Google Preferred SourcesComments
ForumsShare

This week in Christian history: Wheaton College holds first classes; Oral Roberts dies

By Michael Gryboski, Editor Twitter

Wheaton College holds first classes – Dec. 14, 1853

The sign on the campus of Wheaton College display’s the Illinois evangelical institution’s motto.
The sign on the campus of Wheaton College display’s the Illinois evangelical institution’s motto. | Wikimedia Commons/Christoffer Lukas Müller

This week marks the anniversary of Wheaton College, an evangelical liberal arts college based in Illinois founded by Wesleyan Methodists, holding its first classes.

Originally known as the Illinois Institute, the academic institute had 140 students for its first year of operation and met in a stone building that was two stories tall and cost $10,000 to build.

“The first instructor and President was Rev. John Cross,” noted Wheaton on its website. “His work in establishing the Underground Railroad in the Midwest is cited in short entries in dozens of works.”

“The following year, after Cross left to help begin Amity College in Iowa, Rev. C. F. Winship took the helm for a year, after which he became a missionary to West Africa.”

Follow Michael Gryboski on Twitter or Facebook

Was this article helpful?

Become a CP Insider.
Help keep The Christian Post free for everyone.

The truth has a cost, and Insiders help carry it.
A dollar from an Insider comes with no strings attached. It keeps our reporters on the story, keeps our journalism open to everyone, and keeps every editorial decision in the newsroom, where it belongs.

Become a CP Insider and choose the amount you want to pay. You can change, pause or cancel anytime. As a thank-you, you’ll get:

  • The Insider Newsletter, a members-only monthly letter from our newsroom

  • Ad-free reading across christianpost.com


From as low as $8.25/month
Prefer to give once?

We’re sorry to hear that.

Hope you’ll give us another try and check out some other articles.
Return to homepage.