Weaubleau Christian College
Weaubleau, Missouri
1873-1914
E-Travel
Since the present Weaubleau High School occupies the grounds of the former Weaubleau Christian College, I have been there as a teacher/coach at Wheatland High School in the 1960’s. For what we know of W.C.C. and its predecessor Weaubleau Christian Institute, we are indebted to Eugene Harryman, longtime clerk of Weaubleau Congregational Christian Church, who wrote a school history in 1955. The 1906 ad is from The Index (Hermitage, MO)
History
In 1869 Dr. John Whitaker, who pastored a small church in his mother’s home, began to plan for a Christian, but not sectarian, school in this rural area of Southwest Missouri, an area with few educational opportunities. Weaubleau Christian Institute opened in 1873 for six students, taught by Dr. Whitaker. Its goal was “to make each student learned, honest, moral and Christian.” The first graduating class in 1874 contained three students. In 1895 The Index noted that enrollment had reached “about 50.” A dim school photo from “around 1900,” that appeared in The Index in 1984, shows about 40 students- -30 of whom appear to be females.
In 1893 when the school moved into its new building, it also underwent a name change to Weaubleau Christian College. The 1906 ad shows that in addition to Scientific and Classical courses of study leading to B.S and A.B degrees, the college offered Music, Normal and Commercial courses, as well as a preparatory program. In 1909 the president could assert, "A degree from this college will mean all in education that the same degree from a State University would mean."
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After 1893, the faculty numbered at least six. In addition to the commercial teacher, these included two music teachers, and professors of mathematics, science, English, and classical languages. The president taught mental philosophy. Various professors also focused on elocution and pedagogy. The school museum contained models used in math and science classes.
Newspapers are largely silent on student activities, but Harryman notes that all students could be members of the school’s literary society, which met each Friday evening and which gave two public performances each term. Each graduate had to demonstrate elocution skills at commencement.
Early in the twentieth century, the state created five regional normal schools, lessening W.C.C.’s role in preparing teachers. At the same time, public high schools were being established in many communities, lessening W.C.C’s function as a preparatory school. As a result, Weaubleau Christian College closed in 1914.
"The "New Brick." Image from https://www.mogenweb.org/hickory/album/WCCChurch.htm
Bricks and Mortar
Church records show that “a substantial two-story brick edifice of modern design” was to be built to house both church and school. The cornerstone was laid in 1869, and the building was ready for classes in 1873. Measuring 29 by 40 feet, it had a chapel on the ground floor with school rooms on the second floor, accessed by an outside stair. At times, male students used the attic as a dormitory. The town of Weaubleau grew up around the school.
By 1893 this building was deemed too small for an increased student body. A new two-story school was built just to the west. The three-acre campus was planted with maple and catalpa trees. In addition to 10 classrooms, the “New Brick” contained a museum, a science laboratory, a library, and an auditorium. The “Old Brick” was then used only for religious services. It was razed in 1910, and some of the bricks were used in the construction of a new Congregational Christian Church, built on the same spot, After the college closed, the “New Brick” housed the public high school until it burned in 1931.
Sports
Newspapers show almost no reference to a sports program at Weaubleau Christian College. In a 1904 description of the campus, The Leader and Press notes that the campus fronted on “a wide street used as an athletic ground.” In 1935 the Kansas City Star described the 130-pount O. B. Whitaker as “the champion wrestler of Weaubleau College.” Finally, in 1995 The Index notes that W.C.C. basketball teams were called the Haranguers and then became the Weaubaloneyies.”
Low enrollment would surely have worked against fielding a school team in any sport.
Note--Images are used in accordance with their "terms of use" as I understand those terms. Recopying or republishing these images may be restricted or forbidden.
Dr. John Whitaker (center) founded Weaubleau Christian Institute. His four sons all attended the college. Oliver (left), the "champion wrestler," twice served as president of W.C.C. Image posted by merlenewton and used by permission.