"New Windsor College and Windsor Ladies' College, New Windsor, Carroll Co., Md. We give above a faithful view of the buildings of New Windsor College and the grounds environing. The site is exactly forty-one miles from the city of Baltimore, directly on the line of the Western Maryland Railroad, and within a couple of hours ride. The locality was formerly known as the "Sulphur Springs," and noted for its healthy atmosphere and the beauty of its surroundings. It has ever been a popular resort on account of the medicinal qualities of its mineral waters, and the region aptly termed the "garden of Maryland," is watered by the lovely Monocacy and its tributaries. In this very desirable and delightful location is situated the New Windsor College, which was established and chartered in 1843 by the Presbyterians. In 1852 it was reorganized by Prof. Andrew H. Baker and other Roman Catholics, and though now under the auspices and influence of the Presbyterian Church, is in no sense denominational. It receives pupils from all sects, for whom it affords Preparatory and Collegiate Departments to students of both sexes. The buildings are ample and commodious, and have an accommodating capacity for from 150 to 200 boarders. The Colleges are two separate Institutions located adjacent to each other under the same general management. Parents and guardians are thus enabled to educate sons, daughters and wards of both sexes, without any separation, save what the necessities of the case require. Where too, their minds, manners and morals are cultivated with all the care of high class educational Institutions, mingled with the social and elevating influences of a genial and refined home. Though conducted under the general auspices of the Presbyterian Church, the college is not under church control, the tenor of its religious influence being safe and healthful, but entirely free from bigoted bias. While students are required to attend religious worship, either at the college chapel, or elsewhere, no denominational preference is ever permitted to be disturbed. Students enjoy the advantage of a large and well selected library, and also of the "William Andrews" Cabinet of Geology, which contains over 20,000 specimens. Every care is taken to perfect the Boarding Department, so that the tables are abundantly supplied with suitable and wholesome food, while the arrangements for bathing, exercise, and a general supervision of health, are wise and complete. The Faculty is composed of graduates of Yale, Princeton, Wooster University, the University of Maryland, and Washington and Jefferson College, as well as from the best female schools. During the absence of students in vacation, the College is much patronized as a charming summer resort, and is usually filled to its utmost capacity with boarders. Tourists find New Windsor a charming place to spend the heated term, and the College offers them all the comforts of a home, with the freedom and luxury of a good hotel. The Rev. A. M. Jelly, D. D., the President of New Windsor College, is eminently qualified for the position. Within the past decade he has accomplished all that could have possibly been expected of any one man. He has already gathered to the College a number of young men who are now under training for the ministry, the law, medicine and business; and also many young ladies for the profession of teacher and other useful positions. He has also secured a fund for the assistance of those deserving and who need aid. He has many testimonials, in which any educator might feel a just pride, but we have space for only a few. The late venerable and distinguished Rev. Wm. S. Plumer, D. D., LL. D, wrote: "I know Mr. Jelly and believe that his piety, prudence, scholarship and well established principles are a guarantee that he will be a successful teacher of youth." Dr. Jelly now, had then just graduated at the Theological Seminary. The late Hon. Thos. Cunningham, of Pennsylvania, Judge of the Supreme Court, gave the following: "I have been intimately acquainted with the Rev. A. M. Jelly from the days of his boyhood, and can and do bear testimony to his uniformly correct and exemplary moral department. Contending with difficulties of no ordinary kind, he has by indomitable and unswerving energy and perseverance, overcome every obstacle in his pathway, and risen to an eminent and useful position. He has acquired a liberal education and proved himself a popular and successful teacher." The graduates of these colleges are taking high positions in Business and Professional life. A recent graduate, John A. Buffington, graduated again at the Jefferson Medical college, Philadelphia, last spring at the head of a class of 215, representing all the leading colleges of the United States, and three weeks ago, was appointed to take charge in Jefferson Hospital, Philadelphia. The fall term opened on the 10th inst., with the largest number on the rolls the college has ever had. Students can enter at any time and are charged from the day of entrance. Catalogues and the fullest particulars will be given on application to the President, at New Windsor, Carroll county, Md."

Prof. Jelly operated the college successfully until failing health compelled him to resign in 1894; he died the following year. Mrs. Jelly sold the college to the New Windsor College Co., who in turn, sold it to Dr. and Mrs. James Fraser in 1901. The Frasers sold the property to the Church of the Brethren in 1913 for their Blue Ridge College, once located in nearby Union Bridge. Although reorganized in 1937 from a junior college to a four-year college, the school closed in 1944. Since then the facility has served as the World Service Center of the Brethren Church.

Photo caption:

This woodcut illustration of New Windsor College accompanied a lengthy 1885 newspaper article that described the history of institution. Historical Society of Carroll county, J. Leland Jordan Collection.

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