History

In March of 1917, the first campus started its construction process. Located at 1635 Sherburne Avenue in St. Paul, it was ready in time for the school’s second year. Complete with offices, a chapel, dining room, dormitories, and more, the first campus became a spiritual and study haven for students for almost two decades.

Also in 1917, the founder of the Christian and Missionary Alliance, Dr. A.B. Simpson visited the new campus. In a missionary meeting on campus, Dr. Simpson spoke about the history of the Alliance and the importance of having a spiritually strong center. Nearly 100 years later, Crown College continues to be a Christ-centered school with strong ties to the Alliance.

One of the biggest changes in the thirties for the school was a campus move. The first campus, built in 1917 on Sherburne Avenue, was not going to be able to meet the needs of the growing student body much longer. A Lutheran Seminary building on Englewood Avenue was purchased and a move was made in the summer of 1935. The large, red, brick building was located on spacious grounds and eventually became known as “Old Main.”  This new campus – with its chapel, dormitories, classrooms, and room to build – suited the needs of the school for decades.

The simple name of the school, “Alliance Training Home,” was changed in 1922 to the “St. Paul Training School of the Christian Missionary Alliance.” Enrollment fluctuated, influenced by everything from the stock market crash to late harvests. Tuition was $12 a semester and room and board was $6 a week. In 1936 we became “Saint Paul Bible Institute” to better reflect our mission.

In 1943, Dr. G.D. Strohm became the fifth president of the college. He served for sixteen years – the longest term out of all the presidents to date. The motto used by the school during this time, “Vision, Training, Service,” was created by Dr. Strohm.

Also in 1943, it was decided to form a distinct group, the Board of Trustees, to govern the institution instead of the Christian Missionary Alliance. Louis King (later to be a president of the C&MA) and A.W. Tozer were just a couple of members who served on the board during this time.

The 1950s brought organized sports for both men and women.  Men’s basketball started in 1956 and women’s basketball started in 1958. The women’s teams competed with other colleges long before Title IX programs mandated it.

The mascot Crusaders, to indicate crusading for Christ, was chosen at student initiative. The symbolism was that of bearing the cross for and of Christ in every area of life.

After the Arden Hills Project lost momentum, other alternatives were explored. One of them was a Jesuit College for sale in the town of St. Bonifacius, a suburb of the Twin Cities. The main building had only been built ten years before and held 175,000 square feet of room within its cross shape.

In September 1969, papers were signed to purchase the 173-acre campus for $3.1 million on an 8% contract for deed. The faculty showed their faith in the move by immediately purchasing houses in St. Bonifacius, Minnesota.

It was indeed a “Miracle Campus” amazingly suited to the needs of St. Paul Bible College. The facilities already in place and the room to expand would serve the needs of the students for decades to come!

Because the College had grown so much in the years since the move to St. Bonifacius, additional dormitory facilities were needed. In 1974, a unit to the west on “the Hill,” later named Hardwick Hall, was constructed to serve as housing for single men. In 1976, Strohm Hall, a women’s dorm located on the east side of the campus, was erected to house over 90 women. The following year, its twin, Richardson Hall, was constructed next door.

A friend of the College donated property and a home on Tabor Lake in northern Wisconsin in 1977. This site was used by the College for small retreats and family gatherings.

The athletics program continued to be an important aspect of college life. The official start of the football program in 1984 provided an exciting element to college life.

A new stadium to seat 500 fans was constructed and gave the football team, called the Crusaders, a place to compete.

Since moving the campus to St. Bonifacius, there had been confusion over the school being called St. Paul Bible College. There were also questions over whether “Bible College” accurately represented the broadened course offerings. A committee was selected to look at the problem and come up with possible alternatives. President Lanpher, inspired by spiritual and heavenly crowns, suggested Crown College.

So, in 1992, the name of the school was changed to Crown College!

The old gym at Crown College was not suiting the needs of the students anymore. Seating was inadequate for fans, and the athletes themselves were short on space.

So in response, a brand new gym facility was constructed in 2000. Called the Wild Athletic Center, the new facility has two side-by-side basketball courts, retractable bleachers seating 750, and a suspended running track.

In 2006, the library underwent extensive renovations to accommodate the need for more space and necessary updating. Previously only occupying the North Wing, the library expanded into the West Wing and doubled its square footage. New shelves and carpet were installed, as well as a computer lab and study rooms.

The library is one of the most popular places on campus. Comfortable couches abound, rows of computers are ready for use, collaborative study rooms are quiet, a long list of technology is available for checkout, the staff is always eager to help, and there’s a stunning view of the pond.

Crown College and KleinBank announced the latest achievement of their nearly 30-year relationship – KleinBank Stadium. The new complex, which opened September 6-7, 2013, was made possible because of KleinBank’s sizable donation. The $2.4 million project has seating on both sides and holds more than 1,300 fans. In addition, the field features state-of-the-art synthetic turf, lights for evening games, and a press box with full audio and video streaming capabilities.

Crown College is home to some of the best athletic facilities in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference. Our 215-acre campus is home to Old National Bank Stadium, an all-turf outdoor facility that is home to Crown’s football and soccer teams. The newest of Crown’s athletic facilities, Old National Bank Stadium opened in the fall of 2013 (under the original name “KleinBank Stadium”) with an over-capacity crowd of 1,421 people in attendance for the inaugural football game under the lights to celebrate the beginning of the 2013 Crown Football season. With home and visitor seating, 360-degree lighting, and a state-of-the-art press box, Old National Bank Stadium is perfect for hosting team practices, summer tournaments, or big-time high school football and soccer games.

Spring of 2020, during the worldwide pandemic, Crown announced their new mascot to the graduating seniors: Storm, the Polar Bear. Crown College’s mascot has been Storm since 2002, but the selection committee has been working toward choosing a new icon for several years. The new identity leans into our winter wonderland and provides athletics with a fresh new look.

With the turn of a new decade comes a new mascot to represent the pride of the Crownies. The Crown College Storm will return to the fields and courts this fall — this time with Storm the Polar Bear leading the fans in spirit and exclamation.

Crown is made up of a fantastic community. He has blessed us with a beautiful campus, an expansive online program, and learning centers all over the United States.

We are incredibly thankful for what God has done through Crown College the last 100+ years and look forward to the next season.