Reflections Marker Honors Butler College

TYLER — The City of Tyler hosted a ceremony Tuesday to unveil a marker in the Reflections Program honoring Butler College. The event was held at the D.C. Brown Heritage Building, 1900 Bellwood Rd., on the old Butler College campus.

In accordance with the Tyler 21 North End Action Plan, in 2009 the City of Tyler launched a three-year program to promote Tyler Historic Landmarks status and the installation of historic markers and plaques at North End locations important to City history, including the history of the African-American community. The Reflections Program encourages citizens or interested organizations to submit nominations for the designation in the North End as Tyler Historic Landmarks, Tyler Historic Subject Markers or Half Mile of History stones.

Reverend Cornelius M. Butler, born in Alabama before the turn of the century, was freed from slavery at the age of 17. He was later taught to read and write by his wife. His strong desire to learn drove him to create educational opportunities for many other blacks. In 1905, Reverend Butler led the East Baptist Association to establish an institution of learning called the East Texas Baptist Academy, where he served as the first principal. In 1924, the Academy was renamed Butler College in honor of Reverend Butler. It achieved accreditation in 1949. In 1971, Butler College closed its doors after sparking success for many of its students throughout the nation.

In 1992, The East Texas District Baptist Association, under the leadership of Reverend D. C. Brown, serving as Moderator, erected the Heritage Building. City materials say that was done so that the legacy of Butler College could continue by providing the opportunity for Christian education and the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ without regard to race, creed, color or national origin.