Abilene in Taylor County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
McMurry College
James Winford Hunt (1875-1934) published newspapers in Lubbock and Plainview before becoming a Methodist circuit rider minister in 1903. He was called to St. Paul’s Church in Abilene in 1914, where he served for two years before becoming president of Stamford College. Returning to St. Paul’s when Stamford closed in 1918, he resigned in 1920 to promote the establishment of a new college.
Garnering overwhelming community support, a fund drive was launched in March 1921, to coincide with a visit from the conference presiding bishop, William Fletcher McMurry. In April the church Board of Education elected trustees, appointed Hunt president, and named McMurry College in honor of the bishop. A charter was filed with the state on November 26, 1921, and construction began in 1922. The faculty was chosen the following spring and the school officially opened on September 19, 1923.
Erected 1986 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 3305.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Education. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1921.
Location. 32° 25.794′ N, 99° 44.973′ W. Marker is in Abilene, Texas, in Taylor County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Sayles Boulevard and S. 14th Street. Marker is located on McMurry University south of the Campus Center; the above directions are to the university. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1400 Sayles Blvd, Abilene TX 79605, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Sacred Heart Catholic Church (approx. 0.9 miles away); Company I 7th Texas Infantry (approx. 0.9 miles away); Hattie and Henry Sayles, Sr., House (approx. one mile away); Abilene Woman's Club Building (approx. 1.1 miles away); Childers Classical Institute (approx. 1.4 miles away); Site of Thornton’s Store (approx. 1.4 miles away); 45th Infantry Division at Camp Barkeley (approx. 1½ miles away); "I Shall Never Surrender or Retreat" (approx. 1½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Abilene.
Also see . . . McMurry University. From the Texas State Historical Association's "Handbook of Texas Online". (Submitted on August 11, 2015.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 410 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 11, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.