McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

McMaster University 1887

Photographed by Tim Boyd, April 1, 2023

1. McMaster University 1887 Marker

Inscription. The Honourable William McMaster (1811-1887), a prominent banker and member of the first Senate of Canada, bequeathed funds which enabled Baptists of Ontario and Quebec to found this university. Incorporated in 1887, it was the culmination of educational work sponsored for half a century by Canadian Baptists. Originally established in Toronto, the university was moved in 1930 to this site. Citizens of Hamilton made a gift of land and financed the science building, Hamilton Hall. In 1957 the Baptist Convention of Ontario and Quebec relinquished ownership and control, although the denominational connection was continued through the incorporation and affiliation of McMaster Divinity College.

Erected by Archaeological and Historic Sites Board of Ontario.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Education. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1887.

Location. 43° 15.795′ N, 79° 55.126′ W. Marker is in Hamilton, Ontario. It is in McMaster University. It can be reached from University

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Avenue. This marker is on the McMaster University campus, just to the right of University Hall, near the corner of University Avenue and Scholar’s Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hamilton ON L8S 4E4, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe,

in the Hamilton-Halton-Brant Area,

and specifically in the Toronto Metropolitan Area.

It is also in Central Canada.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

and Rupert’s Land.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Edwards Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); McKay Hall (about 210 meters away, measured in a direct line); Wallingford Hall (about 240 meters away); Matthews Hall (approx. 0.2 kilometers away); Moulton Hall (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Brandon Hall (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Woodstock Hall (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Bates Residence

Photographed by Tim Boyd, April 1, 2023

2. McMaster University 1887 Marker

(approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hamilton.

Also see . . .
1. McMaster.ca - McMaster History. 1887- McMaster University is founded in Toronto with a bequest of $900,000 from the estate of Senator William McMaster. The first three Faculties were -Arts, Science and Divinity – are engraved in the stones of the Class of 1954 Oasis Garden on campus. (Submitted on April 1, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario.)

2. Dictionary of Canadian Biography - William McMaster. The plans for the new institution were approved by the Baptist conventions and a bill was introduced in the Ontario Legislature in March 1887 providing for the union of Woodstock College and Toronto Baptist College under the name of McMaster University. The senator appeared before the legislature on its behalf. Even before the bill was assented to on 23 April, he had made out, on 7 April, a will leaving the bulk of his estate, some $900,000, as an endowment for the new university. (Submitted on April 1, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario.)

Additional keywords. McMaster University Hamilton Ontario Universities

McMaster University, University Hall. A statue of Sen. William McMaster is on the left. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Boyd, April 1, 2023

3. McMaster University, University Hall. A statue of Sen. William McMaster is on the left.

1930

4. McMaster University aerial photo from 1930 (Hamilton Spectator)

Senator William McMaster 1811-1887 (National Archives of Canada photo) image. Click for full size.

5. Senator William McMaster 1811-1887 (National Archives of Canada photo)

Credits. This page was last revised on April 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 1, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 432 times since then and 60 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 1, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.