Bromberg, Province of Posen (the part of Poland then partitioned to Prussia, when he was four years old. This is the gentleman that took care of the original incorporation of the college, Mark 19, 1979 (as noted earlier in the timeline). He later assisted with amended articles of incorporation in 1921, and had otherwise been closely involved with the Bolivar effort to get the College to move to Bolivar.
Photo at left: Judge Theodore G. Rechow
"There are discrepancies in the newspaper accounts and even in the records of the sequence of events which followed this meeting on April 27, 1911; but the writer chooses to close this chapter with a happening, verified in the minutes, about which Mr. Stufflebam spoke to her frequently. Only the date is uncertain."
"The Board voted to allow Brothers Slagle and Chamberlain "to let the campus to anyone who will fence it for a cow pasture." (TNB p. 80)
"The desperation decision to rent the campus for a cow pasture pleased no one among the trustees. Mr. Stufflebam especially was deeply disturbed. Speaking of this many years later, he said that his heart was so heavy he could not sleep, and he knew that he could find no rest until he and some of the trustees gathered at the ruins and prayed. These may have been the committee, Stufflebam, Leavitt, and Powers, who had been charged to look after the campus. According to the memories of some who heard the story from Stufflebam, all repaired to the campus and there they knelt in the ashes to pray for guidance. ... They were led to rebuild, and a meeting was called for May 29, 1911." (TNB p.119)
S.W.B.C. reopened as a junior college and classes resumed.
"On September 25, classes were dismissed so that faculty and students could attend the Polk County Fair. This was an opportunity to advertise the school. A squad of students dressed in purple and white and wore badges that said "ASK ME." ... Purple and white have remained the College colors to this day." (TNB pp. 133-34)
A special day of celebration was held to thank those who had supported the College in their efforts to build the new building and reopen the College. "The long delayed Rally Day was observed January 17, 1914, beginning at 10:30 A.M. After a brief concert by the Bolivar Band, a parade formed and, led by the Band, marched around the square and along Mill (now Pike) Street to the campus. G. M. Upton, president of the Commercial Club; J. M. Leavitt, president of the Board of trustees; the faculty; Daisy Johnson, superintendent of Polk County schools; W. E. Martin, superintendent of Bolivar schools; the public school teachers of Bolivar; and 112 college students marched. Throngs of friends -- reported to number 1,000-2,000 -- stood around the square and along the parade route, some of whom joined in the march to the campus. There a picture of the grounds outside the building recorded the event for posterity." (TNB p. 135)
Dean Pike announced that "the College had been approved by the University of Missouri for all academy courses and had been granted the privilege of certification for all college grades." (TNB p. 147)
Junior College Accreditation was granted.
"On October 12, the committee visited the school in the persons of Drs. Trenholme and Schlundt. "They expressed themselves as being pleased with our students in number and personality, with the school, its work and outlook, with our new equipment, and without teachers and their work," President Pike announced in chapel after the committee had gone.
Afew days later this telegram arrived in Bolivar:
"Columbia, Mo, October 18, 1921. Committee voted yesterday to placae college on fully accredited lists. N.M. Trenholme." President Pike read the telegram to the students assembled in chapel ... " Junior College Accreditation granted. (see TNB, p. 155, last 2-3 sentences)
The original Pike Auditorium was completed just north of the "Old Ad" building. (TNB p. 162)
Dr. Jent's "Self-Help Plan" was put into place providing both a farm and a broom factory for students to work in to aid themselves and the college. "...in March an option was taken on a 2000 acre farm located one and one-half miles from Bolivar. The price was $9,325. Any student who wished to do so could earn $100 of his expenses by working two hours a day on the farm." "A new power-driven broom machine had been installed in the basement of Hoffman Hall, and the manufacturing of brooms began as soon as school opened. There were a number of advance orders and the Herald, announcing the opening of school, declared it to be assured of success. "Sentiment for the school is running at high tide everywhere. People are enthusiastic about the new self-help plan," he [Jent] said." (TNB p.165, photograph of broom making in Hoffman Hall basement with students and staff.)
"So far only one department is fully established--the broom factory. We can make twenty-five brooms per day, but the market is slow. We have filled orders for over 200 dozen brooms for retailers." (report from local newspapers, quoted in TNB p. 166)
"The report to the Missouri General Association that year [January 17, 1929] included: "We have horses, cows, and chickens. We canned 500 gallons of tomatoes and corn last year. The farm is supplying practically all the eggs, milk, and vegetables; and we hope to produce most of our meat."
Broom making had not proved profitable, however, and had been abandoned. (The equipment was sold in 1931 for seventy-five dollars)." (TNB p.167)
1928
At left, the graduating class on the steps of the "Old Ad" building for a class portrait.
1929
United States Stock
Market Crash.
President Redford Arrived in Bolivar August 21.
In 1930 Redford, who was then a young man of thirty-one years with a wife and four children accepted the invitation of the trustees of Southwest to become their president...
Reflecting on his reaction to the call in 1964, Redford wrote: The school was very deeply in debt, and we were entering the depression period, so it was really very difficult for me to leave a place which seemed to provide security for myself and my family and go to a place of uncertainty. I felt, however, the Lord was called me to Southwest Baptist College. I continued as president for thirteen years. Those years were hard but they were happy years--in many ways the happiest years of my ministry. Never had I had more friends than I had among the faculty members, the trustees, and the students. We had some wonderful Christian teachers, and the school was characterized by an excellent Spirit. Today graduates are scattered all over the world. Those were testing times. Time and time again the Lord provided in almost miraculous ways the resources we had to have to carry on. Because of the support of Missouri Baptist and the Friends of the institution we were able to pay all the indebtedness and to obtain some additional properties before I left. (TNB p.411)
The Life Beautiful Award, the highest award granted to a student at Southwest Baptist, was established by Mrs. Rosalie Mills Appleby, author and missionary to Brazil.
Under the leadership of Dr. Courts Redford, the College was debt free for the first time in the college history, the college had 136 students and the original Pike Auditorium (built in 1926) was named and dedicated in honor of John Calvin Pike by a special resolution of the Board of Trustees which read: Therefore, be it resolved: First, that the auditorium be dedicated to John Calvin Pike and second, that it be named Pike Auditorium and third, that the name be placed in large letters on the front of the auditorium, and under the name there be placed the following notation: "Dedicated to John Calvin Pike for his faithful service." (TNB p. 191)
Grounding breaking was held for a new men's dormitory to be named Memorial Hall. "The building was not ready for occupancy in September 1946. Army cots and mattresses were purchased and set up on the state in Pike Auditorium where the men slept. On November 3 they were able to move into Memorial Hall."
"The name for the dormitory was chosen to honor those ten students who had given their lives in World War II.
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Those students were: |
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Kenneth I. Austin |
Sanford S. Caviness |
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Arnold Branson |
Kenneth Haralson |
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Thomas M. Pool |
Harold L. Purtle |
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Bradford L. Fisher |
Jospeh M. Tuttle |
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Wayne Huffman |
Rixey Everett |
Photo: Main entrance to Memorial Hall, on the north side facing the "Old Ad" building.
Miss Ellen Bell was hired as the president's secretary.
Less than a month after Dr. Robert Craig was inaugurated on March 4, 1962, a disaster struck the college. "Then for the second time in the history of the College disaster came in the form of a major fire. Pike Auditorium, that multipurpose building, burned to the ground on March 26. Students and townspeople saved eight of the pianos from the studios and almost all of the sports equipment from the locker rooms and gymnasium." (TNB p. 274)
"After Pike Auditorium was destroyed by fire, the Bolivar community immediately started a fund campaign to raise $50,000 in cash and $50,000 in pledges. The local campaign, under the leadership of Dr. Doyle McCraw, had three major objectives: (1) to purchase land for future expansion (2) to begin construction of one new building to replace Pike Auditorium and (3) to encourage support from others throughout the state." (SWBC Newsletter v.44, n.1, p.2., photograph of the sign used to publicize the expansion, from the same issue of the newsletter)
"On May 31, the Board voted to purchase a 102 acre plot of land south of Bolivar on Highway 13 for $35,000. The campus was named for F. M. Shoffner, benefactor of the College; appropriate signs were erected to publicize the expansion of the College, and other efforts were made to obtain the good will of the community." (TNB p.275)
"The F. M. Shoffner campus, with 102 acres located on the south entrance of Bolivar, was purchased for SWBC by the Bolivar community. (SWBC Newsletter v.44, n.1, p.2.)
North Central Association for Colleges and Schools grants full accreditation to S.W.B.C. to become a four-year institution.
Leslie Hall is dedicated "this day to the glory of God for the service of young people attending Southwest Baptist College." "Dr. and Mrs. J. F. Leslie for who the building is being named, lived dedicated lives and actively supported the college with their personal efforts, influences, and finances. Dr. Leslie served as a trustee for many years." (Omnibus, October, 1965)
"In 1970 a faculty committee was appointed to start an archives collection. Dr. Courts Redford was named curator. The succeeded in obtaining may valuable documents, articles, pictures, and memorabilia relating to the history of the school.... A room in Estep Library was furnished with shelves, filing cabinets, and tables to house the archives; and in recognition of the help given by Dr. and Mrs. Redford it is called the Redford Room." (TNB p.333)
Mabee Chapel and Pike Auditorium were dedicated November 18, 1979. "The structure is a large auditorium-classroom-office complex. The auditorium, which seats 1,3000, has a large state area and orchestra pit, dressing rooms, and a work area for stage set construction. There are three late classrooms, a seminar-conference room, office for faculty of the Redford School, and a large lobby. The building is named Mabee Chapel whose gift not only provided a large part of the cost, but also was a challenge to the college personnel and to friends to give generously. In naming the new Pike Auditorium, a replacement for the one which burned in 1962, J. C. Pike is honored by those who contributed to the first building as well as many alumni and friends of later years. (TNB p.310)
Campanile built adjacent to the new Mabee Chapel, to house the carillon, and immediately becomes the most visible and recognizable landmark of the new campus.
In October the Board of Trustees approved a resolution changing the name of Southwest Baptist College to Southwest Baptist University. (Trustees Book of Minutes)
On December 17, 1980, the Secretary of State of Missouri signed the amended pro forma decree of information changing the name for legal purposes. (State of Missouri, Corporation Division, Certificate of Corporate Records)
Southwest Baptist University publicly celebrates it's new name in a special formal chapel, gets a new seal and logo, created by art faculty member Ms. Sandra Brown, and a new school alma mater, written by music faculty member Mr. Steve Whisler.
Dedication
Then Vice President George Bush gave the keynote address during the dedication ceremony to formally name the Gene Taylor National Free Enterprise Center, named in honor the Missouri congressman. "Taylor introduced the vice president. In his dedicatory remarks, Bush supported the role of free enterprise in America." (1983 Mozarkian, p.18)
The Missouri Baptist Convention granted approval to SBU to offer 20 hours of graduate courses in teacher education, on a one year trial basis. (Word & Way, July 23, 1987, p.1)
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools granted approval for of SBU's request that "its accreditation be extended to include a limited offering of courses at the Master's level." (letter from NCA to Dr. Sells, dated April 24, 1987 with a revised "Statement of Affiliation Status")
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools approves "The University's accreditation at the Master's degree granting level" , limiting the graduate offerings to the Master of Science in Education degree to be offered on the Bolivar campus. ( Reports of a Visit to Southwest Baptist University, October 16-18, 1989, for the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, see the Statement of Affiliation Status)
Clarence and Edna Wheeler donate $2.4 million dollars to the Wheeler Science & Nutrition Center, the largest single gift to the University, in it's history to date.
North Central Association granted full 10 year accreditation to the University and all of her programs., noting that, "The faculty, staff, administration and trustees are capable and strongly committed to the institution, its Christian mission and the students it serves." ( Reports of a Visit to Southwest Baptist University, April 29-May1, 1996, for the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, p.41)
The first Faculty Senate meeting was called to order by prayer by President Mark Tappmeyer in the Board Room of the Sells Administration. Eric Moore was appointed Senate Parliamentarian, and Susan DeBauche was elected Senate Secretary-Treasurer. (SBU Faculty Senate minutes, August 23, 1994)
$1,000,000, the largest single contribution for scholarships in the history of the institution, was given by Clarence and Edna Wheeler.
"Partners in Excellence" University Relations campaign, under the leadership of President C. Pat Taylor, sets a record for donations and pledges to SBU.
The university kicked off a "year-long party" in celebration of the 125th, or quasquicentennial, academic year. September 17th, 2003 will be the 125th anniversary of the day that the doors of "The Baptist College" opened for first time in Lebanon, MO. Below is a photograph of the faculty of SBU during the quasquicentennial year.
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This page revised May 02, 2007.