contents | 1867-1872
Centre College Board of Trustees. Building Committee Minutes (1861-1867)

 

[The minutes of the Building Committee for these years deal with the construction of three buildings: a new Preparatory building, a new dormitory building, and a new academic building, variously mentioned in the minutes as the "new College building" and the "main College building." The structure would later be known as Old Main]

Members of the Committee, Edward P. Humphrey, D.D., Lewis W. Green, D.D., Prof. Ormond Beatty, John A. Jacobs, Esq., Prof. William J. McKnight (appointed June 1862), George W. Welsh, Esq. (appointed June 1863), William L. Breckinridge, D.D. (appointed October 1863), and Rev. Ezekiel Forman (appointed October 1863)

Office Financial Agency, Centre College, Danville Ky., October 1, 1861

The Committee met in the office. Present, Edward P. Humphrey, D.D., Lewis W. Green, D.D., Prof. Ormond Beatty.

On motion, it was ordered that the Committee authorize the expenditure on the Sayre Library of the $527 named in the contract between William E. Gray and David A. Sayre by J. T. Boyle, his agent, for the completion of the library; also of an amount about $135 sufficient to defray the expenditure of making the first story two bricks in thickness instead of one and a half.

Heman H. Allen, Secretary

Office Financial Agent, Danville, Ky., January 31, 1862

The Committee met in the office at 3 o'clock p.m. Present, Edward P. Humphrey, D.D., Lewis W. Green, D.D., Prof. Ormond Beatty.

On motion, it was ordered that $119.80 of the Building Fund be paid to William E. Gray in accordance with the above order of October l, 1862.

Also, that Prof. Ormond Beatty be directed to make drafts on the Building Fund, from time to time, in favor of Mr. Gray, their proportion of the cost of the Library as the work progress, less twenty per cent, according to the terms of the contract between the said William E. Gray and David A. Sayre, by J. T. Boyle, his agent, for the erection of the Sayre Library.

Heman W. Allen, Secretary

Office Financial Agency Danville, April 1, 1862

The Building Committee met at the office, 3 o'clock p.m. Present, Dr. Edward P. Humphrey, Dr. Lewis W. Green, Prof. Ormond Beatty.

Ordered that Prof. Ormond Beatty be appointed a subcommittee to procure plans for the new College edifice, with a view of proceeding at once to its erection, should nothing occur in the meantime to render it inexpedient to do so.

Heman H. Allen Secretary

Office Financial Agency, July 9, 1862

Building Committee met pursuant to call at 4 p.m. Present, Rev. Edward P. Humphrey, Lewis W. Green, Prof. Ormond Beatty, William J. McKnight, and John A. Jacobs, Esq., Prof. McKnight having been added to the Committee in June last. Prof. Beatty was elected chairman of the Committee.

On motion, it was ordered

  1. That the Committee will employ an architect to construct a plan for the new College edifice, furnishing specifications and estimates, and superintending the work.
  2. That Mr. Beatty correspond with Isaiah Rogers of Cincinnati, and employ him, if practicable, to draw plans, etc., as above. In case his services cannot be obtained, Mr. Beatty was directed to employ the architect in Louisville who designed the plan of the Court House in that city. In case of failure with him, Mr. McMurling, architect, of Lexington is to be employed by Mr. Beatty.

The architect is to be employed with the condition that, if he fails to satisfy the committee in a plan, he is to be discharged, the Committee paying his necessary expenses.

Heman H. Allen, Secretary

Office Financial Agency, November l, 1862

The Building Committee met pursuant to call. Present, Dr. Lewis W. Green, Prof. Ormond Beatty, William J. McKnight, and John A. Jacobs, Esq.

Mr. Beatty stated that he had engaged the services of Isaiah Rogers as architect, according to the terms indicated in Order II of July 9th, that Mr. Rogers had subsequently declined entering upon the work, that the suspension of the mails in Kentucky had prevented any further correspondence in his part up to the present time. Whereupon the Committee ordered that Mr. Beatty proceed to carry out the instructions in the orders of July 9th by corresponding with the Louisville architect, and in case of a failure to secure his services, then to correspond with Mr. McMurling of Lexington, Ky.

Heman H. Allen, Secretary

Office Financial Agency, December 4, 1862

The Building Committee met pursuant to call. Present, Prof. Ormond Beatty, chairman, Dr. Edward P. Humphrey, Lewis W. Green, Rev. William J. McKnight, and John A. Jacobs, Esq.

Mr. Beatty having learned that he could not secure the services of the Louisville architect, Albert Fink, alluded to in the previous instructions to him, after careful reconsideration, he was ordered to correspond with Mr. [blank space] Vodges of Louisville, and if practicable obtain his services as architect for the purpose and on the terms indicated in the orders of July 9, 1862.

Ordered that the Financial Agent correspond with the Bank of America, N.Y., and learn whether it will receive the deposits now held in the N. Bank of Ky. at Lexington.

Heman H. Allen

Danville, Ky., June 26, 1863

Under the order of the Board of Trustees,, the Committee of the Building Fund have invested $8,000 of the fund in United States 5-20 year 6 percent bonds.

July 18, 1863

By order of the Building Committee, Dr. Humphrey, Prof. Beatty, and Mr. Jacobs, the Financial Agent was directed to invest $1,000 of the Building Fund in a loan to A. D. Irvine, with good security, provided it can be done; the balance of the fund on hand, including the above $1,000, if not loaned to Mr. Irvine, to be invested in the United States "temporary loan" at 5 per cent.

Heman H. Allen, Secretary

October 9, 1863

Building Committee met pursuant to call. Present, Mr. Welsh, Jacobs, Beatty, and McKnight.

None of the investments referred to in the order of 11th July having been made, it was

  1. Ordered that the Financial Agent negotiate a loan of not more than $5,000 with A. D. Irvine, at twelve months, requiring at least two good persons besides the principal as security; interest to be paid annually.
  2. Ordered that the bill of C.C. Miller, architect, for plan, specifications, etc, of the Sayre Hall, amounting to $75 be paid.
  3. Ordered that the account of the Financial Agent, $47.05, for travelling and other expenses from July 8, 1861, to July 8, 1863, be paid out of Building Fund, having been incurred in collection of that fund.

Heman H. Allen, Secretary

Danville, Ky., November 23, 1863

The Building Committee met pursuant to call at the Office of the Financial Agency. Present, Ormond Beatty, chairman, Edward P. Humphrey, William J. McKnight, John A. Jacobs, George W. Welsh, Ezekiel Forman, and Rev. William L. Breckinridqe, D.D., the two latter having been added to the Committee at the meeting of the Board at Frankfort.

The question being put to the Committee whether they still take steps with a view to proceed with the work of building during the coming season, it was decided in the affirmative, and with this design, it was

  1. Ordered that Messrs. Welsh and Forman be appointed a committee to inquire at what rates the heavy timbers for the new building can be obtained at this time, and whether sufficient labor can be commanded to furnish them.
  2. Ordered that [blank space] be appointed a committee to endeavor to obtain from the Board of Trustees of Danville the rescinding of their order requiring the street in front of the College lot to be macadamized. Also to see Bailey in regard to purchase of his property.
  3. Ordered that George W. Welsh be appointed a committee to negotiate with Joshua F. Bell for the purchase of his lot adjoining the College lot. Also to confer with W. Grimes in regard to straightening the line between his own and the College grounds.
  4. Ordered that the Financial Agent be authorized to negotiate a loan with H. P. Bosley, of $2,500 or $3,000, at twelve months, with A. R. Denny and Ch (N) Bosley as security, if the latter prove to be in regard to property, as represented to the Committee. Also that the loan to A. D. Irvin (see date October 9, 1863) be made with George F. Lee and A. D. Meyer, as security, if effected.

Heman H. Allen, Secretary

Danville, December 4, 1863

A meeting of the Building Committee was this day called to hear a report from the Committee appointed to confer with Joshua F. Bell, Esq., in regard to the purchase of his lot adjoining the College lot. Members of Committee were all present. Upon ascertaining that the lot above mentioned could be bought at $600, it was ordered that the Financial Agent buy the lot at that price, and procure a deed of same, which has accordingly been done.

Office Financial Agency March [no day], 1864

[blank space]

Herman H. Allen, Secretary

April 4, 1864

Upon a call for a meeting of the Building Committee at this date, only three members, to wit Ormond Beatty, John A. Jacobs, and William J. McKnight being present, it was ordered that the Financial Agent invest $4,000 of the funds on hand in the Government 5 percent legal lender notes.

Heman H. Allen, Secretary

Office Financial Agency, July 4, 1864

The Building Committee met pursuant to call. Present, Prof. Ormond Beatty, Dr. Edward P. Humphrey, Rev. William J. McKnight, and Ezekiel Forman.

It was ordered that that portion of the Building Funds, reported on hand in the last Annual Report of the Financial Agent, be placed in the United States Depository at Cincinnati, at a temporary six percent loan to the Government. This order is made under the instructions of the Board at its last meeting.

Heman H. Allen, Secretary

September 14, 1864

The Building Committee met pursuant to call. Present; Dr. Edward P. Humphrey, Prof. Ormond Beatty, Rev. Ezekiel Forman, William J. McKnight, and John A. Jacobs, Esq.

It was ordered that $4,000 of the funds be loaned to Brown on approved security, provided that amount shall be subject to investment. Ordered that Messrs. Beatty and Jacobs take steps to learn the practicability of having the lumber for the new building cut upon the land belonging with College in Lincoln County, and report to Committee.

Heman H. Allen

August 5, 1865, 4 o'clock p.m.

The Building Committee met at the call of the chairman. Members present, Ormond Beatty, chairman, Edward P. Humphrey, William L. Breckenridge, William J. McKnight, George W. Welsh, and Robert A. Johnstone.

Ordered that Ormond Beatty and Robert A. Johnstone confer with lumbermen, and ascertain speedily the best terms on which the heavy timbers for the College building can be procured, and at their discretion, contract for the same.

Also that the same persons collect information as to plans and expense of a dormitory building, and report as soon as possible.

Adjourned.

Robert A. Johnstone

October 3, 1865

The Building Committee met upon the call of the chairman. Present, Ormond Beatty, chairman, Edward Humphrey, George W. Welsh, John A. Jacobs, and Robert A. Johnstone.

The committee appointed at the last meeting, August 3, 1865, to confer with lumbermen, and at their discretion make contracts for the heavy timbers of the new college building, reported the terms on which certain lumber dealers had offered to furnish such timbers, and an outline of contract which the Committee have proposed to make with the same. The Committee were directed to complete the contract on the best terms possible, and take ample security for the certain delivery of the lumber upon the College grounds at the time which may be specified in the contract.

The same committee also reported a plan for a dormitory to be built in the interest of Centre College and the expense of erection. The committee were continued, and directed to report again on this subject at a future meeting of the Building Committee.

Robert A. Johnstone, Secretary of the Committee

Office of Financial Agent, October 31, 1865

The Committee on the new College building met at call of the Chairman. Members present, Ormond Beatty, chairman, John A. Jacobs, George W. Welsh, Edward Humphrey, William J. McKnight, William L. Breckenridge, and Robert A. Johnstone.

The committee who had been at the meeting of October 3, 1865, directed to complete the contract with Helm and Co., reported that they had done as directed, and had the contract present and ready for the signatures of the members of the Building Committee. Whereupon the members of said committee signed said contract and directed the secretary to return it to Mr. Proctor of the Central Bank for safe keeping.

The question being raised as to the propriety of contracting at this time for the lighter lumber for the new College building, the Committee declined to do so for the present.

A certain plan of dormitory building for benefit of Centre College was exhibited to the Committee by the chairman, and after considering the same, the chairman was directed to ascertain from the architects at Louisville the cost of such a building, and whether it can be built by sections.

Adjourned sine die

Robert A. Johnstone, Secretary of the Committee

Office of Financial Agent, January 2, 1866, 4 o'clock p.m.

Building Committee met. Present, Ormond Beatty, chairman, John A. Jacobs, Edward Humphrey, William L. Breckenridge, William J. McKnight, and Robert A. Johnstone.

Ormond Beatty reported a letter from Stancliffe and Vodges with estimates of cost of executing certain plans of dormitory building for Centre College. The report was considered at great length without any final conclusion being reached, and on motion, the report was postponed for further consideration to 3a inst., 3 o'clock p.m., and the Committee adjourned to meet at said time for said purpose in study of the President of Centre College.

Robert A. Johnstone, Secretary of the Committee

March 1, 1866

A copy of the article of agreement between the Building Committee of the Board of Trustees of Centre College and Henry C. Helm and G. W. Alford was made by Robert A. Johnstone, Clerk of Building Committee, and put into the pocket book containing notes due to the Building Fund of Centre College.

Robert A. Johnstone

October 19, 1866

The Building Committee met at office of Financial Agent, upon the call of the chairman, Ormond Beatty. Members present, Ormond Beatty, chairman, John A. Jacobs, William J. McKnight, William L. Breckenridge, and Robert A. Johnstone.

The chairman reported that Davis and Davis, whose proposition to furnish the heavy timbers for the new College building had been accepted by the Committee, have returned the contract drawn up in the terms of their proportion, with refusal to sign the same.

Whereupon, the Building Committee, after some consideration as to what is best to be done in the case, adjourned to meet at an early day in the future to consider this matter further.

Ormond Beatty, Chairman, Robert A. Johnstone, Secretary

Office Financial Agent, January 15, 1867, 3 o'clock p.m.

Committee on College Building met on call of the chairman. Present, Ormond Beatty, William J. McKnight, and Robert A. Johnstone.

The question of proceeding at once with preparations for erecting the new College building was taken up and considered. William L. Breckenridge and George W. Welsh appeared and took their seats in the Committee.

After a full expression of views on the subject by the members present, it was ordered that those members of this Committee charged with the matter of conferring with lumbermen and ascertaining the best terms on which the heavy timbers for the new College building can be procured, continue their efforts and secure as speedily as possible the timbers request for said purpose.

Adjourned.

Ormond Beatty, Chairman, Robert A. Johnstone, Secretary

April 23, 1867

The Committee on new building of Centre College met in office of First National Bank, Danville, Ky. Present, Ormond Beatty, chairman, William J. McKnight, John A. Jacobs, George W. Welsh, and Robert A. Johnstone.

A letter from Edward P. Humphrey in relation to some change in the plan of the building of new College was read to the Board by the chairman. Also a letter from Mitchele and Baily offering to furnish lumber for the building was read in the hearing of the Committee by the chairman. Said gentlemen's propose in said letter to furnish the heavy lumber at $3.25 per hundred feet and the light lumber at $2.75, all the lumber to be delivered on the building lot of Centre College. After some consideration, it was directed that both bills of lumber be at once ordered by the committee appointed to contract for lumber, to wit, Ormond Beatty and Robert A. Johnstone. A letter was prepared and forwarded by mail to Mitchele and Baily accepting their terms, and inviting them to come to Danville at an early day for the purpose of entering into contract for the furnishing of said lumber. Adjourned sine die.

Ormond Beatty, Chairman, Robert A. Johnstone, Secretary

June 13, 1867, 5 o'clock p.m.

The Committee met. Present, Ormond Beatty, chairman, William L. Breckenridge, William J. McKnight, John A. Jacobs, George W. Welsh, and Robert A. Johnstone.

The chairman reported that the committee appointed to make contract for the heavy timbers for new College building had contracted for said timbers with Baily and Mitchele of Mitchellsburg, Boyle County, Ky., and expect the contract to be completed in writing very soon.

The chairman, having called the attention of the Committee to the fact that a report of their proceedings during the last year must be made to the Board of Trustees of Centre College at their ensuing regular meeting, it was

  1. Resolved that the chairman report to the Board of Trustees precisely what has been done by this committee during the last year.
  2. Also, it was resolved that the Committee will proceed with the erection of the new College building as speedily as a prudent regard for circumstances and prices will permit, having already contracted for the heavy timbers for said building.
  3. Resolved that the Committee hereby call the attention of the Board of Trustees to the subject of the erection of a new building for the use of the Preparatory School, and request the Board to appropriate out of the Building Fund the sum of $5,000 to aid in the erection of the same, and also allow the present Preparatory building and grounds to be used in the furtherance of the same object.
  4. Ordered that the contracting committee on the new building for Centre College proceed to close the contract already made with Baily and Mitchele for the heavy lumbers for said building immediately.
  5. Resolved that, as regards to the instructions given to this committee by the Board of Trustees of Centre College with reference to making provisions for dormitory accommodations for the College, this committee expresses to the Board of Trustees of Centre College the opinion that the most judicious method and means of obtaining such accommodations will be by the speedy erection of the Main College building, and the appropriation of the Old College building [Old Centre]to such purpose.
  6. Ormond Beatty, John A. Jacobs, and George W. Welsh, are hereby appointed committee to report to this committee a site for the new Preparatory building.

Adjourned.

Ormond Beatty, Chairman, Robert A. Johnstone, Secretary

Office of Financial Agent, Centre College, July 1, 1867, 9 o'clock a.m.

The Committee on new College building met. Present, Ormond Beatty, chairman, William L. Breckenridge, John A. Jacobs, George W. Welsh, and Robert A. Johnstone.

The chairman stated that he had called the Committee together to consider the recent action of the Trustees of Centre College in relation to a new Preparatory building, and read in the hearing of the Committee certain resolutions passed by said Trustees at their last regular meeting. After some consideration, the Committee entered up the following orders.

  1. That Ormond Beatty procure plans for a Preparatory building, and report to this committee as speedily as possible.
  2. That Ormond Beatty and William Breckenridge confer with town trustees of Danville, Ky., and ascertain whether they will make an appropriation towards the erection of a new Preparatory building upon condition of certain educational advantages being conceded to the town of Danville by this committee.
  3. That John A. Jacobs and George W. Welsh consult workmen, and ascertain costs of work for such building as may be needed for a new Preparatory, and advertise for bids for stone and stonework, and for bricks and brickwork for the new College building.
  4. Robert A. Johnstone was added to the committee on site for new buildings.
  5. William L. Breckenridge and Robert A. Johnstone were appointed to examine and report to this committee what can be done speedily in the way of furnishing Centre College with dormitory accommodations.

Adjourned to meet in this office July 15, 1867, at 9 o'clock a.m.

Ormond Beatty, Chairman, Robert A. Johnstone, Secretary

Alumni Association Funds

By order of the Association at its annual meeting, June 1863, the investment of this fund was entrusted to the Financial Committee of Centre College. Accordingly, the following investments have been made from time to time by that committee, to wit:

1863
November - In U.S. 115-2011 Six percent bonds - $200
1864
August 27 - In U.S. 117-3011 3 percent bonds - convertible $300

Office of Financial Agent, July 16, 1867, 9 o'clock a.m.

No quorum of the Building Committee. At 9 1/2 o'clock p.m. William L. Breckenridge, John A. Jacobs, William J. McKnight, George W. Welsh, and Robert A. Johnstone met in back room of First National Bank, Danville.

George W. Welsh and John A. Jacobs were added to the committee on dormitory for Centre College, and after some interchange of views on the subject of buying or renting houses or dormitories for Centre College, the Committee adjourned to meet in office of Financial Agent on 17th inst. at 5 o'clock p.m.

Adjourned.

Robert A. Johnstone, Secretary

July 17, 1867, 5 o'clock p.m.

The Committee on the new College building met. Present, William L. Breckenridge, George W. Welsh, and Robert A. Johnstone, George W. Welsh in the chair.

George W. Welsh was requested to confer with execution of Mr. G. Youce as to the rent of the Youce property.

Adjourned.

Robert A. Johnstone, Secretary

Office of Financial Agent, July 30, 1867, 9 o'clock a.m.

The Building Committee met. Present, Ormond Beatty, chairman, William L. Breckenridge, John A. Jacobs, George W. Welsh, and Robert A. Johnstone, Financial Agent.

The matter of a new Preparatory building was taken up, and after protracted consideration of the same, the Committee adjourned to meet on the College grounds next Friday at 5 o'clock p.m. Before adjournment and during consideration of the matter of erecting a new Preparatory building, Prof. Ormond Beatty, present certain plans for said building.

Ormond Beatty, Chairman, Robert A. Johnstone, Secretary

P.S. The Committee appointed to advertise for bids for stone and stone work for the new College uilding asked to be discharged. Their request was granted and Financial Agent was appointed to attend to said business.

Robert A. Johnstone, Secretary

August 2, 1867, 5 o'clock p.m., building grounds of Centre College

The Building Committee met. Present, Ormond Beatty, chairman, John A. Jacobs, William L. Breckenridge, and Robert A. Johnstone.

After viewing said grounds with reference to a site for new Preparatory, the Committee expressed a unanimous opinion in favor of locating the new Preparatory building upon said grounds. The precise location not being agreed upon, but left open for further consideration, the Committee then adjourned to meet in office of Financial Agent, August 6, 1867, at 9 o'clock, a.m.

Ormond Beatty, Chairman, Robert A. Johnstone, Secretary

Standing Committees