NMH Magazine : Spring 2003

History Lesson

Remember the Grand March that takes place on Mountain Day, pictured here in 1926? If you're confused, don't worry. In fact, these photos are from the archives of Berry College in northwest Georgia. The school has been called the Mount Hermon of the South. 

Martha Berry, a devout Christian and admirer of D. L. Moody, founded Berry College in 1902. Originally called the Boys' Industrial School, it was designed to educate rural boys. Inspired by the example of Mount Hermon, Berry modeled many of the school's features after its northern counterpart, including a work program, farm duties, regular Bible classes, and Mountain Day. Her stated mission was to educate the "head, heart, and hands." She even requested–and received–Mount Hermon's founding documents to guide her in the school's creation. Berry's first principal was a Mount Hermonite, Gaylord Douglass, class of 1896.

Berry became a four-year college in 1930 and remains a well-respected institution. Like NMH, it still has Mountain Day, a work program, and a working farm. D. L. Moody would no doubt be proud to see his southern progeny.

by Mary Seymour