The Midland Journal

Wesley Collegiate Institute
To Reopen

The state capitol will once more assume the atmosphere of a college community when the doors of the former Collegiate Institute are reopened September 19, as Wesley Junior College.

Renovations have been in progress for some months and are rapidly nearing completion. The new main entrance facing North State Street will add a note of colonial charm to the venerable institution owned by the Wilmington District of the Methodist Church.

Dr. A. J. Jackson, president, said the freshman year only will be offered, pointing out the sophomore year will be added next year. To date, some 40 students have registered and the original quota of 60 students is expected to be reached, he said.

Founded in 1873 as Wilmington Conference Academy, the school's first graduating class two years later consisted of five students. The only living member is former Judge Walter A. Powell, historian and author, who lives on North State Street near his alma mater.

The years 1906 and 1915 saw the largest graduating classes, numbering 35 each. The last class to be graduated was in 1932, totaling 24 students.