Maryland. Centenary Biblical Institute (Baltimore, Md.).

In November 1867, the Centenary Biblical Institute was chartered by the Methodist Episcopal Church of Baltimore City in accordance with Article 26 of the Annotated Code of Maryland adopted January 1860. The institute's professed purpose was the education of "pious young men, especially colored" for ministry in the Methodist Episcopal Church.

The minutes of the Board of Trustees report that by December 1867, some lectures had been delivered to students in the basement of the Sharp Street Methodist Episcopal Church, but it was not until 1872 that the institute found a permanent home at 44 East Saratoga Street in Baltimore City. Also in 1872, the institute's charter was amended to allow "colored persons," who met certain requirements, to serve as trustees.

In 1879, the tustees voted to open the institute to "young people of good moral character ... to prepare for teaching, and other professions." The following year, the institute moved from Sharp Street to new quarters on the corner of Edmondson Avenue and Fulton Street.

In 1890, the Board of Trustees decided to rename the institute as Morgan College, after Reverend Lyttleton F. Morgan, a member and former president of the board. Since the institute was no longer solely a school for ministers, the trustees felt that the name of the institute fostered a false impression and discouraged prospective students.

From the description of Agency history record, 1867-1890. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122575390