St. John's College (Kansas)
St. John's College was a two-year college located in Winfield, Kansas, and was operated by the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. The school began operation in 1893 under the English Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri and Other States[1] and ceased operation in 1986, after over 9,000 students had been through its programs.[2]
 Baden Hall, the original building of St. John's Lutheran College | |
| Active | 1893–1986 |
|---|---|
Religious affiliation | English Synod (1893-1908) LCMS (1908-1986) |
| Location | , , United States 37°14′35.2″N 96°58′50.9″W |
The college facilities now make up what is called "Baden Square", named to honor the college founder John Peter Baden.[3] The City of Winfield uses the facilities for civic functions and municipal activities.[4][5] Mundinger Hall, Rehwinkel Hall, and Baden Hall[6] are each individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Redevelopment of the campus
Since 1988, when the City of Winfield purchased the campus and renamed it Baden Square, efforts have been made to utilize each of the buildings.[7]
The Community Center is occupied by the Winfield Arts & Humanities Council, offering classes and workshops, with a gallery of year-round exhibitions. The office of Cowley County Council on Aging is also located in the Community Center.
The Winfield Recreation Commission moved to Baden Square in 1989 and their offices are located at Thornton Gym.
The Winfield Public Library moved to its present location at Baden Square in 1990.
Timothy Hall is owned by TFI Family Services, Inc. TFI is a statewide not-for-profit agency that provides child welfare and behavioral services to meet the needs of the families and children of Kansas.
Cowley County Community College purchased Stevenson Hall in 1997, using it as its Winfield Outreach Facility.
Meyer Hall renovations were completed by the City of Winfield in January 2000. Each of the 3 floors were gutted. New common areas, elevator, accessible entrances, and restrooms were built. Creative Community Living serves as the anchor tenant, leasing nearly 10,000 square feet for office and activity rooms. Winfield Community Theater held its first production in the newly restored auditorium in June 2003.
Rehwinkel Hall was purchased by MetroPlains Development in 1993 and rehabilitated. It was opened February 1994 as a 36-unit Senior/Low Income Assisted Housing facility.
MetroPlains Development also purchased Mundinger Hall, Mundinger Hall #2, and the adjoining parking lot. Thirty-six general occupancy apartments were completed. In conjunction with the renovation, the City built a new 47 space parking lot on the former faculty housing site of the campus along 7th Avenue.
MetroPlains Development expanded its presence on Baden Square again in 2011 by purchasing Baden Hall. Renovations included a new accessible entrance, elevator, along with 24 newly constructed 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments. The city constructed a 57 space parking lot south of Baden Hall to serve tenants and the public.
Presidents
St. John's had five presidents during its existence.[6]
- Henry Sieck (1893–1895)
- A. W. Meyer (1895–1928)
- Alfred A. Rehwinkle (1928–1936)
- Carl S. Mundinger (1938–1958)
- Reuben C. Beisel (1959– )
References
- Skyways Archives: St. John's College Archived 2008-06-16 at the Wayback Machine
- St. John's Alumni Association Archived 2011-07-28 at the Wayback Machine
- "As Published - Summer 1976 - Kansas Historical Society". Kansas State Historical Society. Retrieved June 29, 2019.
- "Baden Square Tour - Winfield, Kansas". www.lasr.net. Retrieved June 29, 2019.
- "Baden Square". City of Winfield, Kansas. Retrieved November 22, 2012.
- Clayton B. Fraser (August 31, 2010). "National Register of Historic Places Registration: St. John's Lutheran College - Baden Hall / Kansas State Survey No. 035-5970-00003" (PDF). National Park Service. Retrieved January 4, 2018. With 15 photos from 2010.
- "Baden Square". City of Winfield, Kansas. Retrieved June 29, 2019.