Duke University. Divinity School

Established in 1926, the Divinity School is one of 13 seminaries founded and supported by the United Methodist Church, and attracts students from around the nation and several different countries. The Divinity School has from its beginnings been ecumenical in aspiration, teaching, and practice.

From the description of Divinity School Records, circa 1920-2005. (Duke University Library). WorldCat record id: 758677083

Established in 1926, the Divinity School is one of 13 seminaries founded and supported by the United Methodist Church, and attracts students from around the nation and several different countries. The Divinity School's distinctive vocation is to equip students for faithful leadership and critical reflection on the church's role in a dramatically changing global culture. The Divinity School has from its beginnings been ecumenical in aspiration, teaching, and practice.

Following its founding, the Divinity School (known then as the School of Religion) achieved recognition rapidly for offering above average training for all types of Christian service. While focusing clearly on the role of the minister in a local church, the school also sought to prepare missionaries, teachers, directors of religious education and social workers. Proud of its Methodist heritage and ties, the school, nevertheless, was conducted on ecumenical and not narrow denominational lines. But above all, it was launched on the strong conviction that the education offered should be based on standards of the highest level.

• 1919: Graduate School of Religion established as part of Trinity College
• 1926: School of Religion formally opens with 23 students and 7 faculty. Two degrees were offered, a B.D. and M.A. in Religion.
• 1938: School of Religion accredited
• 1939: First Ph.D awarded in Religion
• 1941: School of Religion renamed as the Duke Divinity School
• 1948: Petition signed by 107 Divinity School students presented to the dean requesting integration of qualified African American students.
• 1954: Major Renovation to the School
• 1961: First African American Student enrolled in the Divinity School

From the guide to the Divinity School Records, circa 1920-2005, (University Archives, Duke University)