1865

Bishop Daniel Alexander Payne sent Reverend Charles H. Pearce, Presiding Elder of the AME Church, to Florida to establish the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Reverend Pearce observed the need for an educated ministry for newly emancipated blacks in the State and raised funds to establish a school. He was aided by the Reverend William G. Steward, the first AME pastor in the State.

1866

Bishop Charles H. Pearce started a school for the education of newly-freed slaves, especially those wanting to enter the AME ministry.

1870

Reverend W. D. Johnson named the school Brown Theological Institute.

Live Oak, Florida is chosen as the site for the new school.

1872

The Brown Theological Institute was chartered by the state legislature. It then purchased ten acres of land in Live Oak where construction of the first building was undertaken. Further support for the effort came from numerous friends, including railroad magnate General M.S. Littlefield, State Treasurer Simon Conaber, and Lieutenant-General William Gleason.  The name was changed to Brown University. Financial difficulties arose from an embezzlement scheme, awarding school properties to creditors. Consequently, the school ceased to function for a decade. There followed a series of name changes, adjustments in program offerings, and eventually changed locations.

1873

A Cornerstone laying ceremony with governor and dignitaries was held.

                        Inscription: 

                        Erected for Educational Purposes

                        July 4th, A. D. 1872

                        By the A. M. E. Church

                        Rev. Chas. H. Pearce, P. E., Founder

Governor Ossian B. Hart authorized change of name to Brown’s  University of the State of Florida.

74

The name was changed to Brown University.

1889

After financial difficulties, Mt. Zion AME Church houses classes and the name was changed to Florida Normal Scientific and Divinity High School.

1891

School holds commencement for its first five graduates.

1892

The name was changed to Edward Waters College.

1901

 The Great Fire of Jacksonville destroyed the school which was then located on Beaver Street.

ca. 1904 - 1908

School moves to current Kings Road location and begins rebuilding

ca. 1908 - 1912

Bishop M. B. Salter erects Salter Hall.

ca. 1912 - 1916

Bishop John Hurst raises $15,000 to clear the school’s $13,000 debt.

Elder Pearce’s property is bought and remodeled into the Episcopal Residence.

1925

Rev. G. E. Curry builds the Lee Building.

1929

The Putman Labor Company sues the school; the college is sold to satisfy the judgment.  Rev. G. E. Curry bought the school and gave it back to the AME Church.

Early 1930s

The building program resumed with the construction of a cafeteria and women's dormitory. The H. Y. Tookes Building was completed in 1945 and served as the central library until 1979, when the Centennial Building was renovated for that purpose.

1935

The College’s dining hall and girls’ Dormitory were destroyed by fire.

1936

Rev. G. E. Curry rebuilds the Dining Hall.

1955

President Stewart sees the school accredited as a junior college by SACS.

1958

The school expanded to offer senior college work.

1960

The college gains four-year college status and begins to offer BA degrees.

ca. 1960s - 1970s

Support dwindled and the school faced closing.

1973

The college renews its purpose and fervor under President Tucker.

1985

The College grew to an average full-time enrollment of 650 students and became the 43rd member of the United Negro College Fund.

2001

Football was reestablished after 34 years. The Centennial Building was refurbished with funding from the Jessie Ball Dupont Foundation.

2004

Construction for the John Hurst Adams/Jimmy R. Jenkins Community Sports and Music Center was scheduled for completion in spring 2006.

2006

The College celebrated 140 years of commitment to the community. The college continues to grow with enrollment of 842 students and over 150 faculty and staff.

2007

Dr. Claudette H. Williams began her tenure as the 28^th President of Edward Waters College and the first female President in the College’s History.