Central College The recent burning of Old Central Building, virtually the last golden link between the New Central and the Old, makes it all the more imperative that friends of the college remind themselves again and again of the days that are gone. The foundation laid by the fathers, a foundation of sacrifice, prayer, and tears, is largely responsible for what Central is today, and for what she will be tomorrow. Few institutions of learning have a history quite so unique, and therefore it is well that in a volume of this character a few lines should be devoted to Central's history. Pioneer days call out the best in men, and make the best of men. Still such days are attended with great disadvantages, especially for children and young people. In the days when Iowa was still a territory the Baptists within her borders felt keenly that something had to be done to provide for their children the posisibility [sic] of a higher Christian education. With none of the modern conveniences for travel it was necessary to educate children, if at all, at or near their homes. In September, 1851, definite action was taken by the Baptist convention by the appointment of a committee, "whose duty it shall be to make investigations, solicit proposals, etc., with reference to the immediate establishment of a denominational university in this state."The committee reported at the meeting in April of the following year, and recommended Burlington as the place for the university, although the proposal was by no means unanimously accepted. A few months later the same convention met at Marion, where the action taken the previous spring was reconsidered. However, no definite conclusion was reached. The following year in June the convention was held at Pella. The delegates were so impressed with the character and prospects of the little town that it was decided to locate the college in the city where for seventy years it has had a friendly home. Rev. Henry P. Scholte, the recognized leader of the Hollanders, threw his whole soul into the new movement. By donating land for the campus, helping to solicit funds and by inspiring others he made it possible for work on the new building to begin at once. There was little money, so progress was slow at best. However, instruction in the Academic Department was begun at once in a two- story brick building, still standing on Washington street. Dr. Scarff with three assistants was placed in charge of the work. In September, 1856, the school was moved into its own and new home. The Collegiate Department was opened in 1858. At the June board meeting of that year Dr. Elihu Gunn was elected to the presidency, and Mrs. Stoddard was made principal of the Ladies' Department. In spite of adversities, severe financial trials, the college experienced unexpected growth. By 1860 there were 300 students enrolled, and the faculty had been increased accordingly. Many colleges far older than Central had been unable to weather the financial storm of 1857, but Central's doors were not closed for a single day. However, a still more severe testing time was at hand. In April, 1861, when the first college class was looking forward to graduation in June, the civil war broke out. If such times test the souls of men, they test the soul of a college as well. Every friend of Central knows how the college literally emptied itself of its young manhood. One hundred and twenty-six of Central's sons answered the call to the colors. Twenty-six of those brave lads never returned. Truly Central poured out the last full measure of her devotion.