Palacios College - Palacios Baptist Academy

Baptist Old Ministers' Home
 

Palacios College, Palacios, Texas

Photo courtesy of Palacios Area Historical Association Museum
and volunteers Shirlee and Richard.
 

Graduates of Palacios Baptist Academy c 1912 - 1915
William Washington Ashley (1887 - 1974) standing second from left
Photo courtesy of William's granddaughter Jackie Pace
 

Palacios College Served As Two-Fold Purpose

By Rupert A. Elliott

Palacios Beacon, October 19, 1939

An integral part of the pre-World War history of Palacios is the story of Palacios College. This school was launched for the two-fold purpose of publicizing the new town and of filling a real educational need which existed in the locality at that time. The school during its lifetime did fulfill these two functions. The presence there already of one denominational institution undoubtedly had its weight in drawing the Baptist Training Union Encampment to Palacios. The fulfilling of the second function is shown by the fact that at the time there was not one liberal institution of higher learning in the entire Texas coastal region, nor one closer to Palacios on the north than the state university in Austin.

Major credits for the birth of the school belongs to Reverend William Henry Travis, a Canadian by birth. He came to Palacios from the pastorate of the Oak Cliff Baptist Church in Dallas in the fall of 1904, and began the preparatory work for the school. He secured the support of the Texas Rice Development Company, which was promoting the town-site. This company provided Mr. Travis with his expense money and, after the incorporation of the school, gave to the school one hundred and sixty acres of land about a mile west of Palacios. It was agreed in the beginning that the school would eventually be turned over to the Baptist Denomination. This was to provide the school with a permanent and wide-spread supporting organization.

The charter of the school was subscribed to on January 28, 1905 by nine citizens who became its first board of trustees. Reverend Travis was elected president of the school. Shortly after the organization was perfected, an agreement was made with the Texas Rice Development company to exchange the one hundred and sixty acres for a thirty-two acre strip along the east Tres-Palacios Bay, a mile north of the town. Ten acres in the center were set aside for the campus. The rest was surveyed into lots and gradually sold to support the school. In addition the Texas Rice Development company was to finance the erection of the first permanent buildings. An administration building and a dormitory were begun in the summer but were not completed in time for the opening of school.

The college had the opening exercises of its first session in temporary quarters in the Palacios Hotel on September 12, 1905. It moved into its own buildings in November. In accordance with the original plan, control of the school was given to the Colorado Baptist Association on January 8, 1906. The Association at that time embraced nine counties to the north and west.

In the course of the summer of 1906 the school facilities were used for a summer normal conducted by Professor W. T. Pollard, who was then superintendent of the Bay City Schools. Another building, a boys’ dormitory, was also erected. The succeeding session ended when the school was closed down following the president’s resignation in mid-winter.

School was reopened in the fall of 1907 under the leadership of Reverend M. M. Wolf, who came into the presidency from a position with the Baptist State Mission Board. The school grew very slowly during the succeeding years and reached its highest peak in the 1912-1913 session when one hundred and three students were enrolled.

In 1909 the president and trustees reconsidered the status of the school and in view of the manifest impossibility of maintaining college work, reduced its course to the academy level. The course of study offered that year covered twelve grades; the primary grades, two preparatory grades, and four years of academy work. In 1912 the name was changed to Palacios Baptist Academy.

The task of maintaining a school had proven too heavy for the Colorado Association to bear alone and efforts were made to get the academy into the correlation of Texas Baptist schools under the Education Board of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Then it would become eligible for assistance from that Board. After considerable negotiation the Education Board agreed to admit the school if the townspeople would raise fifteen thousand dollars to build a two-story brick dormitory for girls. For its part the board agreed to become responsible for the school’s indebtedness of some ten thousand dollars and to furnish the dormitory. A financial campaign was launched and after exhaustive efforts the fifteen thousand dollars was finally raised and the school was admitted into the correlation in 1910. The dormitory was completed in the following year at a cost of approximately eighteen thousand and five hundred dollars. The Education Board made up the difference and furnished the building.

The next two sessions were the brightest in the school’s history, but the indebtedness was increased year by year despite all the efforts of those concerned. The Education Board, already in debt, gave considerable money from time to time and maintained a field worker for the school. However, the agricultural set-back following the outbreak of the World War was a staggering blow to the 1914-1915 session and the entrance of the United States into the war in 1917 spelled the end. Popular support was lost in the more pressing business of winning the war. The indebtedness was around forty-four thousand dollars, and many of the prospective students were joining the armed forces. These facts resulted in the decision to close the school in the summer of 1917.

The property was operated from 1918 to 1921 as a Baptist home for aged ministers. This institution was closed because of excessive operating costs. Liquidation of the property was completed in 1928 when it passed into private hands. In the intervening years the frame buildings had been moved to the Baptist Training Union grounds where they are still in use. Only the brick dormitory remains on the old school site to remind one of the type of institution the early citizens of Palacios desired to foster.

Ad courtesy of Matagorda County Museum
 

CORNER STONE LAID.

With Masonic Rites and Ceremonies the Chief Corner of Palacios College Dormitory is Put in its Place.

A Memorable Day in the History of Palacios.

Wednesday was a great day in and for Palacios; a day that will ever remain a memorable one in her history, and which will be kept green in the memory of every citizen. On this day was performed the interesting and impressive ceremony of laying the corner stone of the girls’ dormitory of Palacios college. This ceremony did not signify, as in most instances, the completion or near completion of a great task, but in fact marks but the real beginning of the splendid development of Palacios as an educational center which shall become world famous. The building of this magnificent dormitory, on which the walls are already completed, and the interior finishing is well under way, is but the initial structure to others equally as massive and imposing that must follow to make the college entirely complete; and that these will come, and that within a very short time is assured from the fact that Palacios college now has back of and pledged to it the entire membership of the great Baptist church of the whole State of Texas, and which means that there will be no cessation of effort until the college is complete in every detail. Further the permanent founding of this great institution in our city means that other colleges and institutions of learning will be seeking for homes in this matchless location by the sea, where every condition and environment is conducive to the best in every way that (…cause of education).

The ceremony of laying the corner stone of the dormitory was in conformity to the rites of the ancient order of Free Masonry, and was conducted by the local lodge of the order under dispensation from the grand lodge. Invitations had been extended to the Masonic lodges at Port Lavaca and Blessing to join in the ceremonies with Palacios lodge, and the hour set was four o’clock in the afternoon  to accommodate those who came on the train which arrives here at 3:30 p. m. The invitations to the sister lodges was accepted by many individual members of each. About noon a boat arrived from Port Lavaca with a goodly delegation on board, and a second boat arrived about four o’clock in the afternoon bringing another detachment from the Port Lavaca lodge. The afternoon train also brought a number of Blessing Masons, beside quite a company of other visitors, including some of the prominent Baptist ministers of the State, one of whom was Dr. J. A. Barton, of Waco, secretary of the Texas Baptist Education Board.

As soon as the visitors had arrived a meeting of the grand lodge in extraordinary convention was held at the Masonic hall, where everything was made in readiness for the ceremonies of the day.

The lodge and its visitors under command of Mayor Ruthven as grand marshal moved from the accompanied by the Palacios Marine band, and marched west on Main street to Fifth, south on Fifth to Commerce, east on Commerce to Second and north on Second to the Baptist church, where autos and carriages were waiting, and which conveyed them to the college campus. Outside the college grounds again formed a marching order, and to the music of the band marched around the west, south and east sides of the new building to the northeast corner, where the ceremony of laying the stone was performed according to Masonic rites and usages, and which is a most beautiful and impressive ceremony, concluding with the Masonic grand honors.

After these ceremonies, President M. M. Wolf, of the college, delivered the oration of the day, paying a glowing tribute to the Masonic fraternity, and most certainly explaining the symbolism of the corner stone and what it represents. President Wolf then introduced Dr. Barton, Secretary of the State Education Board, who made a most eloquent address. His eulogy of President Wolf, and the recounting of the great work he had done in bringing to realization, this, in part at least, of his dreams and ambitions for Palacios college, found quick and concordant response from the heart of every Palacios citizen who heard him. Invocation of the divine blessing upon the events of the day and the institution thus dedicated to the cause of mental and moral growth and development by Rev. Province, of Victoria, and the playing of “America” by the band, concluded the exercises, after which the great crowd and the handsome and imposing building were photographed by local artists. The big crowd estimated at from 1,000 to 1,500, then returned to the city, having been most profitably entertained and edited by the ceremonies they had just witnessed.

The stone is a tablet of polished Texas granite with these words engraved on its face:

“Erected 1911. Jesus Christ the Chief Corner Stone.” The articles deposited in the stone were a copy of the minutes of the last meeting of Palacios Lodge No. 990; a copy of the proceedings of the last meeting of Palacios chapter of the Eastern Star; catalogues of Palacios college for the years 1908, 1909 and 1910; a copy of the last financial statement of the State Guaranty Bank & Trust Co., and a copy of the Beacon of April 7^th.

The deputized Grand Lodge officers who officiated at the laying of this corner stone were:

Rev. J. W. Israel, of Cuero Lodge, pastor of Palacios Baptist Church, Most Worshipful Grand Master.

F. C. Moore, of Port Lavaca Lodge, Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master; and the following all members of Palacios Lodge.

J. L. Pybus, R. W. Grand Sr., Warden.
W. [C. Gray?], Grand Jr. Warden.
Thos. H. Bonner, R. W. Grand Treas.
M. C. Reese, R. W. Grand Sec’y.
G. B. Truitt, R. W. Grand Sr. Deacon.
W. H. Brooks, R. W. Grand Jr. Deacon.
A. B. Keller, R. W. Grand Sr. Steward.
Jos. Pybus, Sr. R. W. Grand Chaplain.
M. D. Driskill, R. W. Grand Tyler.
Duncan Ruthven, Grand Marshal.

The visiting Masons from Port Lavaca were: Rev. W. H. Meyers, pastor of the Baptist church; F. L. Young, J. H. Shell, F. J. Roemer, B. D. Jackson, C. H. Brightwell, W. G. Peterson, W. P. Regan, W. C. Best, F. O. Moore, J. B. Moore, Jr., J. D. Crain, Wm. Moore, A. H. Weisenburg, R. D. Sterling, C. Paleege?, William Copehart, W. W. Maxwell, L. Seabrook, editor of the Port Lavaca Wave. The ladies from Port Lavaca were Mesdames W. W. Maxwell, F. J. Roemer, W. P. Regan, F. S. Young, B. D. Jackson, C. H. Brightwell, W. G. Peterson, J. H. Shell and Miss Julia Smith.

The visiting Masons from Blessing lodge were: J. B. Leaman, J. L. Hartwell, S. H. Smith, A. C. Yeager, Geo. R. Woodruff, Geo. W. Walker, Jr., J. E. Pierce, and C. E. Duller and wife.

The visiting Baptist ministers were: Rev. J. A. Barton, of Waco, Secretary of the Texas Baptist Education Board; Rev. F. M. Province, of Victoria and Rev. J. A. Stevens, of El Campo, members of the Board of Directors of Palacios College; Rev. H. B. Morrison, of Bay City and Rev. W. H. Meyers, of Port Lavaca.

THE BANQUET

Masonic functions are incomplete until the natural wants of the inner man have been appeased, and the passing from labor to refreshments is an inviolable tenet of this fraternity.

The local lodge was much perturbed as to just how they could fittingly entertain their visitors, until the ladies of the Easter Star came to their rescue, and proposed to take charge of and serve the banquet, and in which they scored a success such as words cannot adequately portray. The banquet was spread in the magnificent and spacious opera hall on the second floor of Capt. R. J. Hill’s new and handsome concrete building at the corner of Commerce and Pavilion streets. Two hundred and forty plates were laid, and nearly every seat was occupied. The hall was handsomely decorated with drapings and festoons of bunting, and the tables ornamented with bouquets of beautiful flowers, while at every plate was placed a dainty boutenneire of violets. The spread was a feast indeed, and served in pleasing and charming manner by a bevy of handsome young ladies. The menu included roast turkey with dressing, boiled ham, salads, peas, French fried potatoes, tomatoes, sandwiches, coffee, iced tea, ice cream and cake, and there was an abundance and to spare. Mayor Duncan Ruthven presided at the banquet board as toast-master, and is a past-master at the art. While the banqueters were assembling, the Marine band seated on the stage, gave a few excellent and much enjoyed selections.

The toasts were proposed and responded to in the following order:

Invocation. Rev. Dr. Stephens of El Campo.
“As I see the Future of Palacios College,” Rev. Dr. Barton, of Waco.
“Masonry,” Dr. Roemer, of Port Lavaca.
“How it Looks to a Hoosier Huckleberry.” Rev. J. F. Huckleberry.
“How I Have Enjoyed the Day.” Dr. Peterson, of Port Lavaca.
“The Troubles of a College Building. “Rev. M. M. Wolf, of Palacios.
“Fruit Diversification.” Prof. Hartwell, of Dunbar.
“How it Looks to a Yankee.” Rev. J. P. Green, of Palacios.
“The Future of Our Coast Cities.” Will Best, of Port Lavaca.
“A General Survey of the Situation.” D. L. Stump, Palacios.
Parting Benediction. Rev. Green.

The speeches abounded in wit and oratory, and were each worthy of special mention which space precludes.

During the progress of the speech making, much appreciated diversion was afforded by a piano solo by Miss Tansill, a charming vocal solo by Mrs. Pridgen, and a much enjoyed reading by Miss Hooks.

It was on the stroke of twelve when the last speech had been made, and the feasting came to an end. Immediately the Port Lavaca visitors boarded their launches and returned to their homes, first expressing their hearty appreciation of the splendid manner in which they had been received and entertained by their Palacios brethren, and in which visitors from other points also joined most heartily. The Blessing Masons and others from inland left for their homes on the Thursday morning train.

Thus came to a happy and joyous close one of the great and memorable days in the history of Palacios, and for the gratifying success of which, the college people, and the citizens generally have the local Masonic lodge and the ladies of the Eastern Star to thank.

Palacios Beacon, April 14, 1911
 

Former Resident Remembers Early Days of Collegeport
 

The following article by Alice Slone Morrison was published in the May 31, 1978, issue of The Daily Tribune, Bay City, Texas.
Mrs. Morrison died March 15, 1980. The first portion of the article included information on
Palacios Baptist Academy/Palacios College.

The town of Palacios began in 1902. On July 3-12, 1906 , the Texas Baptist Encampment opened in Palacios (started in 1902 in LaPorte). Then in Sept. 22, 1907, Palacios Baptist Academy began. (located Foley Addition of today)

In Sept. 21, 1907 when the Academy started by Howard Payne College ( Brownwood) , Rev. J. M. Carroll was president; Mrs. W. H. Travis was vice president; and Professor Fredrick Edmond Smithen was dean. Will Travis was president from 1908 to 1909, but January, 1908 Union Baptist Association (new sponsors) told Travis that in June, 1909, Rev. M. M. Wolfe was going to be the new president, Travis said that was not fair so he went then across the Tres Palacios Bay to the Hurd Land Company (who was laying out a new town) and suggested they start a college over there. Everyone agreed. Thus because the results of a college in Collegeport.

There was a three story red brick girl's dorm (125 x 85 width a 70 foot center stairway leading to the large open porch copied stone Ely Pepper Dorm at Mary Hardin Baylor College). It had running water for the 5 foot bathtubs and flushing toilets (3 gallon tanks, 6 feet up on the wall). There were 4 classrooms that opened onto the porch (on second floor). In the basement was the auditorium - dining room which served meals with a host and hostess at each end of the 8 chair table. Everyone stood until the blessing was said before each meal.

Students were served 3 courses at each meal. Breakfast was at 7 a.m. and consisted of dry cereal; eggs, bacon and toast; and last, biscuits and jelly. Lunch started with a soup, a green and a yellow vegetable; rice and meat. For dinner at 6 p.m., students would dress up. They first had salad; then two vegetables, potatoes and meat; and finished with a fancy and heavy dessert (usually topped with ice cream).

A home economics three room cottage classroom (kitchen, living room, bedroom and bath) was nearer the bay. Mr. and Mrs. Travis lived in the bedroom of the cottage and placed their personal effects in a large closet during classes when students learned to make a bed, cook, etc.

The boys dorm was a large white two story wooden building (1921 moved to Encampment grounds). The upstairs bedrooms had 4 shower stalls and flushing toilets. There were two classrooms downstairs plus a chapel in the center that held 200 people for musicals and chapel services.

Near the road was the President's six room house (still standing).

On the north side was the chicken yard (fried chicken and dumplings every Wednesday night). Then a cow barn, and a shed that housed the buggy and the 9 seat hack.

From Sept. 22, 1907 to May 29, 1917 , the Palacios Academy had over a hundred students yearly with about forty graduating from the 2 year Junior College. One reason this fine college had to stop was they were in debt so much. Foley Addition sold homes on all this land where the Academy was.
 

Palacios Academy Closed

Commencement Exercises Being Held This Week.

Palacios, Texas, June 5.—The closing exercises of the Palacios Baptist Academy are being held this week. Rev. A. C. Gettys, pastor of the First Baptist church of this city, delivered the baccalaureate sermon. Dr. M. M. Wolff, president of the academy, will deliver the graduating address Tuesday night.

The academy has had a very successful year. While the number of graduates is not so large as last year, still the grade of work done is more satisfactory to the faculty. The standard of the school has been raised and now those finishing the course are entered in the university as freshmen with certain advanced credits.

The graduates are as follows: Frances Braun, Huldah Elder, Ross Key, Nixon Schroeder, Amelia Rice, Arlando Orman. Graduates in senior expression: Virginia Robinson, Vivian Tatum. Junior graduates in expression: Marion and Vivian Wolff. The alumni banquet will be held Tuesday night at the Hotel Palacios.

The Matagorda County Tribune, September 8, 1916
 

Gulf Coast University of Industrial Arts (Collegeport)

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