Abilene Christian University
Abilene, Taylor County, Texas
Marker Inscription
This school, formed to provide a Christian education for all grade levels, was founded in 1906 by A. B. Barret, an early educator and preacher for Texas Churches of Christ. It was first called Childers Classical Institute in honor of Colonel J. W. Childers, who deeded his homesite at North 1st and Victoria streets for use as a campus. Early expansion of the institution began in 1912 with the 12-year presidency of Jesse P. Sewell. In 1920 it became Abilene Christian College and nine years later was moved to new facilities here. The present name was adopted in 1976.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Founded in 1906 by preacher-educator A. B. Barret, this West Texas school opened as Childers Classical Institute, named for Colonel J. W. Childers, who donated his homesite for a campus. Under Jesse P. Sewell's twelve-year presidency beginning in 1912 the institution expanded, becoming Abilene Christian College in 1920 and moving to new grounds in 1929. It took its present name in 1976.
Why it matters
It reflects the wave of faith-based colleges that spread across the American frontier, binding education tightly to religious community.
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Related people
- · A. B. Barret
- · J. W. Childers
- · Jesse P. Sewell
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
James Winford Hunt
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Raised on the Texas High Plains, James Winford Hunt worked as a newspaper publisher before becoming a Methodist minister in 1903. While serving as a pastor in Abilene, he persuaded the Northwest Texas Conference of the Methodist Church to found a college in the city — McMurry College, which opened in 1923 with Hunt as its first president. Widely known for his writings and sermons, he made his mark as a Christian educator.
Eugenia Pickard
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