Students lead the closing procession during a worship service celebrating Randolph-Macon College's 175th anniversary. (A UMNS photo courtesy of Randolph-Macon College)

Ashland, Va.—Nearly two centuries ago, Randolph-Macon College was born from a need the United Methodist Church had for educated ministers to spread their new faith in the new republic.

Today, in its 175th year, the church-related college continues to answer that need, as well as celebrate its Methodist roots and longstanding commitment to a liberal arts and sciences education. 

Randolph-Macon College, the oldest Methodist school in the United States, marked its milestone during a Feb. 26 celebratory worship service at Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church, on the campus. Nearly 50 of the college’s alumni who pursued careers in the ministry participated. 

“The college needed an event such as this,” said Ira Andrews, a religious studies professor and 1959 Randolph-Macon graduate. “The clergy alumni were thrilled that the event took place and to be asked back to the alma mater to participate.  It sent a powerful message to all that Randolph-Macon College is a church-related college and the United Methodist Church is a college-related church.”