THE WESTERN COLLEGE OF MACON, MO
A Historic Institution for Black Education in Missouri
Western Baptist Bible College holds the distinction of being the first and only Christian institution founded exclusively by Black leaders west of the Mississippi River. Established in 1889, the college has operated at various locations throughout Missouri before settling on its current 3.5-acre campus in Kansas City’s Beacon Hill neighborhood in the 1930s.
Humble Beginnings
The Western College and Industrial Institute was founded in 1890 by African-American Baptist ministers during a Baptist General Association of Missouri meeting in Independence, Missouri. Originally established as a seminary, the school expanded its mission within two years to provide education to Black students, moving to Macon, Missouri, to find a permanent home. W.F. Smith and Mrs. C.R. McDowell served as its first teachers, later joined by other notable educators, including Georgia Mabel DeBaptiste, Ida L. Garnett, Mary L. Sanders, and Inman E. Page, who led as president from 1916 to 1918.
Relocation to Kansas City, Missouri
Serving students from across Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Indian Territory/Oklahoma, the school was coeducational from the beginning. In 1921, it relocated to Kansas City, Missouri, to attract more students, though initially facing challenges from the competitive educational landscape. With the support of the Missouri State Missionary Baptist Convention, the school ultimately persisted and returned to its original mission, operating as a theological institute by 1937.
Goins Hall and Johnson Hall Campus Buildings
Western Baptist Bible College’s main buildings, Goins Hall (2119 Tracy Ave.) and Johnson Hall (2125 Tracy Ave.), have deep historic roots. Originally constructed by Kansas City’s Women’s Christian Association in 1899 and 1903, Goins Hall served as the Gillis Orphans Home, while Johnson Hall was previously the Armour Home for Aged Couples.
Both buildings are listed on the Kansas City Register of Historic Places (since December 1988, Case No. 0122-D) and are eligible for the National Register of Historic Places for their roles in institutional housing and ethnic history.
Structural Integrity and Renovation Costs
Goins Hall is currently occupied by the college, but Johnson Hall has remained vacant and is in need of extensive repairs. Both buildings are structurally sound according to reports by structural engineers, most recently reviewed by John Crawford of Kansas City’s Economic Development Corporation in August 2000. Renovation costs for Goins Hall (24,162 sq. ft., including basement) and Johnson Hall (23,852 sq. ft., including basement) are under evaluation.
Notable Faculty and Alumni Contributions
Notable Faculty and Alumni Contributions
Western College was coeducational from its inception, with early faculty including W.F. Smith and Mrs. C.R. McDowell. Other notable teachers included Georgia Mabel DeBaptiste, Ida L. Garnett, Mary L. Sanders, and President Inman E. Page (1916-1918). The college’s influence extended well beyond Missouri, producing teachers, ministers, and other professionals who served their communities throughout the Midwest.
Today, Western Baptist Bible College remains committed to its roots as a theological institution, preserving its historic legacy and impact on Black education in Missouri.
MEET THE EDITORS
The publication of the I. O. of Western College was prompted by the need for a reliable book for the educational forces and supporters of Western College, providing a ready reference to the events of the 1916-1917 academic year. The creation of this annual required continuous effort from the editors, who worked faithfully to produce a worthwhile book. The editorial staff sacrificed much to achieve this goal. Despite the hardships, they were—and would continue to be—happy, as long as they felt they were contributing to Western College, the pride of their hearts.
MEET THE STAFF
