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Abstract

In 1931, a survey commission authorized by the Methodist Episcopal Church argued that Baker University, an institution located in the small Kansas town of Baldwin City, should relocate to Kansas City. The commission recommended relocation because of a merger with Missouri Wesleyan College, competition by surrounding schools, the Social Creed, and the Great Depression. Despite these compelling arguments for relocation from a prominent authority, Baker University leadership chose to remain in Baldwin City for numerous reasons. This incident is an example of local institutional leaders standing firm against higher church authorities and maintaining loyalty to their community.

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  • Alternative title
    • Kansas City or Bust

  • Journal title
    • International Social Science Review

  • Volume
    • 97

  • Issue
    • 3

  • Date submitted

    20 July 2022

  • Keywords
  • Additional information
    • Acknowledgements:

      Special thanks to Tath Haver, collection management coordinator of the University of Chicago; Frances Lyons, reference archivist of the General Commission on Archives and History; and Sara DeCaro, archivist of Baker University, for their contributions to the research of this paper. Zachary DeGreeff is a 2021 graduate of Baker University in History and Secondary Education.