A seminary's 'Preparatory Department' evolved into a major liberal arts college

Countries & Cities · Published 12 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: St. Lawrence University wasn't always a broad liberal arts institution. It began as a theological foundation for a seminary, nearly choosing a different home to avoid the 'excitement' of a nearby village. Today, it balances a rich history of progressive values with a massive expansion of physical and academic reach.

Founded in 1856 by leaders of the Universalist Church, the institution was originally intended to be a seminary west of New England. Due to concerns regarding excessive 'excitement' inside the village, the church nearly avoided locating the institution in Canton, New York. However, the citizens of Canton courted the church so enthusiastically that the school was established there. The denomination, which later merged with the Unitarian faith, was known for its progressive stance on critical thinking and sex equality. The university's modern identity emerged from a 'Preparatory Department' created to provide a foundation for theological study. While the original seminary eventually closed in 1965, the preparatory department evolved into the current liberal arts university. This transition allowed the school to expand its scope significantly, eventually establishing a graduate program in education in the early 20th century and developing nationally known international programs by the mid-1960s. The campus underwent a massive physical transformation following the Great Depression and World War II. In the early 1940s, the school served roughly 300 students across four buildings; by the 1960s, it had grown to 2,000 students and 30 buildings, aided by the acquisition of an adjacent state school of agriculture campus. Today, the university maintains a diverse academic portfolio, including 40 majors and 36 minors, while preserving its heritage through historic districts and a collection of nearly 7,000 art objects.

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