Olivet in Eaton County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Olivet College
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, February 17, 2023
1. Olivet College Marker
On February 24, 1844, the Reverend John J. “Father” Shipherd and thirty-nine followers arrived by ox-cart on this wilderness hilltop, driving their herds before them. They felt God had directed them to this oak grove for the purpose of founding a coeducational Christian college open to students of all races. First chartered as Olivet Institute, the school received its charter as a college in 1859. For over a century it has given a broad liberal arts education, with strong support from the Congregational church. Many alumni have gone forth “Pro Christo et Humanitate."
Erected 1960 by Michigan Historical Commission. (Marker Number S186.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical date for this entry is February 24, 1844.
Location. 42° 26.558′ N, 84° 55.444′ W. Marker is in Olivet, Michigan, in Eaton County. Marker is at the intersection of South Main Street, on the right when traveling north on South Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 333 South Main Street, Olivet MI 49076, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Olivet College World War I Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); First Congregational Church
this page online
Also see . . . Olivet College. Excerpt:
The original land for the college was to be in present-day Ingham County, approximately twenty-five miles (40 km) from where the college stands. Olivetian lore says that while Shipherd was on a trip to the site in Ingham County, his horse continued to get lost, and would always wander back to a hill with an oak grove, which is where Olivet's Campus Square exists today. Shipherd decided that powers from above must be drawing the horse back to this site, and Shipherd deemed that this would become the site for "New Oberlin." He then chose to name it Olivet, however, after the biblical Mount of Olives.(Submitted on February 17, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan.)
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, February 17, 2023
2. Olivet College Marker
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, February 17, 2023
3. Olivet College
This Olivet College sign is at the south entrance to the campus on Main Street.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 21, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 17, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 130 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 17, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
