In 1890, the West Virginia Conference Seminary opened in Buckhannon. The result of much planning and dreaming on the part of the West Virginia Methodist Conference, this was a state-of-the-art preparatory school and not (as we would see it from our 21st Century perspective) a place for pastors to be trained for ministry. There were few public schools at that time, and families wanted to be able to educate their children without sending them out of state to do so. All activities took place in this building – from classrooms to offices to assembly hall to library room. Students boarded with approved families in town until dormitories could be built a few years later.
But on February 4, 1905 a fire destroyed this building. Everyone made it out safely, and much of the equipment and all of the records were saved. At that time, Roy McCuskey was a Seminary Student, and years later he recalled being in the building at the time of the fire. Read his memories here.
The next issue of the Pharos included this drawing of the building after the fire. And, included an article entitled “Our Calamity” which was written by Frank B. Trotter. (Page 1 and Page 2. ) He was the Vice President, but was in charge that day as President Wier was attending a meeting in Charleston. It gives details about the cause, the people inside, and his appreciation for the calm cooperation and composure of the students.
We are thankful that these people took photographs, made drawings, and wrote about this experience so that we can know more about the history of West Virginia Wesleyan College. It may have seemed that a Dream went up in smoke that day, but from the ashes the Giants that worked and studied here built the new Lynch-Raine Administration Building and kept right on teaching and learning. This event happened on a Saturday (yes, they had Saturday classes!) and by Monday they were meeting as usual in churches and houses throughout Buckhannon.
