John Baldwin
"It is my belief that it is people who make the difference. When thinking about
[Berea], one must start with John Baldwin (1799-1884) and his good wife Mary
whose pioneering spirit, dedication to the teachings of the Bible, and fervor
for education, created the vision for a community and for an educational
institution. John Baldwin founded Baldwin Institute, open to male and female,
and to all races, creeds and nationalities. He personally worked to construct
buildings to house classes, a chapel, and housing for students. His legacy is of
enormous importance to the community as well as to the College as he developed
the Berea sandstone quarries into the most important economic factor in the area
and he gave generously of his time and his money for the betterment of the
community."
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From an article by Eloise Tressel in The Enterprise, Spring 1996. Published by
the Berea Area Historical Society. Available at our Gift Shop.