CHAPTER XLVI.

A Succinct Historical Sketch of Add-Ran Christian University.

In 1873 Randolph Clark moved from Fort Worth to Thorp Spring and in the fall of the same year opened the first session of the school, which afterward became Add-Ran College. Only thirteen pupils where enrolled the first day. In 1874 Addison Clark came to Thorp Spring and entered the work with his brother. Mrs. R. Clark also taught for some time. It was the purpose of the brothers to found a college that would really be a college, both in curriculum and in thoroughness of work done. Thorp Spring was selected on account of its picturesqueness, healthfulness, and as it was comparatively free from the evils of the city. The first time the name "Add-Ran" was used in connection with the school was during the first session. R. Clark was sitting in what is now known as the "old college," and having just finished a letter to his brother, signed it "R. Clark of Add-Ran College," knowing that the name would be especially dear to A. Clark, as it was the name of his oldest son, then dead. In replying, his brother wrote: "I accept the suggestion and enter heartily into the plans."

J.A. Clark entered enthusiastically into the enterprise, teaching, using his means freely, and was for several years proprietor and business manager.

The attendance rapidly increased and in a few years the average enrollment was 350. In a few years new and larger buildings became a necessity. They were undertaken without a dollar in the pockets of the proprietors, but with an unshaken faith in the enterprise. In 1876-7 a three story building 40x60 (two stories of stone), was erected, and also a wooden building for the primary school. In a few years it became necessary to have more room, and wing two stories high, 60x80, was erected. In the meantime dormitories for young men were erected, and also a commodious building for accommodation of the young ladies. This is known as Add-Ran "Girls' Home." It was first presided over by Mrs. M.E. Taliaffero, afterward by Mrs. Wideman, who is still Matron. These ladies, assisted by the lady teachers, have made it an ideal home in many ways.

In 1890 the proprietors made a donation of Add-Ran College, with all its buildings and property, to the Christian Church of Texas. A new charter was procured under the name of "Add-Ran Christian University." A new board of Directors was elected, Maj. J.J. Jarvis being chosen President. Immediately he began the erection of a large four story stone addition, mainly as his own expense. This is known as the "Jarvis Building." As yet there is no endowment. A full and efficient faculty has been maintained by tuition fees, and supported by their faith and devotion to Christian work. The courses of study are Classical, Scientifical, Literary, Biblical, Music, Art, and Commercial. There are also nine first-grade courses leading to A.M., LL D., Sc.D. and Ph.D.

There have been about ninety who have taken the Bachelor's degree, besides Business Course graduates, and those who have taken past work. Tools have been procured for a Mechanical department, but means for its thorough and practical operation have not yet been secured. The University already ranks as one of the seven first class institutions of the state, and is fast becoming one of the leading educational factors in the South. Its influence for good, for higher education, Christianity and moral reform is wide-spreading and almost incalculable. It now employs twelve regular teachers, and also a Matron and University Physician. Its courses have been enlarged and made more comprehensive from time to time, until they are among the most thorough in the South. Now in the twenty third session of its work it is better equipped for service than ever before.

2000 HOOD COUNTY TEXAS HISTORICAL DOCUMENT TRANSCRIPTION TEAM