Bethel College (Kentucky) facts for kids
Bethel College was a school in Kentucky that was connected to the Baptist church. It started in 1854 and closed its doors in 1964. For most of its history, the campus in Hopkinsville was a college just for women. At the same time, the campus in Russellville was a college just for men.
Contents
About Bethel College
A Look Back at Its History
The school first opened in Hopkinsville as Bethel Female High School. This was a school mainly for girls. The campus in Russellville opened as Russellville Male Academy, which was for boys.
Changing Names and Becoming Co-ed
Four years later, in 1858, the Hopkinsville campus changed its name to Bethel College for Women. It continued to teach students who were already there. The college changed its name again in 1917. The Russellville campus became Bethel College, and the Hopkinsville campus became Bethel Women's Jr. College.
In 1951, a big change happened: the college started accepting both male and female students. This is called becoming "co-educational." At this time, the school's name was simply Bethel College. The college closed for good in 1964. The Hopkinsville campus buildings were taken down in 1966. The last graduation ceremony for the Russellville campus was held on January 20, 1933.
Important Moments in Time
Bethel College was part of several important historical events.
During the Civil War
During the American Civil War, a group met at Bethel Female College in 1861. This meeting was called the Russellville Convention. They were trying to set up a government for Kentucky that would join the Confederate side.
The Hopkinsville campus was also used as a hospital during an illness called "black measles" from 1861 to 1862. This was a serious sickness that affected many people.
World War II and Beyond
Later, during World War II, the Hopkinsville campus closed its doors from 1942 to 1945. During this time, the rooms were rented out to army officers from a nearby military base called Camp Campbell.
Famous People Who Attended
- Ben M. Bogard, a religious leader who started the American Baptist Association.
