Mary Allen College Founders Day Celebration
by Jan White
Crockett, TX. – On Saturday, February 12, members of the community gathered at the First Presbyterian Church in Crockett for the fourth annual Founders Day Celebration of Mary Allen College. Master of Ceremonies for the event was David Beaulieu. Jacqueline Bonner Calhoun began the program with an inspirational rendition of the song “My Praise”. Pastor Johnie Wood welcomed guests and offered the opening prayer, followed by greetings by the president of Mary Allen Museum, Dr. Thelma Douglass.
Speakers for the program Katlin Marshall, who read the Emancipation Proclamation, Reverend Jim Tom Ainsworth who shared a brief history of the college, special guest speaker, Dr. Ianthia Fisher. After additional music selections by Jacqueline Bonner Calhoun, presentations by Elnora Shepherd and Daphne Session and remarks by Hilliard McKnight and David Beaulieu, Pastor Johnie Wood concluded the event with the benediction.
The vision and mission statements of the Mary Allen College ad Museum reflect the original intent of the idea established back in 1886 – “to be an academic institution and skills training center that serves as a historical landmark for a cross-culture society in Houston County and the world. Mary Allen College Museum exists to continue a collaboration and partnership journey to enhance academics, cultural opportunities, and the historical legacy of Crockett and Houston County which conceptualized on College Hill.
The public is encouraged to donate a tax-deductible contribution to help further this vision. Please contact Earline Clebourn, Mary Allen Museum Treasurer, at 936 544-9344. If you need additional information, go to https://maryallenmuseum.weebly.com/
Mary Allen College opened in 1886 through the efforts of the Board of Admissions for Freedmen and the Presbyterian Church USA. Pictured above left special guest speaker Dr. Ianthia Fisher.