Wilbraham Wesleyan Academy

Wilbraham Wesleyan Academy was one of the oldest educational institutions of the Methodist Episcopal Church. It was originally established by Methodist clergy of New England, in 1818. Originally located in New Market, New Hampshire, it was intended both for general educational purposes as well as for young men intending to enter the Ordained Ministry.

Move to Massachusetts

In 1824 an act of incorporation was obtained from the legislature of Massachusetts, and the academy was moved to Wilbraham, Massachusetts where it opened in September 1825. Eight students were present on opening day, and thirty-five attended during that first term. Its first Principal after it moved to Massachusetts was Dr. Wilbur Fisk, who served until 1831 (when he became President of Wesleyan University). The Academy later merged with Monson Academy and became Wilbraham & Monson Academy which continues to occupy the Wilbraham campus.

Other Principals

Following Dr. Fisk, these men served in succession as principal of Wilbraham Wesleyan Academy:
* W. McK. Bangs, A.M. (1831-32)
* John Foster, A.M.(1832-34)
* David Patton, D.D. (1834-41)
* Charles Adams, D.D. (1841-45)
* Robert Allyn, D.D. (1845-48)
* Minor Raymon, D.D. (1848-64)
* Edward Cooke, D.D. (1864-74)
* Nathaniel Fellows, A.M. (1874- )

Academic Facilities

In the 1870's, Wilbraham Wesleyan Academy was in a healthful and beautiful location, with extensive grounds, including farmland of convert|196|acre|km2. There were six buildings devoted to academic purposes, the chief of which were large and most conveniently arranged. It's library at the time contained 5,300 volumes, with good philosophical, chemical and mathematical apparatus, a cabinet, museum, and apparatus valued at $14,000 (at that time).

Faculty and Student Body

The Academy employed a corps of able professors in the various departments. It's students, which included both young men and young women (indeed, one-third of the total students were women, somewhat unique at that time), averaged between 200 and 300 per year. Many engaged in teaching and professional studies. Some prepared for college.

Notable alumni

* Osman Cleander Baker (1812–1871), a Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
* Isaac Goodnow (1814–1894), a founder of Kansas State University and Manhattan, Kansas.
* John Christian Keener (1819–1906), a Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.

ee also

* Wilbraham & Monson Academy

References

* Cyclopaedia of Methodism, Matthew Simpson, D.D., LL.D., Ed., ("Revised Edition.") Philadelphia, Louis H. Everts, 1880. [http://wesley.nnu.edu/wesleyctr/books/0801-0900/HDM0856.PDF]