Brownwood in Brown County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Howard Payne University
Photographed By Jeff Leichsenring, April 16, 2023
1. Howard Payne University Marker
Inscription.
Howard Payne University. . The Pecan Valley Baptist Association was formed by representatives of Baptist congregations in this area in September 1876. Meeting at Indian Creek in June 1889, the association acted on an executive committee resolution calling for the creation of a Baptist college within the organization's boundaries. Brownwood was chosen as the site of the school. , The Rev. John David Robnett, first president of the college Board of Trustees, traveled extensively to raise funds for the institution. His brother-in-law, Edward Howard Payne, made a large contribution to the school, which was then named in his honor. , Howard Payne College opened its doors on September 16, 1890, the same day the cornerstone was laid for the main school building. Classes were held in Robnett Hall, a building John Robnett had built with plans to provide boarding facilities at the college. Dr. A.J. Emerson served as the school's first president. , Over the years the college grew and enrollment increased. Daniel Baker College, a Presbyterian school which opened in Brownwood days before Howard Payne, was incorporated into the Baptist College in 1953. The school was raised to university standing in 1974. The old main building burned in 1984.
The Pecan Valley Baptist Association was formed by representatives of Baptist congregations in this area in September 1876. Meeting at Indian Creek in June 1889, the association acted on an executive committee resolution calling for the creation of a Baptist college within the organization's boundaries. Brownwood was chosen as the site of the school.
The Rev. John David Robnett, first president of the college Board of Trustees, traveled extensively to raise funds for the institution. His brother-in-law, Edward Howard Payne, made a large contribution to the school, which was then named in his honor.
Howard Payne College opened its doors on September 16, 1890, the same day the cornerstone was laid for the main school building. Classes were held in Robnett Hall, a building John Robnett had built with plans to provide boarding facilities at the college. Dr. A.J. Emerson served as the school's first president.
Over the years the college grew and enrollment increased. Daniel Baker College, a Presbyterian school which opened in Brownwood days before Howard Payne, was incorporated into the Baptist College in 1953. The school was raised to university standing in 1974. The old main building burned in 1984.
Erected 1989 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number
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2586.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education.
Location. 31° 43.036′ N, 98° 59.138′ W. Marker is in Brownwood, Texas, in Brown County. Marker is at the intersection of Center Avenue and Austin Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Center Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1004 Center Ave, Brownwood TX 76801, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Marker is the second, from the right. Next to "Hey Paula," The Rev. Noah Turner Byars and The Rev. Dr. John David Robnett markers.
Photographed By Jeff Leichsenring, April 16, 2023
3. Howard Payne University Marker
Above the Old Main corner stone.
Photographed By Jeff Leichsenring, April 16, 2023
4. Old Main plaque
Mounted on corner stone
Photographed By Jeff Leichsenring, April 16, 2023
5. Howard Payne University buildings
Credits. This page was last revised on April 21, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 20, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 67 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 20, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.