Edward Waters College Newsletter January 2016
Edward Waters College Celebrates 150th Anniversary Hundreds fill the Centennial Lawn for the Sesquicentennial kick-off. In 2016, Edward Waters College celebrates its 150th Anniversary. The momentous occasion was commemorated with a balloon release and celebratory cake-cutting during a Sesquicentennial Kick-Off held on the Centennial Lawn January 20th. President Nathaniel Glover, EWC faculty, staff, students and alumni gathered to honor the rich history of Florida’s oldest historically black college and private institution of higher learning. There were spirited performances by the Triple Threat Marching Band and EWC Concert Choir.
high school, college and seminary levels. Construction on the first building began in 1872 on ten acres of land in Live Oak, Florida. In 1892 the school’s name was changed to Edward Waters College in honor of the third Bishop of the AME Church. The school moved to Jacksonville, Florida in 1893 where the campus was destroyed by the Great Fire of 1901. In 1904 the Board of Trustees purchased the present site of the school on Kings Road where it was rebuilt. Dr. Nathaniel Glover cutting the cake during the celebration.
Formerly named Brown’s Theological Institute, EWC was founded in 1866 by the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church to educate newly emancipated slaves. The school met the needs of its community by offering courses at the elementary,
Biodegradable balloons were released during the ceremony.
The program also concluded with the release of 150 biodegradable purple an orange balloons and the cake-cutting. EWC’s 150th Anniversary celebration will continue with events throughout the year.
Students from the Call Me MISTER Program served as ushers.
The Triple Threat Marching Band began the program by processing onto the Centennial Lawn.
Decades later, Edward Waters College continues to educate students of all races and religions. The College continues its mission of advancing students in a global society through excellence of scholarship, research and service for the betterment of humanity.