Page:History of Southeast Missouri 1912 Volume 1.djvu/478

 418 HISTORY OF SOUTHEAST MISSOURI thirty j'ears ; in fact his services began at the founding of the institution. At tlie time of his death he was eighty years old and had been a teacher for more than fifty years. He was held in the highest esteem by the trustees of the college, by the members of the faculty and by the students. In 1871 plans were made for a new build- ing to be erected west of the study hall. The structure was to be 100 feet by 40 feet and three stories high. The first story was to be a gymnasium; second, an exhibition hall, and third as a chapel. Since 1902 the college has not had an active existence. There have been several members of the faculty always in attendance at the college and usually some students have taken the courses, especially those in theolog- ical training, but no effort has been made to extend the equipment or to gather a large number of students. This has been due in part to the fact that the Congregation of the Mission, under whose control the college ex- ists, have concentrated their efforts to the iipbuilding of institutions in other places. It is the intention at the present time to dispose of the whole college plant and to purchase property elsewhere. The decision to sell the historic buildings and holdings of the college was arrived at because of the fact that the situation is no longer suitable for school pur- poses. In one way it is a most beautiful site, lying as it does, on the bank of the river and affording a most delightful view, but in an- other wa.y the situation is no longer desirable for school purposes; it is on the railroad, and lies at the edge of the factory district of the town ; the buildings, while ample, are old and no longer meet the requirements of school work. It is to be hoped, however, that ar- rangements may be perfected by which this college, one of the oldest west of the Missis- sippi river, maj' be retained in Cape Girar- deau and may once more secure that position of influence and importance which it once held. The institution at present is in charge of the Rev. Father Thomas Levan. Will Mayfield College This institution, now situated at Marble Hill in Bollinger county, was organized Feb- ruary 10, 1878, by Dr. W. H. Mayfield and Dr. H. J. Smith. At that time it was knovn as the Mayfield-Smith Academy, and was located at Smithville in Bollinger county. No effort was made at first to erect a building for the school and it was carried on in rented rooms; there were no endowments and the expenses were met by tuition fees principally and in part by gifts. There were 22 students at the first ses- sion. In 1879 W'Ork was begun for a building, but the work was discontinued and in 1880 the school was removed to Marble Hill. At that time Rev. A. ]I. Johnson became connected with the school and began the work of raising funds for the construction of a building. The Baptists to whom he appealed had come to feel the need of an educational institution such as he planned and they contributed liberally to the institution. A good building of brick was erected upon commanding situation on the top of a hill in Marble Hill and the work of the school in its new location began. Since that time it has prospered. A dormitory building has been erected, the grounds which are naturally beautiful have been improved, and the courses of instruction strengthened. The present head of the school, Mr. J. H. Hendricks, is succeeding in carrying on the institution with reall.y remarkable success. Much of the credit of the school's prosperity belongs to Rev. W. A. Davault, who has been connected with it for many years and has been luitiring in his devotion to it. The school