A Holy War: The Split Between the Methodist Church and Vanderbilt University

During this decade Vanderbilt University underwent one of its most arduous controversies in its history. The university was founded and perpetuated by bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Prior to the split, the board was dominated by the Methodist bishops, who often thwarted Kirkland’s efforts to seek Northern philanthropy. The battle for Vanderbilt’s independence was long and hard fought, with the primary disputants being Chancellor Kirkland on the side of the University and Bishop Hoss on the side of the Church. Finally, in 1914, the Board of Trust completely severed itself from the Church. As a result, Vanderbilt was able to expand its borders physically, academically, and financially.