Furman University, a cornerstone of Greenville, has a rich history that reflects the city’s values of faith, education, and community. Founded in 1826 as the Furman Academy and Theological Institution, the university was created by the South Carolina Baptist Convention to train ministers and promote Baptist education.

Early Years

The university moved to Greenville in 1851, where it stood on the bluff above the Reedy River until 1955. During this time, Furman gave Greenville intellectual standing and ties to a statewide Baptist network. Education was not separate from faith, but rather a way to form character, leadership, and moral order.

However, Furman also emerged within the context of the slaveholding South. By 1860, nearly 35 percent of Greenville County’s population was enslaved. The university’s name carries this complexity, as Richard Furman, one of the South’s most influential Baptist ministers, mounted a scriptural defense of slavery in 1822.

Modern Era

Today, Furman University is a different institution, one that is willing to examine its ties to slavery and confront its painful past. The university’s 2018 ‘Seeking Abraham’ report shows a commitment to understanding its inheritance and preserving what is worthy.

Furman’s history is documented in Courtney Tollison Hartness’ ‘Furman University, 1826-2026: A Bicentennial History’. The university’s story is a testament to the power of faith, education, and community in shaping the city of Greenville.

Original reporting: Greenville Journal — read the source article.