Simeon Colton

Rev. Simeon Colton was selected MC president following splits in the Presbyterian church across Mississippi. The Fayetteville, North Carolina minister was inaugurated July 30, 1846. His inauguration speech dwelled on the purpose and process of education. He emphasized adequate time for learning, hard work, personal discipline and a solid foundation of moral and religious principles. Blaming church conflicts and the lack of financial support, Colton resigned in late July 1848 and returned to accept a position in North Carolina.