Resolution-1838, September 26

   On the 26th day of September, 1838, the members met in the town of Boonville, and opened the 23rd annual session of the Missouri conference. The Bishop was not present at the opening, and Andrew Monroe was selected to preside, and William W Redman served as secretary. At the opening of the afternoon session bishops whole was present, and afterwards presided till the close of the conference….

   The following report of the Mission-committee may be regarded as the foundation of the Shawnee Manual Labor School:

   Whereas, The Board of Managers of the Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church have recommended to the Missouri Annual Conference, to adopt such measures as they consider suitable, for the establishment of a central manual-labor school, for the benefit of Indian children and youth, in such place and under such regulations as they may judge most fit and proper; and,

   Whereas, The Government of the United States has stipulated to aid liberally in the erection of suitable buildings for said school, and also to aid annually in its support; and,

   Whereas, The Shawnee Nation of Indians, in General Council assembled, and in compliance with the wishes of the Government, have consented to the establishment of such school on their lands, near the boundary of the State of Missouri, which is deemed a most eligible situation; therefore,

   Resolved, 1. That we, fully concurring with the Board of Managers of the Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, do hereby agree to establish a manual-labor school, for the benefit of Indian children and youth, on the Shawnee lands near the boundary-line of the State of Missouri, to be called __________.

   Resolved, 2. That a committee of three be appointed, whose duty it shall be to erect suitable buildings for the accommodation of the proposed school; secondly, to employ competent teachers, mechanics, a farmer, and such other persons as may be necessary; thirdly, to exercise a general supervision over the institution, and report to this Conference annually.

   Resolved, 3. That the above-named committee be and are hereby instructed to erect, for the accommodation of said school, two buildings to serve for school-houses and teachers’ residences, each to be one hundred feet long, thirty wide, and two stories high; secondly, a farmer’s residence, thirty-six feet by twenty, two stories high, with an L running back fifty feet by twenty, and two stories high; thirdly, buildings for four mechanics, with shops; fourthly, such farm-buildings as they may Judge necessary: provided, however, that if, in the judgment of the committee, the expenses of the above-named buildings are likely to be greater than such a sum as may be estimated by the Missionary Committee of this Conference, they may make such changes as they may think proper.

[D.R. M’Anally, History of Methodism in Missouri, p. 540.] Read the Book.