William E. Holmes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William E. Holmes
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William E. Homes, c. 1910
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| Born | January 22, 1856 |
| Died | February 14, 1931 (aged 75) |
| Alma mater | Atlanta Baptist Institute, University of Chicago, Lincoln University |
| Occupation | Educator, minister |
| Religion | Baptist |
William E. Holmes (born January 22, 1856 – died February 14, 1931) was an important leader, a minister, and a teacher. He was the president of Central City College in Macon, Georgia for 25 years. Before that, he taught at the Atlanta Baptist Institute. He also helped lead Spelman College.
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Early Life and Education
William Eve Holmes was born in Augusta, Georgia on January 22, 1856. His parents were enslaved people, meaning they were forced to work without pay and were not free. William's mother worked for a carpenter and his wife, who cared for William.
William's mother knew how to read, and she taught him his first lessons. Towards the end of the American Civil War (1861-1865), William secretly went to school. In 1871, he started working for a cabinet-maker and undertaker, where he stayed for two years.
Joining the Baptist Church
On December 10, 1874, William became a Baptist and joined the Thankful Baptist church in Augusta. He was baptized on February 7, 1875. In 1875, he went back to school at the Augusta Institute.
He studied there for seven years. The school later moved to Atlanta and changed its name to the "Atlanta Seminary." William studied under its president, Joseph T. Roberts. He learned about religion, literature, and even languages like Hebrew, German, and French.
Becoming a Minister and Professor
William was allowed to preach on June 21, 1878, and became an ordained minister on September 2, 1881. When he graduated from the Atlanta Baptist Seminary in 1882, he became a full professor at the school.
In May 1883, he was chosen as a secretary for the Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia. He attended many meetings for this group. He earned a Master of Arts degree from the University of Chicago on June 11, 1884.
On July 15, 1885, he married Elizabeth Beasley. She was a public school teacher and had graduated from Atlanta University. In 1888, he joined the first board of Spelman Seminary, which later became Spelman College. He served as the board's secretary for 18 years. He later received a special doctor's degree from Lincoln University in Pennsylvania.
A Leader in Georgia
William E. Holmes became a very active leader in education and religion for African Americans in Georgia. He was a member of the board of trustees for the Carrie Steele Orphan's Home, which helped children. In 1890, he was the secretary for this home.
In 1895, he became president of the Georgia State Teachers' Association. In November 1895, he spoke at the National Negro Congress. This was a meeting where African American leaders discussed important issues. He also helped organize an exhibition for African Americans at the 1895 Worlds' Fair in New Orleans.
Leading Central City College
Holmes was very important at the Atlanta Baptist Institute. Students liked him, and he taught history and English. He was also the secretary for the teachers and the librarian.
In 1898, Holmes led a group of Black Baptists who wanted a Black leader for the Institute instead of the white president, George Sale. This effort did not succeed. Holmes then moved to Macon, Georgia, and started Central City College.
Holmes had hoped to become president of the Institute in 1890. When he was not chosen, he felt it was unfair. His friend John Hope, whom he had brought to the Institute, also did not support his goal. A preacher named Emanuel K. Love helped buy the land for the new college. The school grew quickly, and by its third year, 365 students were attending.
Holmes wanted Central City College to offer a "liberal arts" education, which focuses on a wide range of subjects like history and literature. This was different from Booker T. Washington's idea of "industrial education," which focused more on job skills. Holmes hoped many teachers and students would follow him, but only a few did. The school included a grammar school, a high school, and a three-year program for men studying to become ministers.
Later Years
Later in his career, Holmes continued to be a leader outside of the college. He was the editor of a newspaper called Baptist Truth. He was also a key member of the Missionary Baptist Conventions of Georgia. In June 1921, the main administration building of the college and Holmes's home were burned down by someone.
Retirement and Death
Holmes retired around 1923 or 1924 and moved to Philadelphia. He passed away on February 14, 1931, in Philadelphia. He was buried on February 18.
