1874 Conference Minutes.
March 1, 1874
Fairmont, WV
Report of the Committee on Education, Item Three.
A Conference Seminary.
There are reasons too numerous to mention why we should take into consideration the propriety of establishing one or more Conference Seminaries within our bounds. In other days the most flourishing academy in West Virginia was under the patronage of this body, accomplishing a great work in behalf of education. The same and even a far grander work could, under the same auspices, be accomplished under the more favorable circumstances of the present. It has been intimated to a member of this Conference that a gentleman residing in the capital of the state is ready to make over to the Conference a most liberal grant of buildings, grounds, and money if the Conference will undertake to organize and support a Seminary in that section. We doubt not others would unite with him in the same liberal spirit. We also would respectfully suggest the reorganization of the Academy in Clarksburg, or, if the trustees decline to act, then the establishment of a Conference Seminary wherever the most favorable opening may present itself in the Northwestern part of the state.
Resolved, That, the Presiding Elders of Charleston and Guyandotte Districts, and the preacher in charge of Charleston station, together with Phillip W. Morgan and G.W. Atkinson, and the Presiding Elders of Clarksburg, Parkersburg and Buckhannon Districts, and the preachers in charge of those stations, be a committee on behalf of this Conference to receive, consider, and, if the way be entirely clear, act on a proposition or propositions such as above suggested, and report to this Conference at its next session.