McKendree College

Laura Sudholt
All Saints Academy, Breese

Have you ever thought how something familiar and commonplace could have an interesting history? McKendree College is one of those places that most people hear about but do not often take time to think about.

Like many colleges, McKendree College survived a shortage of funds while attempting to establish higher education. McKendree College, located in Lebanon, Illinois, about twenty miles from Breese, is one of the oldest schools in the state and offers a wide variety of career opportunities for its students. Some exciting careers have begun at McKendree College, including those of U.S. Senators Francis Hereford (West Virginia) and Lawrence Sherman (Illinois) and Governor Charles Deneen (Illinois).

McKendree College was founded in 1828, when 105 people pledged $1,385 to establish what was named Lebanon Seminary. It was to be a private school made up of two small buildings. In 1828 Lebanon Seminary opened with seventy-two students, sixty-seven males and five females. Edward R. Ames was hired as principal and teacher at a salary of $115 the first year, increasing to $125 the second. Miss McMurphy was hired as a teacher at a salary of $83.33 the first year and $125 the second.

After opening, Lebanon Seminary struggled for two years. However, the Methodist Church's first American-born bishop, William McKendree, became interested in the small school and did much to help the college survive. In honor of William McKendree, the Lebanon Seminary was renamed McKendree College.

After its first seven seniors graduated in 1841, McKendree incurred more debt, and the trustees decided the rest of the year could not be completed. In November 1845 all classes were closed with the promise to reopen in the fall. Although the school reopened in 1846, the president and faculty received a salary, not from McKendree but from Methodist churches. The "salary" was garden vegetables and livestock.

William Goodfellow, a professor at the college, conducted a successful campaign and raised $10,000. This money was used to construct a new building on campus. "Old Main" was completed in 1850 but burned down in 1856. Six years later, construction began on a new chapel. However, replacement costs did not cover the cost of a new bell for the steeple. In 1858 President Nelson E. Cobleigh purchased a bell for $60. Today, this bell still chimes every hour and at every graduation ceremony.

Not only was McKendree noted for its high academic quality, but it also began an athletic program. McKendree offered baseball as its first intercollegiate athletic team, and the school still participates competitively in baseball. Soccer was played from 1888 to 1892, until football replaced it. But in the 1950s, football was also dropped. Tennis teams were formed about 1890, and by 1900 McKendree added a track and basketball team. In 1928 women's sports were added.

By 1922 enrollment reached 1,343 students at the main campus and about 500 more students attending off-site locations. Although McKendree College has struggled throughout its history, it still prospers.—[From McKendree College History 1928-1978.]

This original campus building at McKendree College, constructed in 1828, was destroyed by fire in 1856.

4 ILLINOIS HISTORY/ DECEMBER 1998