The members of the Cumberland Presbytery knew they wanted to found a college when they met at Huntsville on March 8, 1852. They wanted it to be a special school, but not just for Presbyterians and not just for future Presbyterian ministers. The discussion went on at length before it was agreed the school would be co-educational. It would be a unique school despite a brief life. And from its ashes would come another distinguished school still with us.

AUDIO: AOWM Feburary 23, 2005 (mp3)