Messiah College

Messiah College is a nationally ranked, private Christian college with a student body of 3,375 undergraduate and graduate students. Our scenic 471-acre suburban campus is located in central Pennsylvania, just 12 miles from the state capital of Harrisburg. The College was founded in 1909 by the Brethren in Christ Church. Today, the College’s faith base is broadly evangelical and includes students and employees from a variety of denominations and Christian faith traditions.

Messiah College received its charter in 1909. Founded by the Brethren in Christ Church, its orientation to Christian service is reflected in its first name—Messiah Bible School and Missionary Training Home. Originally located in Harrisburg, the school was moved to Grantham in 1911 following the construction of Old Main. This building is on land donated by the College’s first president, Samuel Rogers Smith, whose house and various business interests were in the village of Grantham.

Growth in the student body and in facilities accompanied the growth in the academic program. Contributing to the increase in numbers of students was the College’s policy, declared in its earliest official statements, of welcoming non-Brethren in Christ people as members of the student body. From a first-year total of 12 students, the student body has grown to nearly 2,800 undergraduate students, representing more than 60 denominations. Facilities have also increased from one building—Old Main—to a campus of 471 acres, offering students a breadth of well equipped, high-quality academic, cocurricular, and residential facilities.