The idea of Temple University originated with Reverend Russell Conwell when a young man in his congregation wanted to study for the ministry but could not afford to take time away from his job. Conwell offered to tutor him in the evening and soon had a class of seven students in similar circumstances. By 1887, Conwell had convinced the members of the congregation and others in the community to start "…an Educational Institution intended primarily for the benefit of Working Men; and for young men and women desirous of attending the same." Although this institution shared the name of the (Baptist) Temple church, it was administered separately and was non-sectarian.

This Web site will present the history of Temple University with items from the Conwellana-Templana Collection (the University Archives).

The Charter
The orginal founding charter (1888).

Charter Amendment
The first amendment to the charter (1891).

Acres of Diamonds
Hear Conwell's own voice deliver this seminal speech!

The Riedel Typescript
The Riedel account begins with a class in 1887.

Trustee Minutes
(1887 - 1889)

First Course Catalog
(1888 - 1889)

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