62-477: The Monteagle Sunday School Assembly ( MSSA ) is an interdenominational religious organization based in Monteagle , Tennessee . It was chartered by the state of Tennessee on October 31, 1882, with the purpose of the advancement of science, literary attainment, Sunday School interests, and the promotion of the broadest popular culture in the interest of Christianity without regard to sect or denomination. The MSSA
124-409: A Confederate battle flag , has been a point of interest in the debate over the university's identity, because of its association with Forrest and its implications for attitudes toward African Americans . Forrest had no connection with the university; the mace had been commissioned in 1964 by Louise Claiborne-Armstrong, whose brother attended the university. (A portrait of her by Amanda Brewster Sewell
186-540: A "B" on the College Sustainability Report Card. The school is rich in distinctive traditions, many of which are tied to Southern culture. For example, male students have historically worn coats and ties to classes—this tradition has generally been continued. Faculty and student members of the primary honor society and main branch of student government, the Order of Gown (changed after controversy surrounding
248-610: A combined total of 1163–84. When Vice Chancellor Benjamin Ficklin Finney, who had reportedly objected to Sewanee joining the SEC, left his position in 1938, the leading candidate was Alexander Guerry, a former president of the University of Chattanooga . According to a university historian, Guerry agreed to come to Sewanee only if the school stopped awarding athletic scholarships . In 1940, two years after Guerry's arrival, Sewanee withdrew from
310-405: A desire to "not condemn the individual". However, due to backlash from student members of the board of trustees and faculty in the university's school of theology, the board of regents reversed their original decision and rescinded Rose's honorary doctorate. In September 2020, the board released a statement acknowledging for the first time that the university "was long entangled with, and played
372-485: A household in the town was $ 24,464, and the median income for a family was $ 29,886. Males had a median income of $ 24,643 versus $ 17,708 for females. The per capita income for the town was $ 12,983. About 21.7% of families and 25.6% of the population were below the poverty line , including 42.4% of those under age 18 and 17.6% of those age 65 or over. Sewanee, The University of the South The University of
434-651: A popular point to cross the Cumberland Plateau due to its location along a relatively narrow stretch of the plateau in southern Tennessee. One of the last groups of Cherokees removed from the Southeastern United States along the Trail of Tears passed through what is now Monteagle en route to Oklahoma in late October 1838. This group consisted of approximately 700 Cherokee led by John Bell and escorted by U.S. Army Lieutenant Edward Deas. The town of Monteagle
496-634: A role in, slavery, racial segregation, and white supremacy". It added that the university "categorically rejects its past veneration of the Confederacy and of the ' Lost Cause ' and wholeheartedly commits itself to an urgent process of institutional reckoning ...". The university announced that it will utilize the findings of its Roberson Project on Slavery, Race, and Reconciliation (which began in 2017) to guide their current discussions and path forward. Sewanee offers bachelor's degrees in arts and sciences as well as advanced degrees in its two graduate schools,
558-572: A second graduate school. It offers a Master of Arts in American Literature and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. For the period 2004 to about 2016, the institution combined its two historical names in all university publications that were not official documents and styled itself as "Sewanee: The University of the South". Version three of the university's style guide, a document reflecting
620-666: A weekly guest minister and speaker, all of which take place in the Assembly's small but well-known church, Warren Chapel, designed along with the Harton (dining) Hall also on the mall, by renowned Nashville architect, Edwin A Keeble who was born in the Assembly in 1905 and died in Sewanee in 1979. The Assembly also offers culturally and socially enriching activities during the summer, which can include cottage tours, bazaars, flea markets and guest lecturers, as well as card parties and book clubs offered by
682-665: A year. The Assembly grounds, which comprise the Monteagle Sunday School Assembly Historic District, constitute a large part of the area of the town of Monteagle. A stone gatehouse marks the entry to the grounds, which are served by narrow, winding roads. Most of the 162 buildings on the grounds are residences for Assembly participants, typically one- and two-story frame cottages with porches , featuring Queen Anne and Carpenter Gothic design elements. A chapel, library, dining hall, and several recreational structures are also provided. About 40 percent of
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#1732863356421744-458: Is Adam Ross (author) . Sewanee and its environs have been the (temporary or full-time) residence of such authors as Allen Tate , Andrew Lytle , William Alexander Percy , Walker Percy , Shelby Foote , Caroline Gordon , and Robert Lowell . In 1983 playwright and Pulitzer Prize winner Tennessee Williams left his literary rights to the University of the South. Ensuing royalties helped build
806-560: Is 18 miles (29 km) to the west via US 41A. According to the United States Census Bureau , the town has a total area of 8.6 square miles (22.3 km ), of which 8.5 square miles (22.1 km ) is land and 0.04 square miles (0.1 km ), or 0.48%, is water. The north side of town drains off the plateau into Layne Cove and is part of the Elk River watershed, while the south side drains into Ladd Cove and Cave Cove, part of
868-655: Is a town in Franklin , Grundy , and Marion counties in the U.S. state of Tennessee , in the Cumberland Plateau region of the southeastern part of the state. The population was 1,238 at the 2000 census – 804 of the town's 1,238 residents (64.9%) lived in Grundy County, 428 (34.6%) in Marion County, and 6 (0.5%) in Franklin County. The population at the 2020 census was 1,393. The Marion County portion of Monteagle
930-574: Is also a song called "Monteagle Mountain" by Johnny Cash on the album Boom Chicka Boom . The town is home to DuBose Conference Center and the Monteagle Sunday School Assembly . The Highlander Folk School , long involved in the labor movement and the civil rights movement , was located here from 1932 to 1961. Rosa Parks attended workshops there shortly before the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Monteagle has long served as
992-687: Is in the University Art Gallery.) It was given to the university in 1965 and was carried by the president of the Order of Gownsmen at academic processions until it disappeared in 1997. Upon its rediscovery, various alumni offered to pay for the mace's repair but the university declined their offer. Sewanee was a charter member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association in 1894. The Sewanee Tigers were pioneers in American intercollegiate athletics and possessed
1054-846: Is now a member of the Southern Athletic Association (SAA), offering 11 varsity sports for men and 13 for women. As is the case for all of its previous conferences, Sewanee is a charter member of its current conference—it was one of the seven SCAC members that announced their departure from that conference at the 2011 annual meeting of SCAC presidents. The seven were joined by Berry College , another small private school in Georgia . Sewanee has over 12,000 alumni from all 50 states and 40 countries and has produced 26 Rhodes Scholars , as well as 34 NCAA Postgraduate Fellows, 46 Watson Fellowships , and dozens of Fulbright Scholars . The School of Theology's alumni include bishops , including three of
1116-505: Is part of the Chattanooga – GA Metropolitan Statistical Area , while the Franklin County portion is part of the Tullahoma , TN Micropolitan Statistical Area . Monteagle is famous for the treacherous stretch of Interstate 24 that passes through the town. It is here that the highway passes over what is colloquially referred to as "The Monteagle" or " Monteagle Mountain ", a section of
1178-421: The 2020 United States census , there were 1,393 people, 614 households, and 458 families residing in the town. As of the census of 2000, there were 1,238 people, 477 households, and 321 families residing in the town. The population density was 152.2 inhabitants per square mile (58.8/km ). There were 701 housing units at an average density of 86.2 units per square mile (33.3 units/km ). The racial makeup of
1240-583: The Cumberland Plateau , with the developed portion occupying about 1,000 acres (4.0 km ). Beginning in the 1830s Bishop James Otey of Tennessee led an effort to found an Episcopal seminary in the Deep South. Following the Mexican War the Episcopal Church saw tremendous growth in the region, and a real need for an institution "to train natives, for natives" as Otey put it arose. Up to that point only
1302-518: The Deep South 's preeminent football program in the 1890s. The 1899 football team had perhaps the best season in college football history, winning all 12 of their games, 11 by shutout , and outscoring their opponents 322–10. Five of those wins, all shutouts, came in a six-day period while on a 2,500-mile (4,000 km) trip by train. In 2012, the College Football Hall of Fame held a vote of
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#17328633564211364-554: The V-12 Navy College Training Program , which offered students a path to a Navy commission. Schools of dentistry, engineering, law, medicine, and nursing once existed, and a secondary school was part of the institution into the second half of the 20th century. However, for financial reasons it was eventually decided to focus on the college and the School of Theology. In June 2006, Sewanee opened its School of Letters,
1426-667: The Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia existed south of the Mason-Dixon Line and other denominations were already establishing schools in the region. The location was chosen primarily because of the proximity to the major railway hub of Chattanooga, Tennessee and the existing railroad spur up the mountain, the "Mountain Goat" which ran from 1858 until April 1985. Bishop Leonidas Polk commented that due to
1488-456: The Assembly even greater popularity, and allowed it to begin showing guest ministers, lectures and entertainers from around the country during the summer season. The World Wars and Great Depression severely hindered the revenues and popularity of the MSSA, forcing it to close many cottages and discontinue nearly half their programs; many other Assemblies were forced to shut down during this period. It
1550-403: The Assembly was to "combine Sunday School training with a broader program of educational and cultural pursuits". Monteagle Sunday School Assembly was founded as a Chautauqua for the members to grow spiritually and intellectually . The MSSA opened for its first summer session on July 17, 1883. Although the Assembly began small with only an amphitheater and dining hall, the summer courses offered on
1612-556: The Battle Creek watershed. Both watersheds flow to the Tennessee River . Monteagle's climate is subtropical ( Cfa ) under Köppen , typical of Tennessee. However, it's temperate ( Do ) under Trewartha due to only having 7 months over 50 °F (10 °C). Additionally, its high precipitation means that it's a rainforest climate more typical of the southern Blue Ridge Mountains (see Appalachian temperate rainforest ). As of
1674-609: The Confederacy" (compiler of the Confederate Soldiers' Pocket Manual of Devotions , 1863). He attended the first Lambeth Conference in England (1868) and received financial support from clergy and laity of the Church of England for rebuilding the school. Quintard is known as the "Re-Founder" of the University of the South. During World War II , the University of the South was one of 131 tertiary institutions nationally that took part in
1736-466: The Monteagle Woman's Association. By far, the widest range of activities are offered to 5-18 year-olds who come to the Assembly. There is no shortage of things for children and teens to do, and on any given day the Assembly could host evening movies, hiking excursions, youth groups, arts and crafts, and fu. Although the MSSA offers popular summer programs, it has many year-round residents who live in
1798-612: The SEC and subsequently deemphasized varsity athletics. Guerry's stance is sometimes credited as an early step toward the 1973 creation of NCAA Division III , which prohibits athletic scholarships. Sewanee went on to become a charter member of the College Athletic Conference in 1962. The conference, now the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC), consists of small, academically focused private liberal arts colleges such as Sewanee. Sewanee
1860-505: The School of Theology and the School of Letters. Its most popular undergraduate majors, by 2021 graduates, were: The Sewanee campus overlooks the Tennessee Valley and consists of 13,000 acres on the Cumberland Plateau . It includes many buildings constructed of various materials faced with local stone, most done in the Gothic style. In 2011, it was named by Travel + Leisure as one of
1922-557: The South , familiarly known as Sewanee ( / s ə ˈ w ɑː n i / ), is a private Episcopal liberal arts college in Sewanee, Tennessee , United States. It is owned by 28 southern dioceses of the Episcopal Church , and its School of Theology is an official seminary of the church. The campus (officially called "The Domain" or, affectionately, "The Mountain") consists of 13,000 acres (53 km ) of scenic mountain property atop
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1984-555: The Tennessee Williams Center, a performance venue and teaching facility, and create the Tennessee Williams teaching fellowships, which bring well-known figures in the arts to the campus. " Ecce quam bonum et quam iucundum habitare fratres in unum " , the university's motto, is taken from the opening of Psalm 133: "Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." Since Fall 2008,
2046-464: The access to railroads one could reach any point in the South from Sewanee within thirty-six to forty-eight hours. On July 4, 1857, delegates from ten Southern dioceses of the Episcopal Church in the United States— Alabama , Arkansas , Florida , Georgia , Louisiana , Mississippi , North Carolina , South Carolina , Tennessee , and Texas —were led up Monteagle Mountain by Polk for
2108-434: The better, the consultants said." As of February 2016, the university has reverted to using the University of the South as its official name on all correspondence. In the wake of several women coming forward with allegations of sexual harassment against television personality Charlie Rose , many educational institutions revoked honorary degrees bestowed on him. Sewanee's board of regents initially declined to do so, citing
2170-399: The change was intended to "distance" the university from its historic association with Southern culture. "Some alumni were also angered by a report commissioned by the university last year [2004] by a marketing firm from Chicago that said that the word 'South' often had negative connotations for students around the country; the weaker the connection between the South and the university's name,
2232-444: The cottages on the grounds. MSSA, located six miles from Sewanee, The University of the South , has been a haven for many writers and artists, including Andrew Lytle and John Gaddis. Only members of MSSA may purchase homes and mortgages are not allowed. Many other people rent out their cottages to people during the summer, and some only stay for a few days at a nearby bed and breakfast . Monteagle, Tennessee Monteagle
2294-556: The damage and disruptions during the Civil War , construction came to a temporary halt. Polk died in action during the Atlanta campaign . He is remembered through his portrait Sword Over the Gown , painted by Eliphalet F. Andrews in 1900. After the original was vandalized in 1998, a copy by Connie Erickson was unveiled on June 1, 2003. In 1866, building was resumed, and this date is sometimes used as
2356-577: The exclusivity of the title "order of the gownsmen"), may wear academic gowns to teach or attend class—one of the last vestiges of this historically English practice in North America. Furthermore, the Order is charged with the maintenance of this and other traditions of the university. The university saw the installation of its first fraternity in 1877 with the founding of the Tennessee Omega chapter of Alpha Tau Omega . In 1880, that chapter became
2418-436: The first of any fraternity in the South to have its own chapter house or lodge, which belonged to the fraternity until its closure in 2021. As of 2022, slightly over half of Sewanee male students are members of fraternities, and slightly over two-thirds of female students belong to sororities. The university mace , an unsolicited gift dedicated to early Ku Klux Klan leader Nathan Bedford Forrest , which prominently featured
2480-549: The founding of their denominational college for the region. The goal was to create a Southern university free of Northern influences. As Otey put it: the new university will "materially aid the South to resist and repel a fanatical domination which seeks to rule over us." The majority of the land for the university was donated by the Sewanee Mining Company on the condition that a university "be put in operation within ten years". The company's early profits were derived from
2542-536: The greatest historic teams of all time, where the 1899 Iron Men beat the 1961 Alabama Crimson Tide as the greatest team of all time. Sewanee was also a charter member of the Southeastern Conference upon its formation in 1932. By this time, however, its athletic program had declined precipitously and Sewanee never won a conference football game in the eight years it was an SEC member. The Tigers were shut out 26 times in their 37 SEC games, and were outscored by
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2604-671: The grounds are maintained as parkland. The 8-week period from early June to August, referred to as the Season, is when the MSSA hosts its annual summer program. This includes a number of social, spiritual and cultural activities for all ages, as well as guest speakers, entertainers and ministers. Often known as the cornerstone of the Assembly program, the number of spiritual activities appeal to Christians of all denominations, and community activities and prayer also help visitors and members get to know each other. The MSSA offers Sunday school and Sunday church, evening prayer [called Twilight Prayers], and
2666-526: The grounds attracted many students and teachers, as most southern schools didn't offer summer programs. The thousands of yearly visitors soon encouraged the Assembly to begin building projects which led to the creation of many cottages, public meeting halls and boarding rooms. In the 20th century, the MSSA, as well as a number of the other Assemblies modeled after Chautauqua, formed the International Chautauqua Alliance. This coalition brought
2728-559: The institution under as many as four different entries—beginning with "The", "University", "South", or "Sewanee". To avoid confusion and to honor the history and character of the institution, a consistent reference to the name of the institution is critical. So, for extended audiences unfamiliar with the institution, the naming convention "Sewanee: The University of the South" should be used on a first reference. Subsequent references may be to "Sewanee" or "the University". A minor scandal ensued, with more conservative commentators insinuating that
2790-483: The labor of mainly African-American convict leasing . John Armfield , co-founder of Franklin & Armfield , "the largest slave trading firm" in the United States, was the largest single donor involved in the founding of the university. The six-ton marble cornerstone, laid on October 10, 1860, and consecrated by Polk, was blown up in 1863 by Union soldiers; many of the pieces were collected and kept as keepsakes by
2852-539: The most beautiful college campuses in the United States. The Sewanee Review , founded in 1892, is the oldest continuously published literary magazine in the United States, and has published many distinguished authors. Its success helped launch the Sewanee Writers' Conference , held each summer. The School of Letters, offering an M.A. in English and M.F.A. in Creative Writing, was established in 2006. The current editor
2914-489: The northwest corner of Marion County at 35°14′24″N 85°50′4″W / 35.24000°N 85.83444°W / 35.24000; -85.83444 (35.239941, -85.834372). The Marion-Grundy county line runs east-to-west through the center of town. The town limits extend west into Franklin County as well. The town straddles a narrow stretch of the Cumberland Plateau known colloquially as "Monteagle Mountain". This stretch of
2976-512: The official policies of the university with respect to its public image following the name change, stated in part: First, it must be understood that the official and legal name of this institution is "The University of the South". In the past, though, unorganized use of this official name and the university's familiar name, Sewanee, has been confusing to those unfamiliar with the institution. In addition, college guides and Web sites that have become so crucial in young people's college searches may list
3038-404: The plateau is approximately 2 miles (3 km) wide, with steep drop-offs to the northwest and southeast. Monteagle lies at an elevation of just under 2,000 feet (610 m) above sea level. By comparison, two nearby cities, Cowan (to the northwest) and South Pittsburg (to the southeast), lie at elevations of less than 1,000 feet (300 m) above sea level. Interstate 24 passes through
3100-432: The re-founding of the university and the year from which it has maintained continuous operations, though official materials and anniversary celebrations still use 1857. The university's first convocation was held on September 18, 1868, with nine students and four faculty members present. Presiding was Charles Todd Quintard , vice-chancellor (chief academic officer) of the university, second Bishop of Tennessee and "Chaplain of
3162-503: The school's early pastors. In 1882, the Chautauqua -inspired Monteagle Sunday School Assembly was established to train Sunday school teachers. The name of Moffat Station was later changed to "Mount Eagle", and afterwards to "Mounteagle". The spelling had been changed to "Monteagle" by the time the town incorporated in 1962. Monteagle is located in the southwest corner of Grundy County and
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#17328633564213224-491: The soldiers. A few were donated back to the university, and a large fragment was eventually installed in a wall of All Saints' Chapel. Several figures later prominent in the Confederacy , notably Polk, Bishop Stephen Elliott, Jr. , and Bishop James Hervey Otey , were founders of the university. Generals Edmund Kirby Smith , Josiah Gorgas , and Francis A. Shoup were prominent in the university's postbellum revival. Because of
3286-514: The southern Cumberland Plateau which is a major landmark on the road between Chattanooga and Nashville . The interstate regularly shuts down in inclement weather, routing traffic onto U.S. Route 41 . In the Jerry Reed song "The Legend", which is the opening track in the film Smokey and the Bandit , Reed tells the story of the Bandit miraculously surviving brake failure on the "Monteagle Grade". There
3348-519: The time, a number of states had these congresses, often called Assemblies, all of them modelled after the Chautauqua Institution in New York, which is regarded as the first of these Assemblies. They were meant not only as a place for religious activities, such as retreats , but also as places for higher learning at a time when there were few colleges and institutes available to people. The goal of
3410-579: The town just south and west of the town center, with access from Exits 134 and 135. I-24 leads northwest 88 miles (142 km) to Nashville and southeast 46 miles (74 km) to Chattanooga . U.S. Route 41 is Main Street through the town, leading east 6 miles (10 km) to Tracy City and northwest 24 miles (39 km) to Manchester . U.S. Route 41A branches off from US 41 in Monteagle and leads southwest 5.5 miles (8.9 km) to Sewanee . Winchester
3472-541: The town was 96.45% White , 1.37% African American , 0.32% Native American , 0.73% Asian , 0.08% from other races , and 1.05% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.48% of the population. There were 477 households, out of which 26.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.3% were married couples living together, 15.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.7% were non-families. 28.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.9% had someone living alone who
3534-469: The university has held an annual Sustainability Week, which featured speakers, feasts of local foods, and environmentally themed documentaries. The campus is also home to an environmental sustainability house, The Green House, and residence halls have environmental sustainability representatives. In 2007, the university became a signatory to the President's Climate Commitment. As of 2011, the university received
3596-649: The year. Assembly members represent 23 different states and the District of Columbia. Many belong to fifth-generation families who return each summer to pursue spiritual and intellectual enlightenment, to strengthen family ties, and to engage in Christian fellowship and mission. The MSSA was founded in 1882 by the Sunday School Convention of Tennessee, which sought to establish a "Sunday School Congress" in Tennessee. At
3658-449: Was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.85. In the town, the population was spread out, with 19.5% under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 23.0% from 25 to 44, 24.2% from 45 to 64, and 25.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.6 males. The median income for
3720-509: Was nearly 30 years before interest returned to the MSSA, leading to the restoration and refurbishing of many cottages, as well as the introduction of new programs and guest speakers. This reawakening of interest peaked in the 1980s, when the MSSA held its Centennial Celebration and was added to the National Register of Historic Places . The MSSA is one of only 9 surviving Assemblies in the United States, and still receives thousands of visitors
3782-564: Was one of hundreds of similar Assemblies patterned after the Chautauqua Institution in New York in the late 19th century, of which only nine or ten remain active. In 1982, Monteagle Sunday School Assembly celebrated its 100th year of continuous operation and its grounds were placed on the National Register of Historic Places as a historic district . The MSSA conducts a variety of spiritual, educational, cultural, and health development activities for all ages during an eight-week season each summer and through retreats and other activities throughout
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#17328633564213844-499: Was originally known as "Moffat Station" after John Moffat, a Scottish-Canadian temperance activist who purchased over 1,000 acres (4.0 km ) of land in the area in 1870. In 1872, Moffat donated 50 acres (20 ha) of land to Fairmount College , a women's college that had decided to relocate to the area from Jackson, Mississippi . The grounds of the school are now home to the DuBose Conference Center , named for one of
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